[5] A stark and experimental departure from the relatively straightforward folk-rock style of their debut, Hallowed Ground was considerably divisive amongst fans and critics,[6][7] with many at the time incorrectly thinking Gano's sincere Christian lyrics were ironic.

[12] AllMusic, in a 4.5 out of 5 star review, described the album as a "hellfire-and-brimstone-beaten exorcism that both enraged and enthralled critics and fans alike".

[13] Robert Christgau gave the album a negative review, stating "everything you might hum along with on the sequel was invented generations ago by better men than he", as well as criticizing the song "Black Girls" for perceived racism and homophobia.

[16] Robert Palmer described the album as having "a subterranean mother lode of apocalyptic religion, murder, and madness that has lurked just under the surface of hillbilly music and blues since the 19th century".

[18] RAM agreed it was, "the dark side of country and hillbilly blues, at the same time skidding off on tangents that take in everything from neo-psychedelic to Beefheart to jazz" but also described the album as "remarkably cogent".

[20] The Phoenix New Times, in a 30th anniversary look-back, called the album the band's "finest musical effort" and praised Gano's lyrics as his "definitive moment as a lyricist.