Jeff Hanneman recorded the demo for “Raining Blood” and presented it to the band at rehearsal. Dave Lombardo, Slayer’s former drummer, recalls their initial reaction. “We thought it was a little odd at first.
It was like, ‘What? You just want it to start this way?’ I don’t know where the idea for the rain came in, but the song was practically done, and it was on cassette. Once the riff kicked in, it blew us away.”
Lombardo also reflected on his drumming approach in the song.
He was influenced by drummers from bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest at the time. “Learning those songs helped me contribute drums to our music. When we recorded ‘Reign In Blood,’ the album’s producer really helped me apply my creativity in special ways that impacted the song.”
He explained how the producer guided him to keep space open during the verse and add creative drum rolls to lead into the next section.
This made the drumming part of the song rather than just a showcase of skill. Lombardo highlighted how extensive touring contributed to their musicianship as well. “The amount of touring we were doing helped us develop our chops, stamina, and allowed us to understand the power of rhythms when performed live.
We tried to record those rhythms as authentically as possible.
Lombardo’s creative drumming approach
Touring helped us develop not only our sound but our style.”
“Reign In Blood” was released on October 7, 1986, through Def Jam Recordings.
It was Slayer’s first collaboration with producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped evolve the band’s sound. The album is described as “the heaviest album of all time” and a breakthrough in thrash and speed metal. The album’s release was delayed due to concerns over its graphic artwork and lyrical content, particularly the song “Angel Of Death,” which references Josef Mengele and acts of human experimentation at Auschwitz.
The band has clarified that they do not condone Nazism and are merely interested in historical subjects. “Reign In Blood” was Slayer’s first album to enter The Billboard 200 chart, peaking at No. 94.
It was certified gold by the RIAA on November 20, 1992, for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. Guitarist Kerry King noted in a 2009 interview that the album captured the band’s pure ferocity. Lombardo described the album as “a masterpiece” that will stand the test of time.
He praised its energy and fire, stating that it is one of the greatest metal records ever made. Despite the success, Lombardo was fired from Slayer after a contract dispute in 2013 and replaced by Paul Bostaph. Lombardo later revealed that a large portion of the band’s tour income was being deducted as expenses, leaving the band with a significantly reduced share.
“Reign In Blood” remains a landmark in heavy metal history and continues to be celebrated for its impact and ferocity.
