Soundtrack to the Apocalypse
| Soundtrack to the Apocalypse | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Box set by Slayer | ||||
| Released | November 25, 2003 | |||
| Recorded | March 1983 – July 2003 | |||
| Genre | Thrash metal | |||
| Length | 3:39:13 (Discs 1–3), 72:38 (Disc 5: Bloodpack CD) | |||
| Label | American | |||
| Producer | Matt Hyde, Dino Paredes, Rick Rubin, Dave Sardy, Andy Wallace, Toby Wright | |||
| Slayer chronology | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| 411mania.com | (8.5/10) |
| AllMusic |   |
| Mojo | |
| PopMatters | (favorable) |
| Q | |
| The Rolling Stone Album Guide | |
Soundtrack to the Apocalypse is a box set by the American thrash metal band Slayer. Released November 25, 2003 through American Recordings, the four–disc CD and DVD set features music from previous albums, unreleased material, and live film. A deluxe edition version (which has the alias "ammo box") was released and featured everything from the standard edition, with the addition of 14 live tracks. The box set's name originated from an alternative title for 2001's God Hates Us All. After discussing among themselves the idea of the box set, the band informed their record company, who initially disliked but later approved the idea.
Many dates were stated by band members as to when it would be released. The official release date was not announced until late October 2003. The box set has been released into the public domain five times between late 2003 to early 2007. There were several producers and film directors that were involved with the box set. The set received positive reviews from critics, but was not well received by fans, with the set debuting on no notable charts.
Around the time Slayer thought of the album title for 2001's God Hates Us All, Soundtrack to the Apocalypse was considered an alternative name. Vocalist Tom Araya then suggested that if they ever opted to issue a box set, Soundtrack to the Apocalypse would be the most appropriate title. This inspired discussion regarding a possible box set release, which continued for several months. The group decided that once the label agreed to a release, they would be given a little more time to compile the material. Slayer approached the record company regarding a box set release, and discussions lasted roughly a year, since the band had to negotiate with the record company concerning plans they had with the box set which were not in their contract. In September 2003, the record company granted permission to issue the box set and wanted an immediate release for the holiday season.
Slayer submitted a range of material for the record company to choose from, instructing them to return a track list of what they felt to be the best items. Following this, Slayer looked at the returned material; if the recorded track was a “good” performance but the band "didn’t care for the song", they asked the record company to select another track.
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