Slayer was riding high off the backs of “Reign in Blood” and now had to top the album, elevating them to the mainstream. But rather than being faster and heavier, they evolved, developing their sonic repertoire like an arms race. Songs were slower, a bit less distorted but still heavy and aggressive. But due to the change in directions, fans and critics were somewhat unsure of the album. It’s been regarded as a grower showing a shift from straight thrash to an almost proto-death metal.
The harbingers of satan, doom calling the end of all before the might of hell itself, Slayer built an empire in thrash metal only to be equal to Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. The California band was able to make cross-appeal among punk and hip-hop fans as well as get metal heads into the aforementioned genres with their covers and style. Their influence also helped create extreme metal genres like death, black and grind. Beyond all of that, they’ve risen to the mainstream with the constant controversy stirred by their “Don’t give a f*ck” attitude.