Misplaced Pages

Reign in Blood: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 23:20, 25 March 2015 editMasterclopedia2015 (talk | contribs)82 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit Latest revision as of 03:39, 12 December 2024 edit undoRay1983a (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users11,019 edits released Oct 20 per RIAA and FMQB 
(358 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Featured article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox album <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox album
| Name = Reign in Blood
| name = Reign in Blood
| Type = studio
| type = studio
| Artist = ]
| artist = ]
| Cover = Reign in blood.jpg
| cover = Reign in blood.jpg
| Alt = An image of the album cover featuring a demonic creature being carried on a chair by four people on each side. These people are carrying it over a sea of blood where several heads of corpses are floating. In the top left corner of the album is Slayer's logo while in the bottom right corner is the album title "Reign in Blood".
| alt = An image of the album cover featuring a demonic creature being carried on a chair by two people on each side. These people are carrying it over a sea of blood where several heads of corpses are floating. In the top left corner of the album is Slayer's logo while in the bottom right corner is the album title "Reign in Blood".
| Released = October 7, 1986
| released = October 20, 1986
| Recorded = 1986 in ]
| recorded = January–March 1986
| Genre = ], ]
| studio = Hit City West, Los Angeles, California
| Length = 28:58
| Label = ] | genre = ]
| length = 28:55
| Producer = ], Slayer
| label = {{hlist|]|]}}
| Last album = '']''<br />(1985)
| producer =
| This album = '''''Reign in Blood'''''<br />(1986)
*]
| Next album = '']''<br />(1988)
*Slayer
| prev_title = ]
| prev_year = 1985
| next_title = ]
| next_year = 1988
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Reign in Blood
| type = studio
| single1 = Postmortem
| single1date = 1986
| single2 = Criminally Insane (Remix)
| single2date = 1987
}} }}


}}
'''''Reign in Blood''''' is the third ] and major label debut by American ] band ]. It was released on October 7, 1986 on ].<ref name=Decibel>"Touring Blood", '']'', April 2008, p. 57.</ref> The album was the band's first collaboration with record producer ], whose input helped the band's sound evolve. ''Reign in Blood'' was well received by both critics and fans, and was responsible for bringing Slayer to the attention of a mainstream metal audience. '']'' magazine described the record as "the heaviest album of all". Alongside ]'s '']'', ]'s '']'' and ]'s '']'', ''Reign in Blood'' helped define the sound of the emerging US thrash metal scene in the 1980s, and has remained influential subsequently.


''Reign in Blood''{{'}}s release was delayed because of concerns regarding its graphic artwork and lyrical subject matter. The opening track, "]", which refers to ] and describes acts, such as human experimentation, that Mengele committed at the ], provoked allegations of ].<ref name="Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?">{{cite web |title=Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist? |author=Hess, Mike |publisher=Nighttimes.com |date=23 July 2003 |url=http://www.nighttimes.com/nt_main.asp?aID=388 |accessdate=5 January 2007}}</ref> However, the band stated numerous times that it does not condone Nazism, and are merely interested in the subject.<ref name="Slayer's Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids">{{cite web |title=Slayer's Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids |author=Cummins, Johnson |publisher=MontrealMirror.com |url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html |accessdate=2 December 2006}}</ref> The album was Slayer's first to enter the ]; the release peaked at #94, and was certified Gold on November 20, 1992. '''''Reign in Blood''''' is the third studio album by American ] band ], released on October 20, 1986, by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/FMQB-Album/1986/FMQB-1986-10-10.pdf|title=FMQB|page=46}}</ref><ref name=Decibel>"Touring Blood", '']'', April 2008, p. 57.</ref> The album was the band's first collaboration with producer ], whose input helped the band's sound evolve. The release date of the album was delayed because of concerns regarding the lyrical subject matter of the opening track "]", which refers to ] and describes acts such as human experimentation that he committed at the ].<ref name="Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?">{{cite web |title=Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist? |author=Hess, Mike |publisher=Nighttimes.com |date=July 23, 2003 |url=http://www.nighttimes.com/nt_main.asp?aID=388 |access-date=January 5, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711103745/http://www.nighttimes.com/nt_main.asp?aID=388 |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref> The band's members stated that they did not condone Nazism and were merely interested in the subject.<ref name="Slayer's Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids">{{cite web |title=Slayer's Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids |author=Cummins, Johnson |publisher=MontrealMirror.com |url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html |access-date=December 2, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020831074030/http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html |archive-date=August 31, 2002 }}</ref>


''Reign in Blood'' was well received by both critics and fans, and was responsible for bringing Slayer to the attention of a mainstream metal audience. Today, it is often mentioned among the greatest heavy metal records ever. In their 2017 listing of the 100 Greatest Metal albums of all time, Rolling Stone magazine ranked ''Reign in Blood'' at #6.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-113614/|title=The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time|first1=Christopher R. |last1=Weingarten |first2=Tom |last2=Beaujour |first3=Hank |last3=Shteamer |first4=Kim |last4=Kelly |first5=Steve |last5=Smith |first6=Brittany |last6=Spanos |first7=Suzy |last7=Exposito |first8=Richard |last8=Bienstock |first9=Kory |last9=Grow |first10=Dan |last10=Epstein |first11=J. D. |last11=Considine |first12=Andy |last12=Greene |first13=Rob |last13=Sheffield |first14=Adrien |last14=Begrand |first15=Ian |last15=Christe |magazine=] |date=June 21, 2017}}</ref> Alongside ]'s '']'', ]'s '']'', and ]'s '']'', ''Reign in Blood'' helped define the sound of the emerging US thrash metal scene in the mid-1980s, and has remained influential since. The album was Slayer's first to enter the ], peaking at number 94, and was certified Gold on November 20, 1992. In 2013, '']'' ranked it at number 287 in its list of ].<ref></ref>
==Record label changes==

Following the positive reception Slayer's previous release, '']'', had received, the band's producer and manager ] realized the band were in a position to hit the "big time" with their next album. Slagel negotiated with several record labels, among them Rick Rubin and ]'s Def Jam Recordings. However, Slagel was reluctant to have the band signed to what was at the time primarily a ] label. Slayer drummer ] was made aware of Rubin's interest, and initiated contact with the producer. However, Slayer's remaining members were apprehensive at leaving ], with which they were already under ].<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>
==Background==
Slayer composed the material for ''Reign in Blood'' following their return from a tour of Europe. Guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman wrote much of the album's music on their own, and quickly taught it to drummer Dave Lombardo. The band recorded instrumental demos of the songs (which King described as "just the best 10 songs we had at that point") and took them to ], the band's manager at the time.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mudrian |first1=Albert |title=Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces |date=July 14, 2009 |publisher=Da Capo Press |page=49 }}</ref>

Following the positive reception Slayer's previous release '']'' had received, the band's producer and manager ] realized the band were in a position to hit the "big time" with their next album. Slagel negotiated with several record labels, among them ] and ]' Def Jam Recordings. However, Slagel was reluctant to have the band signed to what was at the time primarily a ] label. Slayer drummer ] was made aware of Rubin's interest, and he initiated contact with the producer. However, Slayer's remaining members were apprehensive of leaving ], with whom they were already under ].<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>


Lombardo contacted ], which was Def Jam's ], and managed to get in touch with Rubin, who along with photographer ] agreed to attend one of the band's concerts. Friedman had produced ]'s ], in which Slayer vocalist ] made a guest appearance in the music video for the album's single "]", pushing Suicidal Tendencies's vocalist ]. Around this time, Rubin asked Friedman if he knew Slayer.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> Lombardo contacted ], which was Def Jam's ], and managed to get in touch with Rubin, who along with photographer ] agreed to attend one of the band's concerts. Friedman had produced ]'s ], in which Slayer vocalist ] made a guest appearance in the music video for the album's single "]", pushing Suicidal Tendencies's vocalist ]. Around this time, Rubin asked Friedman if he knew Slayer.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>


Guitarist ] was surprised by Rubin's interest in the band, and was impressed by his work with the hip hop acts ] and ]. During a visit by Slagel to a European music ], Rubin spoke with the band directly, and persuaded them to sign with Def Jam. Slagel paid a personal tribute to Rubin, and said that Rubin was the most passionate of all the label representatives the band were in negotiations with. Following the agreement, Friedman brought the band members to ] for two days of publicity shots, possible record shots, and photos for a tour book; Rubin felt no good photos of the band had been taken before that point. One of the photos was used on the back cover of the band's 1988 release '']''.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The album became an ] album after Rubin ended his partnership with Russell Simmons. It was one of only two Def Jam titles to be distributed by ] through ] because of the original distributor's refusal to release work by the band. Guitarist ] was surprised by Rubin's interest in the band, and was impressed by his work with the hip hop acts ] and ]. During a visit by Slagel to a European music ], Rubin spoke with the band directly, and persuaded them to sign with Def Jam. Slagel paid a personal tribute to Rubin, and said that Rubin was the most passionate of all the label representatives the band were in negotiations with. Following the agreement, Friedman brought the band members to ] for two days of publicity shots, possible record shots, and photos for a tour book; Rubin felt no good photos of the band had been taken before that point. One of the photos was used on the back cover of the band's 1988 release '']''.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>


==Recording== ===Cover art===
The cover artwork was designed by ], who at the time was creating political illustrations for '']'', '']'', and '']''. Carroll was hired at Rubin's behest.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mudrian |first1=Albert |title=Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces |date=July 14, 2009 |publisher=Da Capo Press |page=54 }}</ref> Despite its warm reception, the band members themselves originally did not like the image. King said, "Nobody in the band wanted that cover. We were stuck with it." He even described the artist as a "warped demented freak,"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wiederhorn |first1=Jon |title=Fascinating Facts You Didn't Know About Slayer's 'Reign In Blood' |url=https://www.ranker.com/list/slayer-reign-in-blood/jon-wiederhorn |website=Ranker |access-date=1 August 2022}}</ref> although Carroll went on to make cover arts for their next two albums, '']'' (1988) and '']'' (1990), as well as '']'' (2006). By a differing account, Araya recalled that he "thought it was amazing" and "liked it immediately". He also stated that there were three different variations of the album cover in its conceptual stages, with the final version incorporating elements of all three.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mudrian |first1=Albert |title=Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces |date=July 14, 2009 |publisher=Da Capo Press |page=55 }}</ref>
''Reign in Blood'' was recorded and produced in Los Angeles with Rubin. The album was the label boss' first professional experience with heavy metal, and his fresh perspective led to a drastic makeover of Slayer's sound. Steve Huey of ] believed Rubin drew tighter and faster songs from the band, and delivered a cleanly produced sound that contrasted sharply with their previous recordings.<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer">{{cite web |title=Reign in Blood - Slayer |author=Huey, Steve |publisher=] |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=reign-in-blood-mw0000191741|pure_url=yes}} |accessdate=5 January 2007}}</ref> This resulted in drastic changes to Slayer's sound, and changed audiences' perception of the band. Araya has since admitted their two previous releases were not up to par production-wise.<ref name="Slay Ride">{{cite web |title=Slay Ride |author=La Briola, John |publisher=Westword.com |date=22 July 2004 |url=http://www.westword.com/2004-07-22/music/slay-ride/ |accessdate=4 April 2007}}</ref>
Guitarist ] later remarked that "It was like, 'Wow—you can hear everything, and those guys aren't just playing fast; those notes are on time.'"<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>


It was believed that Columbia Records initially refused to release ''Reign in Blood'' because of the disturbing imagery. Araya refuted this claim in 2016 saying that it was because of the song "Angel of Death" and it had nothing to do with the cover art.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Loudwire |title=Slayer's Tom Araya - Misplaced Pages: Fact or Fiction? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e0QlzMlO_M |website=YouTube |date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=23 September 2022}}</ref>
Hanneman has since admitted that while the band was listening to Metallica and Megadeth at the time, they were finding the repetition of guitar riffs tiring. "If we do a verse two or three times, we're already bored with it. So we weren't trying to make the songs shorter—that's just what we were into," which resulted in the album's short duration of 29 minutes.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> King had stated that while hour-long records seem to be the trend: "You could lose this part; you could cut this song completely, and make a much more intense record, which is what we're all about."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> When the record was completed, the band met with Rubin, who asked: "Do you realize how short this is?" Slayer members looked at each other, and replied: "So what?"<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The entire album was on one side of a cassette; King stated it was "neat," as "You could listen to it, flip it over, and play it again."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer">{{cite web |title=An exclusive oral history of Slayer |publisher=] |url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566 |accessdate=3 January 2007 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20061020200807/http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566 |archivedate=20 October 2006}}</ref> The music is abrasive and faster than previous releases helping to push the gap between ] and its predecessor ],<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer"/> and is played at an average of 210 ].<ref name="Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer">{{cite web |title=Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer |author=Haug, Andrew |publisher=Abc.net.au |date=13 October 2006 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/racket/listen/audio_alpha_S.htm |accessdate=9 February 2007}}</ref>


===Recording and production===
==Critical response==
''Reign in Blood'' was recorded and produced at Hit City West in Los Angeles with Rubin producing and ] engineering.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ferris |first1=D.X. |title=Reign in Blood |date=2008 |publisher=] |page=89 |chapter=Recording Blood |series= ] |isbn= 978-1-4411-3241-3}}</ref> The album was the label boss' first professional experience with heavy metal, and his fresh perspective led to a drastic makeover of Slayer's sound. Steve Huey of ] believed Rubin drew tighter and faster songs from the band, and delivered a cleanly produced sound that contrasted sharply with their previous recordings.<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer">{{cite web |title=Reign in Blood – Slayer |author=Huey, Steve |website=] |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=reign-in-blood-mw0000191741|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=January 5, 2007}}</ref> This resulted in drastic changes to Slayer's sound, and changed audiences' perception of the band. Araya has since stated their two previous releases were not up to par production-wise.<ref name="Slay Ride">{{cite web |title=Slay Ride |author=La Briola, John |publisher=Westword.com |date=July 22, 2004 |url=http://www.westword.com/2004-07-22/music/slay-ride/ |access-date=April 4, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109235942/http://www.westword.com/2004-07-22/music/slay-ride/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 }}</ref>
{{Album reviews
Guitarist ] later remarked that "t was like, 'Wow—you can hear everything, and those guys aren't just playing fast; those notes are on time.'"<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

According to Araya, it was Hanneman's idea to add the scream for the introduction in "Angel of Death." Araya did several takes but ended up using the first one.<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web |last1=LoudWire |title=Slayer's Tom Araya - Misplaced Pages: Fact or Fiction? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e0QlzMlO_M |website=YouTube |date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=12 May 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> By a differing account, Araya stated the scream was done in two takes, with the second take going on to appear on the album.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mudrian |first1=Albert |title=Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces |date=July 14, 2009 |publisher=Da Capo Press |pages=53–54 }}</ref>

The album's production is noted by the band Rubin's omission of ], which King said made the album sound "way more threatening". He compared the band's use of reverb on previous releases to the likes of Venom and Merciful Fate, saying "we played in Reverb Land, for a lack of a better term." Upon hearing the album's mix, King said the band " like, 'why didn't we think of that before?'"<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mudrian |first1=Albert |title=Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces |date=July 14, 2009 |publisher=Da Capo Press |page=50 }}</ref> Rubin himself said, "when I hear very fast music like Metallica, and the sounds are big sounds… the whole thing gets blurry, and you can't really hear it If the music you're playing is fast and if the sounds are big, there's not enough space for those big sounds to happen next to each other. There's no punctuation; it becomes a blur I didn't want it to be a blur of bass; I wanted it to be a pulse." Rubin's lack of experience as a heavy metal producer at the time allowed him to work outside the general tropes of the genre. He said, "I didn't have the baggage of what the old way of doing it was And in this case, these forms of music were so new that the old way would've lessened their impact. It wouldn't have made them better." He limited his use of studio effects to what he felt was absolutely necessary. Rubin's approach to the album's production resulted in a "stripped-back, punchy" sound.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barrios |first1=Joel |title=RICK RUBIN Explains The Unique Production Behind SLAYER's Reign In Blood: "I Was More Subtractive Than Additive, Getting Back To The Essence" |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/rick-rubin-explains-the-unique-production-behind-slayers-reign-in-blood-i-was-more-subtractive-than-additive-getting-back-to-the-essence |website=Metal Injection |access-date=November 3, 2024 |date=November 2, 2024}}</ref>

Hanneman later admitted that while the band was listening to ] and ] at the time, they were finding the repetition of guitar riffs tiring. He said, "If we do a verse two or three times, we're already bored with it. So we weren't trying to make the songs shorter—that's just what we were into," which resulted in the album's short duration of 29 minutes.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The band realized the album's runtime only when they were finishing up with its mixing with engineer Andy Wallace. The band weren't sure whether they would have to hit the studio to create more material or just leave it, so they turned to Rubin. "His only reply was that it had 10 songs, verses, choruses and leads and that's what constituted an album. He didn't have any issue with it," Araya told Metal Hammer.<ref name="Slayer's 'Reign in Blood': 10 Facts Only Superfans Would Know">{{cite web |title=Slayer's 'Reign in Blood': 10 Facts Only Superfans Would Know |author=Schaffner, Lauryn |website=] |date=October 7, 2019 |url=https://loudwire.com/slayer-reign-in-blood-facts/ }}</ref>

King had stated that while hour-long records seem to be the trend, "ou could lose this part; you could cut this song completely, and make a much more intense record, which is what we're all about."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> When the record was completed, the band met with Rubin, who asked: "Do you realize how short this is?" Slayer members looked at each other, and replied: "So what?"<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The entire album was on one side of a cassette; King stated it was "neat", as "You could listen to it, flip it over, and play it again."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer">{{cite web |title=An exclusive oral history of Slayer |publisher=] |url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566 |access-date=January 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020200807/http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566 |archive-date=October 20, 2006}}</ref> The music is abrasive and faster than previous releases, helping to narrow the gap between ] and its predecessor ],<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer"/> and is played at an average of 220 ].<ref name="Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer">{{cite web |title=Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer |author=Haug, Andrew |publisher=Abc.net.au |date=October 13, 2006 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/racket/listen/audio_alpha_S.htm |access-date=February 9, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720100637/http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/racket/listen/audio_alpha_S.htm |archive-date=July 20, 2012 }}</ref>

===Lombardo's departure===
]
Following the album's recording sessions, Slayer embarked on the ''Reign in Pain'' tour with the bands ] in the United States and ] in Europe; they also served as the opening act for ]'s U.S. tour in 1987. In late 1986, drummer Lombardo quit the band. To continue the tour Slayer enlisted ] drummer ].<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

Rubin called Lombardo daily to insist he return, telling him: "Dude, you gotta come back in the band." Rubin offered Lombardo a salary, but he was still hesitant about returning; at this point Lombardo had been out of the band for several months. Lombardo returned in 1987; Rubin came to his house and picked him up in his ], taking him to a Slayer rehearsal.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
|rev1 = ] |rev1 = ]
|rev1score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer"/> |rev1score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="allmusic_mw0000191741"/>
|rev2 = '']'' |rev2 = '']''
|rev2score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lawson|first1=Dom|title=Slayer: Reign in Blood vinyl reissue – review|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/19/slayer-reign-in-blood-review|website=The Guardian|access-date=December 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221074925/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/19/slayer-reign-in-blood-review|archive-date=December 21, 2013}}</ref>
|rev2score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite book |last=Russell |first=Xavier |title=] |chapter=Blood Feast |volume=130 |publisher=United Magazines Ltd. |date=2 October 1986 |location=London, UK |page=18}}</ref>
|rev3 = ] |rev3 = '']''
|rev3score = B+<ref name=Christgau>{{cite news |last=Christgau |first=Robert |authorlink=Robert Christgau |date=31 March 1987 |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv3-87.php |title=Christgau's Consumer Guide |newspaper=] |location=New York |accessdate=28 April 2013}}</ref> |rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite book |last=Russell |first=Xavier |title=] |chapter=Blood Feast |volume=130|publisher=United Magazines Ltd. |date=October 2, 1986 |location=London, UK |page=18}}</ref>
|rev4 = '']'' |rev4 = '']''
|rev4score = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Schäfer |first=Wolfgang |title=Rock Hard |url=http://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen.html?tx_rxsearch_pi1%5Breview%5D=9086 |work=issue 19 |access-date=May 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135008/http://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen.html?tx_rxsearch_pi1%5Breview%5D=9086 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 }}</ref>
|rev4score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite book |last=Brackett |first=Nathan |authorlink= |author2=Hoard, Christian |title=The Rolling Stone Album Guide |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2004 |location=New York City, New York |pages=741–742 |isbn=0-7432-0169-8 |url=http://books.google.com/?id=t9eocwUfoSoC&pg=PA741&lpg=PA741&dq=rolling+stone+slayer+album+guide#v=onepage&q=rolling%20stone%20slayer%20album%20guide&f=false}}</ref>
|rev5 = '']'' |rev5 = '']''
|rev5score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite book |last=Brackett |first=Nathan |author2=Hoard, Christian |title=The Rolling Stone Album Guide |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2004 |location=New York City, New York |pages=–742 |isbn=0-7432-0169-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac|url-access=registration |quote=rolling stone slayer album guide. }}</ref>
|rev5score = A+<ref name="Reign in Blood"/>
|rev6 = '']'' |rev6 = '']''
|rev6score = 10/10<ref name=Spin>Weisbard & Marks, 1995, p. 358.</ref> |rev6score = 10/10<ref name=Spin>Weisbard & Marks, 1995, p. 358.</ref>
|rev7 = ''Rock Hard'' |rev7 = '']''
|rev7score = A+<ref name="Reign in Blood"/>
|rev7score = 9.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Schäfer |first=Wolfgang |title=Rock Hard |url=http://www.rockhard.de/megazine/reviewarchiv/review-anzeigen.html?tx_rxsearch_pi1%5Breview%5D=9086 |work=issue 19 |accessdate=20 May 2013}}</ref>
|rev8 = '']''
}}<!--List Automatically Moved by DASHBot-->
|rev8score = B+<ref name=Christgau>{{cite news |last=Christgau |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Christgau |date=March 31, 1987 |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv3-87.php |title=Christgau's Consumer Guide |newspaper=] |location=New York |access-date=April 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507060203/http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv3-87.php |archive-date=May 7, 2013 }}</ref>
Although the album received no radio airplay, it was the band's first release to enter the ''Billboard'' 200, where it debuted at #127, and attained its peak position of 94 in its sixth week.<ref name="Billboard charts - Reign in Blood">{{cite web |title=Search results |publisher=Billboard.com |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?D=reign+in+blood&No=70&Ntt=reign+in+blood&Ntk=Keyword&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&an=bbcom&Ex=1&Ns=FORMATTED_DATE%7C0&N=0&Nty=1 |accessdate=15 October 2007 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071114180651/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?D=reign+in+blood&No=70&Ntt=reign+in+blood&Ntk=Keyword&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&an=bbcom&Ex=1&Ns=FORMATTED_DATE |archivedate=14 November 2007}}</ref><ref name=Billboard>{{cite web |title=Artist Chart History |publisher=Billboard.com |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=slayer|chart=all}} |accessdate=25 March 2007}}</ref> The album also reached #47 on the ],<ref name="1985-1986_discography">{{cite web |title=Slayer's 1985-1986 discography |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/discography,8189.sm |accessdate=1 January 2007 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070302092748/http://www.rockdetector.com/discography,8189.sm |archivedate=2 March 2007 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> and on November 20, 1992 it was certified ] in the US.<ref name="RIAA - Artist Slayer">{{cite web |title=RIAA - Artist Slayer |publisher=RIAA.com |url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |accessdate=14 February 2007}}</ref>
}}
Although the album received no radio airplay, it was the band's first release to enter the ''Billboard'' 200, where it debuted at #127, and attained its peak position of 94 in its sixth week.<ref name="Billboard charts - Reign in Blood">{{cite magazine|title=Search results |magazine=Billboard.com |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?D=reign+in+blood&No=70&Ntt=reign+in+blood&Ntk=Keyword&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&an=bbcom&Ex=1&Ns=FORMATTED_DATE%7C0&N=0&Nty=1 |access-date=October 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114180651/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?D=reign%2Bin%2Bblood&No=70&Ntt=reign%2Bin%2Bblood&Ntk=Keyword&Dx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&an=bbcom&Ex=1&Ns=FORMATTED_DATE |archive-date=November 14, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Billboard>{{cite magazine |title=Artist Chart History |magazine=Billboard.com |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=slayer|chart=all}} |access-date=March 25, 2007}}</ref> The album also reached #47 on the ],<ref name="1985-1986_discography">{{cite web|title=Slayer's 1985–1986 discography |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/discography,8189.sm |access-date=January 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302092748/http://www.rockdetector.com/discography%2C8189.sm |archive-date=March 2, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and on November 20, 1992, it was ] in the US.<ref name="RIAA - Artist Slayer">{{cite web|title=RIAA – Artist Slayer |publisher=RIAA.com |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |access-date=February 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626050454/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |archive-date=June 26, 2007 }}</ref>


<!--NO FAIR USE RATIONALE EXISTS FOR AUDIO CLIP IN THIS ARTICLE <!--NO FAIR USE RATIONALE EXISTS FOR AUDIO CLIP IN THIS ARTICLE
Line 62: Line 97:
{{sample box end}} {{sample box end}}
--> -->
''Reign in Blood'' was well received by the underground and ] music press. Reviewing for ], which was established in 1991, Steve Huey awarded the album five out of five, describing it a "stone-cold classic."<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer"/> '']'' critic Clay Jarvis awarded the album an A+ grade, calling it a "genre-definer," as well as "the greatest metal album of all time."<ref name="Reign in Blood">{{cite web |title=Reign in Blood |author=Jarvis, Clay |publisher=] |date=1 September 2003 |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/slayer/reign-in-blood.htm |accessdate=7 April 2007}}</ref> Jarvis further remarked the song "Angel of Death" "smokes the asses of any band playing fast and/or heavy today. Lyrically outlining the horrors to come, while musically laying the groundwork for the rest of the record: fast, lean and filthy."<ref name="Reign in Blood"/> '']'' magazine described it as the "heaviest album of all time,"<ref name="Lostprophets scoop rock honours">{{cite news |title=Lostprophets scoop rock honours |publisher=BBC News |date=25 August 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5282780.stm |accessdate=10 January 2007}}</ref> and listed the album at #27 among the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time".<ref>{{cite book |last=Russell |first=Xavier |title=] |chapter=Slayer 'Reign in Blood' |volume=222 |publisher=Spotlight Publications Ltd. |date=21 January 1989 |location=London, UK}}</ref> '']'' magazine named it "the best metal album of the last 20 years."<ref name="Golden Gods Awards Winners">{{cite web |title=Golden Gods Awards Winners |publisher=] |date=13 June 2006 |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/article/?id=44410 |accessdate=10 January 2007 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20061209200931/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/article/?id=44410 <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archivedate=9 December 2006}}</ref> ] ranked ''Reign in Blood'' among their list of the "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time",<ref name="Q 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time">{{cite web |title=Q 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time |publisher='']'' |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage2.html |accessdate=10 January 2007}}</ref> and '']'' ranked the album #67 on their list of the "100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005".<ref name="100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005">{{cite web |title=100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005 |publisher=Spin |date=20 June 2005 |url=http://www.spin.com/features/magazine/covers/2005/06/0507_cover_greatest_albums/ |accessdate=9 April 2007 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070312105828/http://www1.spin.com/features/magazine/covers/2005/06/0507_cover_greatest_albums/ <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archivedate=12 March 2007}}</ref> Critic Chad Bowar stated: "1986's ''Reign in Blood'' is probably the best thrash album ever recorded."<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Thrash metal? |author=Bowar, Chad |publisher=heavymetal.about.com |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/a/101_thrash.htm |accessdate=2 May 2008}}</ref> In August 2014, '']'' placed the album on its "14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/14-thrash-albums-you-need-to-own.html |title=14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own |date=August 29, 2014 |work=] |accessdate=August 30, 2014}}</ref> ''Reign in Blood'' was critically acclaimed by the underground and mainstream music press. Reviewing for ], Steve Huey awarded the album five out of five, describing it a "stone-cold classic."<ref name="allmusic_mw0000191741"/> '']'' critic Clay Jarvis awarded the album an A+ grade, calling it a "genre-definer," as well as "the greatest metal album of all time."<ref name="Reign in Blood">{{cite magazine|title=Reign in Blood |author=Jarvis, Clay |magazine=] |date=September 1, 2003 |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/slayer/reign-in-blood.htm |access-date=April 7, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511163047/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/slayer/reign-in-blood.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2006 }}</ref> Jarvis further remarked the song "Angel of Death" "smokes the asses of any band playing fast and/or heavy today. Lyrically outlining the horrors to come, while musically laying the groundwork for the rest of the record: fast, lean and filthy."<ref name="Reign in Blood"/> '']'' magazine described it as the "heaviest album of all time,"<ref name="Lostprophets scoop rock honours">{{cite news |title=Lostprophets scoop rock honours |work=BBC News |date=August 25, 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5282780.stm |access-date=January 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110205809/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5282780.stm |archive-date=January 10, 2012 }}</ref> and listed the album at #27 among the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time".<ref>{{cite book |last=Russell |first=Xavier |title=] |chapter=Slayer 'Reign in Blood' |volume=222 |publisher=Spotlight Publications Ltd. |date=January 21, 1989 |location=London, UK}}</ref> '']'' magazine named it "the best metal album of the last 20 years" in 2006.<ref name="Golden Gods Awards Winners">{{cite magazine |title=Golden Gods Awards Winners |magazine=] |date=June 13, 2006 |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/article/?id=44410 |access-date=January 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209200931/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/article/?id=44410 <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archive-date=December 9, 2006}}</ref> ] ranked ''Reign in Blood'' among their list of the "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time",<ref name="Q 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time">{{cite magazine |title=Q 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time |magazine=] |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage2.html |access-date=January 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110224060525/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage2.html |archive-date=February 24, 2011 }}</ref> and '']'' ranked the album #67 on their list of the "100 Greatest Albums, 1985–2005".<ref name="100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2005">{{cite magazine |title=100 Greatest Albums, 1985–2005 |magazine=Spin |date=June 20, 2005 |url=http://www.spin.com/features/magazine/covers/2005/06/0507_cover_greatest_albums/ |access-date=April 9, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312105828/http://www1.spin.com/features/magazine/covers/2005/06/0507_cover_greatest_albums/ <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=March 12, 2007}}</ref> Critic Chad Bowar stated: "1986's ''Reign in Blood'' is probably the best thrash album ever recorded."<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Thrash metal? |author=Bowar, Chad |publisher=heavymetal.about.com |url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/a/101_thrash.htm |access-date=May 2, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705154924/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/a/101_thrash.htm |archive-date=July 5, 2008 }}</ref> In August 2014, '']'' placed the album on its "14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own" list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/14-thrash-albums-you-need-to-own.html |title=14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own |date=August 29, 2014 |work=] |access-date=August 30, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831025645/https://www.revolvermag.com/news/14-thrash-albums-you-need-to-own.html |archive-date=August 31, 2014 }}</ref> In 2017, it was ranked 6th on '']''{{'s}} list of "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|title=100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/anthrax-among-the-living-1987-w486946?|magazine=]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|access-date=June 22, 2017|date=June 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624025337/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/anthrax-among-the-living-1987-w486946|archive-date=June 24, 2017}}</ref>


Adrien Begrand of ] observed that "There's no better song to kick things off than the masterful ‘Angel of Death’, one of the most monumental songs in metal history, where guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman deliver their intricate riffs, drummer Dave Lombardo performs some of the most powerful drumming ever recorded, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya screams and snarls his tale of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele."<ref name="The Devil in Music">{{cite web Adrien Begrand of ] observed that "here's no better song to kick things off than the masterful 'Angel of Death', one of the most monumental songs in metal history, where guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman deliver their intricate riffs, drummer Dave Lombardo performs some of the most powerful drumming ever recorded, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya screams and snarls his tale of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele."<ref name="The Devil in Music">{{cite web
| title =The Devil in Music |title = The Devil in Music
| author = Begrand, Adrien | publisher = Popmatters.com |author = Begrand, Adrien
|publisher = Popmatters.com
| date = 23 January 2004| url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/s/slayer-soundtrack.shtml |date = January 23, 2004
|url = http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/s/slayer-soundtrack.shtml
|access-date = February 22, 2007
| accessdate =22 February 2007}}</ref> When asked why ''Reign in Blood'' has retained its popularity, King replied: "If you released ''Reign in Blood'' today, no one would give a shit. It was timing; it was a change in sound. In thrash metal at that time, no one had ever heard good production on a record like that. It was just a bunch of things that came together at once."<ref name="Kerrang! interview with Kerry King about God Hates Us All album">{{cite web
|url-status = live
| title = Kerrang! interview with Kerry King about God Hates Us All album | publisher = Slayersaves | url = http://www.slayersaves.com/interviews_kerry2.htm
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070315203558/http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/s/slayer-soundtrack.shtml
| accessdate = 20 February 2007}}</ref>
|archive-date = March 15, 2007
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref> When asked why ''Reign in Blood'' has retained its popularity, King replied: "If you released ''Reign in Blood'' today, no one would give a shit. It was timing; it was a change in sound. In thrash metal at that time, no one had ever heard good production on a record like that. It was just a bunch of things that came together at once."<ref name="Kerrang! interview with Kerry King about God Hates Us All album">{{cite web | title = Kerrang! interview with Kerry King about God Hates Us All album | publisher = Slayersaves | url = http://www.slayersaves.com/interviews_kerry2.htm | access-date = February 20, 2007 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110809151239/http://www.slayersaves.com/404.php | archive-date = August 9, 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> '']'' inducted ''Reign in Blood'' into the Decibel Magazine Hall of Fame in November 2004, being the first album to earn such award.<ref name="dB HoF">{{cite web|last1=Chase|first1=Jesse|title=Slayer – "Reign in Blood"|url=https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2004/11/02/slayer-reign-in-blood/|website=]|date=November 2, 2004 |access-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Lombardo's departure==
''Reign in Blood'' is regarded by critics as one of the most influential and extreme thrash metal albums.<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer"/> In its "Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time" poll, ] praised Slayer's "downtuned rhythms, infectious guitar licks, graphically violent lyrics and grisly artwork," which they stated "set the standard for dozens of emerging thrash bands," while "Slayer's music was directly responsible for the rise of ]." MTV described ''Reign in Blood'' as essential listening,<ref name="Why They Rule - #6 Slayer">{{cite web
Slayer embarked on the ''Reign in Pain'' tour with the bands ] in the United States and ] in Europe; they also served as the opening act for ]'s U.S. tour in 1987. In late November of 1986, drummer Lombardo quit the band; he said: "I wasn't making any money. I think I had just gotten married, and I figured if we were gonna be doing this professionally—on a major label—I wanted my rent and utilities paid." To continue the tour Slayer enlisted ] drummer ].<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>
|title=Why They Rule – #6 Slayer
|publisher=MTV
|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml
|access-date=January 18, 2006 |url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718224746/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml
|archive-date=July 18, 2006
}}</ref> and the album was ranked number 7 on ]'s "Top 25 Most Influential Metal Albums".<ref name="IGN Top 25 Metal Albums">{{cite web
|title = IGN Top 25 Metal Albums
|author = D. Spense, T. Ed
|website = IGN
|date = January 19, 2007
|url = http://au.music.ign.com/articles/755/755929p6.html
|access-date = January 26, 2007
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005053/http://au.music.ign.com/articles/755/755929p6.html
|archive-date = July 13, 2011
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>
]


Asked during a press tour for 1994's '']'' about the pressure of living up to ''Reign in Blood'', King replied that the band did not try to better it, but just wanted to make music.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> In 2006, '']'''s Don Kaye drew a comparison to the band's 2006 album '']'', and concluded, "Slayer may never make an album as incendiary as ''Reign in Blood'' again."<ref name="SLAYER Christ Illusion (American)">{{cite news
Rubin called Lombardo daily to insist he return, telling him: "Dude, you gotta come back in the band." Rubin offered Lombardo a salary, but he was still hesitant about returning; at this point Lombardo had been out of the band for several months. Lombardo's wife convinced him to return in 1987; Rubin came to his house and picked him up in his ], taking him to a Slayer rehearsal.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>
|title=Slayer Christ Illusion (American)

|author=Kaye, Don
==Legacy==
|work=Blabbermouth.net
''Reign in Blood'' is regarded by critics as one of the most influential and extreme thrash metal albums ever produced.<ref name="Reign in Blood - Slayer"/> In its "Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time" poll, ] praised Slayer's "downtuned rhythms, infectious guitar licks, graphically violent lyrics and grisly artwork," which they stated "set the standard for dozens of emerging thrash bands," while "Slayer's music was directly responsible for the rise of ]." MTV described ''Reign in Blood'' as essential listening,<ref name="Why They Rule - #6 Slayer">{{cite web
|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=817
| title = Why They Rule - #6 Slayer| publisher = MTV| url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml
|access-date=February 20, 2007 |url-status=dead
| accessdate =18 January 2006}}</ref> and the album was ranked number 7 on ]'s "Top 25 Most Influential Metal Albums".<ref name="IGN Top 25 Metal Albums">{{cite web
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911005300/http://www.blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=817
| title = IGN Top 25 Metal Albums
|archive-date=September 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| author = D. Spense, T. Ed
| publisher = IGN
| date = 19 January 2007
| url = http://au.music.ign.com/articles/755/755929p6.html
| accessdate = 26 January 2007}}</ref> [[File:SlayerliveB&W.jpg|thumb|left|
"Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" are played at almost every live show.]] When asked during a press tour for 1994's '']'' about the pressure of having to live up to ''Reign in Blood'', King replied that the band did not try to better it, but rather just wanted to make music.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> In 2006, '']''{{'}}s Don Kaye drew a comparison to the band's 2006 album '']'', and concluded that "Slayer may never make an album as incendiary as ''Reign in Blood'' again."<ref name="SLAYER Christ Illusion (American)">{{cite web
| title = Slayer Christ Illusion (American)
| author = Kaye, Don
| publisher = Blabbermouth.net
| url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=817
| accessdate = 20 February 2007}}</ref>


Rapper ] was heavily influenced by the album, and has remarked that it takes him back to the 1980s, "when shit was pure."<ref name="Death-Rapper NECRO To Make European Live Debut In London">{{cite web Rapper ] was heavily influenced by the album, and has remarked that it takes him back to the 1980s, "when shit was pure".<ref name="Death-Rapper NECRO To Make European Live Debut In London">{{cite news
| title = Death-Rapper Necro to Make European Live Debut in London | title = Death-Rapper Necro to Make European Live Debut in London
| publisher = Blabbermouth.net | work = Blabbermouth.net
| date = 27 November 2006 | date = November 27, 2006
| url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=62868 | url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=62868
| accessdate = 18 January 2006}}</ref> ] vocalist Zoltán Farkas describes the album as one of his primary influences.<ref name="Interview with Zoltan Farkas of Ektomorf">{{cite web | access-date = January 18, 2006}}</ref> ] vocalist Zoltán Farkas describes the album as one of his primary influences.<ref name="Interview with Zoltan Farkas of Ektomorf">{{cite web
| title = Interview with Zoltan Farkas of Ektomorf | title = Interview with Zoltan Farkas of Ektomorf
| author = Yiannis, D | author = Yiannis, D
| publisher = Metal-Temple | publisher = Metal-Temple
| date = 12 November 2006 | date = November 12, 2006
| url = http://www.metal-temple.com/interview.asp?id=320 | url = http://www.metal-temple.com/interview.asp?id=320
| accessdate = 18 February 2007 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20061118075949/http://metal-temple.com/interview.asp?id=320 | archivedate = 18 November 2006}}</ref> ] of ] stated Lombardo's performance on the album helped him play faster throughout his career.<ref name="Interview With Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse">{{cite web | access-date = February 18, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061118075949/http://metal-temple.com/interview.asp?id=320 | archive-date = November 18, 2006}}</ref> ] of ] stated Lombardo's performance on the album helped him play faster throughout his career.<ref name="Interview With Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse">{{cite web
| title = Interview with Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse |title = Interview with Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse
| author = Wilson, David L. |author = Wilson, David L.
| publisher = Metal-rules.com |publisher = Metal-rules.com
| date = 13 December 1999 |date = December 13, 1999
| url = http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/cannibal.htm |url = http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/cannibal.htm
| accessdate = 9 February 2007}}</ref> |access-date = February 9, 2007
|url-status = live
Kelly Shaefer of ] said: "When ''Reign in Blood'' came out it changed everything! That is easily the best ] record ever!".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/interviews.php?intid=348|title=Tribute to Jeff Hanneman (1964-2013)|publisher=metalcrypt.com|date=8 June 2013|accessdate=5 November 2013}}</ref>
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110522212057/http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/cannibal.htm
|archive-date = May 22, 2011
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>
Kelly Shaefer of ] said: "When ''Reign in Blood'' came out it changed everything! That is easily the best ] record ever!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/interviews.php?intid=348|title=Tribute to Jeff Hanneman (1964–2013)|publisher=metalcrypt.com|date=June 8, 2013|access-date=November 5, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195654/http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/interviews.php?intid=348|archive-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref>


Hanneman has said that the album is his personal favorite, reasoning it is "so short and quick and to the point."<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web Hanneman said that the album was his personal favorite, reasoning it was "so short and quick and to the point".<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web
| title = Interview with Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman |title = Interview with Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman
| author = Steffens, Charlie |author = Steffens, Charlie
| publisher = KNAC.com |publisher = KNAC.com
| date = 30 May 2006 |date = May 30, 2006
| url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4653 |url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4653
|access-date = January 5, 2007
| accessdate = 5 January 2007}}</ref> Araya has remarked that Slayer's 2006 album '']'' "comes close," but that "nothing can surpass ''Reign in Blood'' for intensity and impact. No one had heard anything like it before. In the twenty years since then, people have got more desensitized. What was over the top then might not be now."<ref>{{cite web
|url-status = live
| title = It's carry on thrashing
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071016071440/http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4653
| author = SJB
|archive-date = October 16, 2007
| work = ]
|df = dmy-all
| date = 31 July 2007
}}</ref>
| url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/sftw/60093/Its-carry-on-thrashing.html

| accessdate = 24 January 2012}}</ref> Drummer ] who was a Slayer member from 1992 to 2001 first heard the record when he was a member of ]. During a party Bostaph walked towards music he heard from another room, and approached Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero. When asked what music was playing, Locicero shouted "the new Slayer record." After listening closely to the record, he looked at Locicero, and concluded that his band was "fucked."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>
] – Slayer's drummer from 1992 to 2001, and from 2013 to 2019 – first heard the record while a member of ]. At a party, he walked towards music he heard from another room, and approached Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero. Asked what was playing, Locicero shouted, "The new Slayer record." After listening closely, Bostaph looked at Locicero, and concluded his band was "fucked".<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

] of ] cited 'Altar of Sacrifice' as his favourite Slayer song: "It's the one I would always play for my friends when I was getting into Slayer. They would get this glazed look in their eyes and worship the ] while doing the ]."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Jason|last=Arnopp|author-link=Jason Arnopp|title=The Kerrang! Challenge|magazine=]|date=September 20, 1997|page=53}}</ref>

In 2006, the album won a '']'' award for Best Album of the Last 20 Years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/06/june/1412.shtml|title=Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards – antiMUSIC News|website=www.antimusic.com|access-date=May 4, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120140/http://www.antimusic.com/news/06/june/1412.shtml|archive-date=January 19, 2018}}</ref> That same year, the album's cover art was featured in ]'s 2006 "top ten heavy metal album covers of all time."<ref name="The Top Ten Greatest Heavy Metal Album Covers of All Time">{{cite magazine|title=The Top Ten Greatest Heavy Metal Album Covers of All Time |author=Popoff, Martin, Dunn, Sam and McFadyen, Scot |magazine=] |url=http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1946 |access-date=January 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/20061019112453/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1946 |archive-date=October 19, 2006 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2005, '']'' ranked the album at number six on its list of the "500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time."<ref>{{cite book |last=Schäfer |first=Wolfgang |title=Best of Rock & Metal - Die 500 stärksten Scheiben aller Zeiten |publisher=] |year=2005 |isbn=3-89880-517-4 |editor-last=Rensen |editor-first=Michael |page=227 |language=de |trans-title=The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time |chapter=Reign in Blood |access-date=May 8, 2024 |chapter-url=https://www.rockhard.de/reviews/slayer-reign-in-blood}}</ref> In 2016, '']'' ranked ''Reign in Blood'' #1 among Slayer's eleven studio albums.<ref name="slank">{{cite web|title=Slayer Albums Ranked|url=http://loudwire.com/slayer-albums-ranked/|website=]|access-date=January 25, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126012712/http://loudwire.com/slayer-albums-ranked/|archive-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref> In 2013, '']'' ranked it at number 287 in its list of ].<ref></ref>


==Live performances== ==Live performances==
<!-- Deleted image removed: ]''|{{Deletable image-caption|1=Monday, 29 December 2008|date=March 2012}}]] --> <!-- Deleted image removed: ]''|{{Deletable image-caption|1=Monday, December 29, 2008|date=March 2012}}]] -->
The tracks "]" and "Angel of Death" have become almost permanent additions to Slayer's live set, and were Hanneman's favorite tracks to play live.<ref>{{cite web The tracks "]" and "Angel of Death" have become almost permanent additions to Slayer's live set, and were Hanneman's favorite tracks to play live.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman |title=Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman
| author = Davis, Brian |author=Davis, Brian
| publisher = KNAC.com |publisher=KNAC.com
|date=July 26, 2004 |url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153
| date = 26 July 2004
|access-date=December 13, 2006 |url-status=dead
| url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010337/http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153
| accessdate = 13 December 2006}}</ref> The band played ''Reign in Blood'' in its entirety throughout the fall of 2004, under the tour banner "Still Reigning". In 2004, a live DVD of the ] was released, which included a finale with the band covered in fake blood during the performance of "Raining Blood".<ref name="Slayer: Still Reigning The landmark metal album performed in its entirety.">{{cite web
|archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref> The band played ''Reign in Blood'' in its entirety throughout the fall of 2004, under the tour banner "Still Reigning". In 2004, a live DVD of the ] was released, which included a finale with the band covered in fake blood during the performance of "Raining Blood".<ref name="Slayer: Still Reigning The landmark metal album performed in its entirety.">{{cite web
| title = Slayer: Still Reigning The landmark metal album performed in its entirety
|title = Slayer: Still Reigning The landmark metal album performed in its entirety
| author = Patrizio, Andy
|author = Patrizio, Andy
| publisher = IGN
|website = IGN
| date = 11 January 2005
|date = January 11, 2005
| url = http://au.dvd.ign.com/articles/579/579116p1.html
|url = http://au.dvd.ign.com/articles/579/579116p1.html
| accessdate = 5 February 2007}}</ref>
|access-date = February 5, 2007
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004403/http://au.dvd.ign.com/articles/579/579116p1.html
|archive-date = July 13, 2011
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>


King later said that while the idea of playing ''Reign in Blood'' in its entirety was suggested before by their ], it was met with little support. The band ultimately decided they needed to add more excitement to their live shows, and to avoid repetition incorporated the ideas of raining blood.<ref name="Slayer (US) - Reign in Blood">{{cite web King later said that while the idea of playing ''Reign in Blood'' in its entirety was suggested before by their ], it was met with little support. The band ultimately decided they needed to add more excitement to their live shows, and to avoid repetition incorporated the ideas of raining blood.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Kerry King of Slayer |title = Kerry King of Slayer
| publisher = Metal-Rules.com |publisher = Metal-Rules.com
| date = 4 November 2004 |date = November 4, 2004
| url = http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=44 |url = http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=44
|access-date = February 13, 2007
| accessdate =13 February 2007}}</ref> When asked about using fake blood in future performances, King remarked: "It's time to move on, but never say never. I know Japan never saw it, South America and Australia never saw it. So you never know."<ref name="Songs about God and Satan – Part 1: An Interview with Slayer's Kerry King">{{cite web
|url-status = dead
| title = Songs about God and Satan – Part 1: An Interview with Slayer's Kerry King
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110522212035/http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=44
| author = Atkinson, Peter
|archive-date = May 22, 2011
| publisher = KNAC.com
|df = dmy-all
| date = 24 April 2006
}}</ref> When asked about using fake blood in future performances, King remarked: "It's time to move on, but never say never. I know Japan never saw it, South America and Australia never saw it. So you never know."<ref name="Songs about God and Satan – Part 1: An Interview with Slayer's Kerry King">{{cite web
| url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4550
|title = Songs about God and Satan – Part 1: An Interview with Slayer's Kerry King
| accessdate = 9 February 2007}}</ref> In 2008 the band performed ''Reign in Blood'' in its entirety once again, this time in ] during the third European ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/slayer/2008/le-zenith-paris-france-73d69ef1.html |title=Slayer Concert Setlist at Le Zénith, Paris on November 11, 2008 |publisher=setlist.fm |accessdate=17 August 2012}}</ref>
|author = Atkinson, Peter
|publisher = KNAC.com
|date = April 24, 2006
|url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4550
|access-date = February 9, 2007
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101126003842/http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4550
|archive-date = November 26, 2010
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref> In 2008 the band performed ''Reign in Blood'' in its entirety once again, this time in ], France, during the third European ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/slayer/2008/le-zenith-paris-france-73d69ef1.html |title=Slayer Concert Setlist at Le Zénith, Paris on November 11, 2008 |publisher=setlist.fm |access-date=August 17, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017053306/http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/slayer/2008/le-zenith-paris-france-73d69ef1.html |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref>


Although it was omitted from a number of concerts because of short time allotments, Slayer have often said that they enjoy playing the album in its entirety. According to Hanneman: "We still enjoy playing these songs live. We play these songs over and over and over, but they're good songs, intense songs! If it were melodic songs or some kind of boring 'clap your hands' song, you'd be going crazy playing those every night. But our songs are just bam-bam-bam-bam, they're intense."<ref name="SLAYER - Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web Although it was omitted from a number of concerts because of short time allotments, Slayer have often said that they enjoy playing the album in its entirety. According to Hanneman: "We still enjoy playing these songs live. We play these songs over and over and over, but they're good songs, intense songs! If it were melodic songs or some kind of boring 'clap your hands' song, you'd be going crazy playing those every night. But our songs are just bam-bam-bam-bam, they're intense."<ref name="SLAYER - Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web
|title=Slayer — Jeff Hanneman |title = Slayer — Jeff Hanneman
|author=Lahtinen, Luxi |author = Lahtinen, Luxi
|publisher=Metal-Rules.com |publisher = Metal-Rules.com
|date=18 December 2006 |date = December 18, 2006
|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=737 |url = http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=737
|access-date = February 27, 2007
|accessdate=27 February 2007}}</ref> The band was on stage for 70 minutes, which only allowed seven or eight additional songs to be played following the album's play. King stated this arrangement "alienates too many people." In the ] of 2004, however, the album was played in its entirety during Slayer's set as the last ten songs to end the show."<ref name="Kerry King of SLAYER">{{cite web
|url-status = dead
| title = Kerry King of Slayer
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714075111/http://metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=737
| author = Lahtinen, Luxi
|archive-date = July 14, 2011
| publisher = Metal-Rules.com
|df = dmy-all
| date = 11 April 2004
}}</ref> The band was on stage for 70 minutes, which allowed only seven or eight additional songs to be played following the album's play. King stated this arrangement "alienates too many people". In the ] of 2004, however, the album was played in its entirety during Slayer's set as the last ten songs to end the show.<ref name="Kerry King of SLAYER">{{cite web
| url = http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=44
|title = Kerry King of Slayer
| accessdate = 20 February 2007}}</ref>
|author = Lahtinen, Luxi

|publisher = Metal-Rules.com
The album was performed live at the ] festival in May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012.php |title=I'll Be Your Mirror London 2012 curated by Mogwai & ATP - All Tomorrow's Parties |publisher=Atpfestival.com |accessdate=17 August 2012}}</ref> In May 2014, it was announced that Slayer would perform the album in its entirety at ] in Chicago and Denver.<ref name="Riot Fest 2014 Lineup Manages To Get More Insane 10 Bands Will Perform 10 Classic Albums In Full">{{cite web
|date = April 11, 2004
| title = Riot Fest’s 2014 lineup gets more insane: 10 bands will perform classic albums in full
|url = http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=44
| author = Young, Alex
|access-date = February 20, 2007
| publisher = consequenceofsound.net
|url-status = dead
| date = 15 May 2014
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110522212035/http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=44
| url = http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/05/riot-fests-2014-lineup-manages-to-get-more-insane-10-bands-will-perform-classic-albums-in-full/
|archive-date = May 22, 2011
| accessdate = 6 June 2014}}</ref>
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref> The album was performed live at the ] festival in May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012.php |title=I'll Be Your Mirror London 2012 curated by Mogwai & ATP – All Tomorrow's Parties |publisher=Atpfestival.com |access-date=August 17, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217020124/http://www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012.php |archive-date=February 17, 2013 }}</ref> In May 2014, it was announced that Slayer would perform the album in its entirety at ] in Chicago and Denver.<ref name="Riot Fest 2014 Lineup Manages To Get More Insane 10 Bands Will Perform 10 Classic Albums In Full">{{cite web
|title = Riot Fest's 2014 lineup gets more insane: 10 bands will perform classic albums in full
|author = Young, Alex
|publisher = consequence.net
|date = May 15, 2014
|url = http://consequence.net/2014/05/riot-fests-2014-lineup-manages-to-get-more-insane-10-bands-will-perform-classic-albums-in-full/
|access-date = June 6, 2014
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140619000009/http://consequence.net/2014/05/riot-fests-2014-lineup-manages-to-get-more-insane-10-bands-will-perform-classic-albums-in-full/
|archive-date = June 19, 2014
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>


==Controversy== ==Controversy==
===Lyrical themes===


Def Jam's distributor, ], refused to distribute the album due to the song "Angel of Death", because of its setting and description of the Holocaust. ''Reign in Blood'' was eventually distributed by ]; however, due to the controversy it did not appear on Geffen's release schedule and the Geffen logo was not put on the album.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>
===Artwork===
Def Jam's distributor, ], refused to release the album due to its controversial lyrical themes and cover art. ''Reign in Blood'' was eventually distributed by ]; however, due to the controversy it did not appear on Geffen's release schedule.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>


The artwork was designed by ], who at the time was creating political illustrations for '']'', '']'', and '']''. The cover art was featured in ]'s 2006 "top ten heavy metal album covers of all time."<ref name="The Top Ten Greatest Heavy Metal Album Covers of All Time">{{cite web
| title = The Top Ten Greatest Heavy Metal Album Covers of All Time
| author = Popoff, Martin, Dunn, Sam and McFadyen, Scot
| publisher = ]
| url = http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1946
| accessdate =9 January 2007}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

===Lyrical themes===
For the album, Slayer decided to abandon much of the earlier ] themes explored on their previous album '']'', and write about issues that were more on a street level.<ref name="Slayer - Tom Araya - January 2007">{{cite web For the album, Slayer decided to abandon much of the earlier ] themes explored on their previous album '']'', and write about issues that were more on a street level.<ref name="Slayer - Tom Araya - January 2007">{{cite web
| title = Slayer - Tom Araya - January 2007 |title = Slayer Tom Araya January 2007
| author = Gargano, Paul |author = Gargano, Paul
| publisher = Maximum Ink Music Magazine |publisher = Maximum Ink Music Magazine
| url = http://www.maximumink.com/articles.php?articleId=1084 |url = http://www.maximumink.com/articles.php?articleId=1084
|access-date = January 24, 2007
| accessdate = 24 January 2007}}</ref> ''Reign in Blood'''s lyrics include meditations on death, anti-religion, insanity, and murderers, while the lead track "]" details ] conducted at the ] by ], who was dubbed "the Angel of death" by inmates.<ref name="moreorless : heroes & killers of the 20th century - Josef Mengele">{{cite web
|url-status = live
| title = moreorless : heroes & killers of the 20th century — Josef Mengele
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120303034211/http://www.maximumink.com/articles.php?articleId=1084
| publisher = Moreorless.com
| date = 30 April 2001 |archive-date = March 3, 2012
|df = dmy-all
| url = http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/mengele.html
}}</ref> ''Reign in Blood'''s lyrics include death, religion, insanity, and murder, while the lead track "]" details ] conducted at the ] by ], who was dubbed "the Angel of death" by inmates.<ref name="moreorless : heroes & killers of the 20th century - Josef Mengele">{{cite web
| accessdate = 5 January 2007}}</ref> The song led to accusations of Nazi sympathizing and ], which have followed the band throughout their career.<ref name="Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?"/>
|title=moreorless : heroes & killers of the 20th century — Josef Mengele
|publisher=Moreorless.com
|date=April 30, 2001 |url=http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/mengele.html
|access-date=January 5, 2007 |url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205212657/http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/mengele.html
|archive-date=December 5, 2006 }}</ref> The song led to accusations of Nazi sympathizing and ], which have followed the band throughout their career.<ref name="Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?"/>


Hanneman was inspired to write "Angel of Death" after he read a number of books on Mengele during a Slayer tour. Hanneman has complained people usually misinterpret the lyrics, and clarified: "Nothing I put in the lyrics that says necessarily he was a bad man, because to me&nbsp;— well, isn't that obvious? I shouldn't have to tell you that."<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman"/> The band utilized the controversy to attract publicity, incorporating the ] into their logo (also the S in the band's name resembles the ] used by the SS), and writing a song in ] titled "SS-3", which mentions ], the second in command in the ].<ref name="Master of Death - Heydrich">{{cite web Hanneman was inspired to write "Angel of Death" after he read a number of books on Mengele during a Slayer tour. Hanneman has complained people usually misinterpret the lyrics, and clarified: "Nothing I put in the lyrics that says necessarily he was a bad man, because to me&nbsp;— well, isn't that obvious? I shouldn't have to tell you that."<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman"/> The band utilized the controversy to attract publicity, incorporating the ] into their logo (also the S in the band's name resembles the ] used by the SS), and writing a song in '']'' titled "SS-3" --- which depicts ], the second in command in the ], his ], and the bloody reprisals for it.<ref name="Master of Death - Heydrich">{{cite web
| title = Master of Death — Heydrich |title = Master of Death — Heydrich
| publisher = Auschwitz.dk |publisher = Auschwitz.dk
| url = http://www.auschwitz.dk/Heydrich.htm |url = http://www.auschwitz.dk/Heydrich.htm
| accessdate = 26 January 2007}}</ref> |access-date = January 26, 2007
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070202085600/http://auschwitz.dk/Heydrich.htm
|archive-date = February 2, 2007
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>


==Song covers== ==Song covers==
"Raining Blood" was covered by ] on her 2001 album '']''. King has admitted that he thought the cover was odd: "It took me a minute and a half to find a spot in the song where I knew where she was. It's so weird. If she had never told us, we would have never known. You could have played it for us and we'd have been like, 'What's that?' Like a minute and a half through I heard a line and was like, 'I know where she's at!'" The band, however, liked the cover enough to send Slayer T-shirts to Tori Amos.<ref name="A Conversation With Kerry King">{{cite web| title = A Conversation with Kerry King "Raining Blood" was covered by ] on her 2001 album '']''. King has admitted that he thought the cover was odd: "It took me a minute and a half to find a spot in the song where I knew where she was. It's so weird. If she had never told us, we would have never known. You could have played it for us and we'd have been like, 'What's that?' Like a minute and a half through I heard a line and was like, 'I know where she's at!'". The band, however, liked the cover enough to send Slayer T-shirts to her.<ref name="A Conversation With Kerry King">{{cite web
|title = A Conversation with Kerry King
| author = Barker, Samuel |author = Barker, Samuel
| publisher = Rockzone.com |publisher = Rockzone.com
| date = 9 February 2002 |date = February 9, 2002
| url = http://www.rockzone.com/interviews/slayer.shtml |url = http://www.rockzone.com/interviews/slayer.shtml
|access-date = February 9, 2007
| accessdate = 9 February 2007}}</ref> The song was also covered by ], ], ], ], ] and ], who covered the entire album on a ].<ref name="RIB - Erik Hinds">{{cite web
|url-status = live
|title=RIB - Erik Hinds
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110715195928/http://www.rockzone.com/interviews/slayer.shtml
|archive-date = July 15, 2011
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref> The song was also covered by ], ], ], ], ] and ], who covered the entire album on a ].<ref name="RIB - Erik Hinds">{{cite web
|title=RIB – Erik Hinds
|author=Couture, François |author=Couture, François
|publisher=Allmusic |website=Allmusic
|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=reign-in-blood-mw0000490316|pure_url=yes}}
|access-date=April 7, 2007}}</ref> "Raining Blood" was also covered by the New Zealand drum and bass band ] on their 2003 album '']'', and by Nashville, Tennessee band Asschapel on their 7" "Satanation". A medley of "Raining Blood" and "Postmortem" appears on ]'s 2016 album '']'', preceded by a short monologue by lead singer ] where he names Slayer as both a major influence on Body Count and as one of his favorite bands of all time "and always will be"; a video for Body Count's version was released in August 2017.


In 2005, the Slayer tribute band Dead Skin Mask released an album with eight Slayer tracks, including "Angel of Death".<ref name="SLAYER Tribute Band DEAD SKIN MASK To Release CD">{{cite news|title=Slayer Tribute Band Dead Skin Mask to Release CD|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 23, 2004 |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=30716
|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=reign-in-blood-mw0000490316|pure_url=yes}}
|access-date=March 11, 2007}}</ref> The death metal band ] covered the song in 1999,<ref name="Interview With Monstrosity's Lee Harrison">{{cite web|title=Interview with Monstrosity's Lee Harrison|author=Lehtinen, Arto|publisher=Metal-Rules.com|url=http://metal-rules.com/interviews/Monstrosity-2003.htm|access-date=March 14, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517162551/http://metal-rules.com/interviews/Monstrosity-2003.htm|archive-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref> while the track was featured on the classical band ]'s 2006 album '']''.<ref name="APOCALYPTICA: 'Amplified' Collection To Feature New Recordings">{{cite news
|accessdate=7 April 2007}}</ref>

In 2005, the Slayer tribute band Dead Skin Mask released an album with eight Slayer tracks, including "Angel of Death".<ref name="SLAYER Tribute Band DEAD SKIN MASK To Release CD">{{cite web|title=Slayer Tribute Band Dead Skin Mask to Release CD|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=23 December 2004 |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=30716
|accessdate=11 March 2007}}</ref> The death metal band ] covered the song in 1999,<ref name="Interview With Monstrosity's Lee Harrison">{{cite web
|title=Interview with Monstrosity's Lee Harrison|author=Lehtinen, Arto|publisher=Metal-Rules.com|url=http://metal-rules.com/interviews/Monstrosity-2003.htm
|accessdate=14 March 2007}}</ref> while the track was featured on the classical band ]'s 2006 album '']''.<ref name="APOCALYPTICA: 'Amplified' Collection To Feature New Recordings">{{cite web
|title=Apocalyptica: 'Amplified' Collection to Feature New Recordings |title=Apocalyptica: 'Amplified' Collection to Feature New Recordings
|work=Blabbermouth.net

|date=April 4, 2004
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|date=4 April 2004
|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=50571 |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=50571
|accessdate=21 March 2007}}</ref> A Slayer tribute album titled ''Al Sur del Abismo (Tributo Argentino a Slayer)'', compiled by Hurling Metal Records, featured sixteen tracks covered by ] metal bands, including Asinesia's version of "Angel of Death".<ref name="SLAYER: Argentine Tribute Album Detailed ">{{cite web |access-date=March 21, 2007}}</ref> A Slayer tribute album titled ''Al Sur del Abismo (Tributo Argentino a Slayer)'', compiled by Hurling Metal Records, featured sixteen tracks covered by ] metal bands, including Asinesia's version of "Angel of Death".<ref name="SLAYER: Argentine Tribute Album Detailed ">{{cite news
|title=Slayer: Argentine Tribute Album Detailed |title=Slayer: Argentine Tribute Album Detailed
|work=Blabbermouth.net

|date=June 10, 2006
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|date=10 June 2006
|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53522 |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53522
|access-date=March 11, 2007}}</ref>
|accessdate=11 March 2007}}</ref> "Raining Blood" was also covered by the New Zealand drum and bass band ] on their 2003 album '']'', and by Nashville, Tennessee band Asschapel on their 7" "Satanation".


==Popular culture== ==Popular culture==
"Raining Blood" was featured in the 127th ] episode, '']'', aired on 16 March 2005.<ref name="Die Hippie, Die">{{cite web "Raining Blood" was featured in the '']'' episode, "]", which aired on March 16, 2005.<ref name="Die Hippie, Die">{{cite web
| title = Die Hippie, Die | title = Die Hippie, Die
| publisher = Southparkstudios.com | publisher = Southparkstudios.com
| url = http://www.southparkstudios.com/show/display_episode.php?season=9&id1=902&id2=02&tab=10 | url = http://www.southparkstudios.com/show/display_episode.php?season=9&id1=902&id2=02&tab=10
| accessdate = 13 February 2007 | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070929123845/http://www.southparkstudios.com/show/display_episode.php?season=9&id1=902&id2=02&tab=10 | archivedate = 29 September 2007}}</ref> The plot centers on the town of South Park, which has been overrun by ]. ] states "Hippies can't stand ]" and proceeds to drill through a hippie concert onto the main stage to change the audio to "Raining Blood", making the hippies run away. King found the episode humorous and expressed his interest in the show ending the interview with "It was good to see the song being put to good use, if we can horrify some hippies we've done our job."<ref name="Songs about God and Satan – Part 1: An Interview with Slayer's Kerry King" /> "Angel of Death" also appears in several movies, including '']'', at the point when the character Mohawk turns into a spider,<ref name="Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)">{{cite web | access-date = February 13, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929123845/http://www.southparkstudios.com/show/display_episode.php?season=9&id1=902&id2=02&tab=10 | archive-date = September 29, 2007}}</ref> The plot centers on the town of South Park, which has been overrun by ]. ] states "Hippies can't stand ]" and proceeds to drill through a hippie concert onto the main stage to change the audio to "Raining Blood", making the hippies run away. King found the episode humorous and expressed his appreciation for the show, ending the interview with "It was good to see the song being put to good use, if we can horrify some hippies we've done our job."<ref name="Songs about God and Satan – Part 1: An Interview with Slayer's Kerry King" /> "Angel of Death" also appears in several movies, including '']'', at the point when the character Mohawk turns into a spider,<ref name="Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)">{{cite web
| title = Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) |title = Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
| publisher = Joblo.com |publisher = Joblo.com
| url = http://www.joblo.com/arrow/reviews.php?id=399 |url = http://www.joblo.com/arrow/reviews.php?id=399
|access-date = February 18, 2007
| accessdate =18 February 2007 }}</ref> '']'', where it is played during a car stunt scene, and in the 2005 ] War documentary '']''.<ref name="JACKASS CD">{{cite web
|url-status = dead
| title = Jackass soundtrack
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110923080510/http://www.joblo.com/arrow/reviews.php?id=399
| publisher = Cduniverse.com
|archive-date = September 23, 2011
| url = http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/5272446/a/Jackass.htm
|df = dmy-all
| accessdate = 18 February 2007}}</ref><ref name="Soundtrack to war">{{cite web
}}</ref> '']'', where it is played during a car stunt scene, and in the 2005 ] documentary '']''.<ref name="JACKASS CD">{{cite web
| title = Soundtrack to war
|title = Jackass soundtrack
| publisher = Soundtracktowar.com
|publisher = Cduniverse.com
| url = http://www.soundtracktowar.com/
|url = http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/5272446/a/Jackass.htm
| accessdate = 18 February 2007}}</ref>
|access-date = February 18, 2007
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101228143743/http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/5272446/a/Jackass.htm
|archive-date = December 28, 2010
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref><ref name="Soundtrack to war">{{cite web
|title = Soundtrack to war
|publisher = Soundtracktowar.com
|url = http://www.soundtracktowar.com/
|access-date = February 18, 2007
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130618225003/http://soundtracktowar.com/
|archive-date = June 18, 2013
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>


"Angel of Death" was featured in the multi–platform video game '']''. Nolan Nelson, who selected the soundtrack for the game, asserts: "one of the greatest heavy metal songs ever recorded. Don't know who Slayer is? I feel sorry for you."<ref name="Electro vs. Metal – Music is the key of life.">{{cite web "Angel of Death" was featured in the multi–platform video game '']''. Nolan Nelson, who selected the soundtrack for the game, asserts: "one of the greatest heavy metal songs ever recorded. Don't know who Slayer is? I feel sorry for you."<ref name="Electro vs. Metal – Music is the key of life.">{{cite web
| title = Electro vs. Metal – Music is the key of life |title = Electro vs. Metal – Music is the key of life
| publisher = IGN |website = IGN
| url = http://blogs.ign.com/Project8team/2006/11/07/36240/ |url = http://blogs.ign.com/Project8team/2006/11/07/36240/
|access-date = February 18, 2007
| accessdate = 18 February 2007}}</ref> "Raining Blood" was included in the '']'' in–game radio station ].<ref name="Vice City Radio - V Rock">{{cite web
|url-status = dead
| title = Vice City Radio - V Rock
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100310214516/http://blogs.ign.com/Project8team/2006/11/07/36240/
|archive-date = March 10, 2010
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref> "Raining Blood" is also one of the songs featured in '']'' and later '']'', and is considered one of the most difficult songs in the game, if not the hardest of the career song list.<ref name="Raining Blood 5 Expert Guide">{{cite web
|title = Raining Blood 5* Expert Guide
|author = bjwdestroyer
|publisher = Scorehero.com
|date = November 3, 2007
|url = http://www.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35238
|access-date = June 5, 2008
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110724165606/http://www.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35238
|archive-date = July 24, 2011
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>
"Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood" are both available as ] for '']'' and for the ] series.


In season 1, episode 6 of '']'', the character Nora Durst (played by ]) pays a prostitute to shoot her in the chest while she wears a Kevlar vest, playing "Angel of Death" to mask the sound of gunfire.<ref name="Vulture Recap">{{cite web
| publisher = Vicecityradio.com
|title = The Leftovers Recap: Just Shoot Me

|author = Kelly Braffet
| url = http://www.vicecityradio.com/
|publisher = Vulture
| accessdate = 9 February 2007}}</ref>
|date = August 3, 2014
"Raining Blood" is also one of the songs featured in '']'', and is considered one of the most difficult songs in the game, if not the hardest of the career song list.<ref name="Raining Blood 5 Expert Guide">{{cite web
|url = https://www.vulture.com/2014/08/leftovers-recap-season-1-e6-guest-nora-holy-wayne.html
| title=Raining Blood 5* Expert Guide
|access-date = November 8, 2022
| author=bjwdestroyer
|url-status = live
| publisher=Scorehero.com
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220519064919/https://www.vulture.com/2014/08/leftovers-recap-season-1-e6-guest-nora-holy-wayne.html
| date=3 November 2007
|archive-date = May 19, 2022
| url=http://www.scorehero.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35238
|df = dmy-all
| accessdate =5 June 2008}}</ref>
}}</ref><ref name="HBO Episode Summary">{{cite web
|title = The Leftovers Season 1 Episode 6
|author = HBO Staff
|publisher = HBO
|date = August 3, 2014
|url = https://www.hbo.com/the-leftovers/season-1/6-guest
|access-date = November 8, 2022
|url-status = live
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220725025128/https://www.hbo.com/the-leftovers/season-1/6-guest
|archive-date = July 25, 2022
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref>


==Track listing== ==Track listing==
{{Track listing {{Track listing
| headline = Side one
| lyrics_credits = yes
| music_credits = yes
| title1 = ] | title1 = ]
| lyrics1 = ] | lyrics1 = ]
Line 290: Line 426:
| lyrics2 = ] | lyrics2 = ]
| music2 = King | music2 = King
| length2 = 2:03 | length2 = 2:02
| title3 = Necrophobic | title3 = Necrophobic
| lyrics3 = Hanneman, King | lyrics3 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| music3 = Hanneman, King | music3 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| length3 = 1:40 | length3 = 1:40
| title4 = Altar of Sacrifice | title4 = Altar of Sacrifice
Line 301: Line 437:
| title5 = Jesus Saves | title5 = Jesus Saves
| lyrics5 = King | lyrics5 = King
| music5 = Hanneman, King | music5 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| length5 = 2:54 | length5 = 2:54
}}
{{track listing
| headline = Side two
| title6 = Criminally Insane | title6 = Criminally Insane
| lyrics6 = Hanneman, King | lyrics6 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| music6 = Hanneman, King | music6 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| length6 = 2:23 | length6 = 2:23
| title7 = Reborn | title7 = Reborn
| lyrics7 = King | lyrics7 = King
| music7 = Hanneman | music7 = Hanneman
| length7 = 2:12 | length7 = 2:11
| title8 = Epidemic | title8 = Epidemic
| lyrics8 = King | lyrics8 = King
| music8 = Hanneman, King | music8 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| length8 = 2:23 | length8 = 2:23
| title9 = Postmortem | title9 = Postmortem
Line 320: Line 459:
| length9 = 3:27 | length9 = 3:27
| title10 = ] | title10 = ]
| lyrics10 = Hanneman, King | lyrics10 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| music10 = Hanneman | music10 = Hanneman
| length10 = 4:54 | length10 = 4:14
| total_length = 28:55
}} }}


{{Track listing {{Track listing
| headline = 1998 re-issue bonus tracks | headline = 1998 re-issue bonus tracks
| title11 = Aggressive Perfector
| lyrics_credits = yes
| lyrics11 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| music_credits = yes
| music11 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| title11 = Aggressive Perfector{{ref label|Aggressive Perfector|}}
| lyrics11 = Hanneman, King
| music11 = Hanneman, King
| length11 = 2:30 | length11 = 2:30
| title12 = Criminally Insane" (Remix) | title12 = Criminally Insane
| note12 = ]
| lyrics12 = Hanneman, King
| music12 = Hanneman, King | lyrics12 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| music12 = {{hlist|Hanneman|King}}
| length12 = 3:18 | length12 = 3:18
| total_length = 34:43
}} }}
:{{note|Aggressive Perfector}} "Aggressive Perfector" was shorter and had clearer production than the previous version featured on the reissue of the ] '']''. The reissue also fixed a problem with some CD pressings which incorrectly set the beginning of "Raining Blood" into the blank pause in "Postmortem".<ref name="Slayer (US) - Reign in Blood">{{cite web| title = Slayer (US) — Reign in Blood| publisher = Metal-archives.com| url = http://www.metal-archives.com/release.php?id=212| accessdate =5 January 2007}}</ref>


==Personnel== ==Personnel==
* ]&nbsp;– ], ] * ]&nbsp;– bass, vocals
* ]&nbsp;– ] and ] * ]&nbsp;– guitars
* ]&nbsp;– lead and rhythm guitar * ]&nbsp;– guitars
* ]&nbsp;– ] * ]&nbsp;– drums


;Production '''Production'''
* ]&nbsp;– ]
* ]&nbsp;– artwork * ]&nbsp;– artwork
* ]&nbsp;– ] * ]&nbsp;– ]
* ]&nbsp;– ] * ]&nbsp;– ]
* ]&nbsp;– ]


==Charts and certifications== ==Charts==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
;Charts
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|- |-
!scope="col"|Chart (1986-1987)
! Chart
! Peak<br/>position !scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|- |-
{{album chart|UK2|47|date=19870426|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|{{Album chart|Oricon|264|M|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/97164/products/830913/1/|title=レイン・イン・ブラッド - スレイヤー - ORICON STYLE}}
|- |-
|{{Album chart|UK|47|artist=Slayer}} {{album chart|Billboard200|94|artist=Slayer|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|- |-
!scope="col"|Chart (2006)
|{{Album chart|Billboard200|94|artist=Slayer}}
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|- |-
{{album chart|Ireland2|80|artist=Slayer|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|UKRock|9|date=20060820|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|} |}


{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{{col-2}}
|-
;Certifications
!scope="col"|Chart (2009)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
{{album chart|Oricon|264|M|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/97164/products/830913/1/|title=レイン・イン・ブラッド – スレイヤー – Oricon Style|rowheader=true}}
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
!scope="col"|Chart (2022)
!scope="col"|Peak<br/>position
|-
{{album chart|Poland|48|id=1463|rowheader=true|access-date=November 8, 2023}}
|}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry |region=United States |artist=Slayer |title=Reign in Blood |type=album |award=Gold}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Slayer|title=Reign in Blood|award=Silver|type=album|relyear=1086|certyear=2023|id=19172-1879-2|accessdate=28 July 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Slayer|title=Reign in Blood|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=1986|certyear=1992|accessdate=28 July 2023}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true}}
{{col-end}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="allmusic_mw0000191741">{{cite web|last1=Huey|first1=Steve|title=Slayer – Reign in Blood|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/reign-in-blood-mw0000191741|website=AllMusic|access-date=February 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014044933/http://www.allmusic.com/album/reign-in-blood-mw0000191741|archive-date=October 14, 2014}}</ref>
}}


==Notes== ===Notes===
* {{cite book |last=Weisbard |first=Eric |author2=Marks, Craig |title=Spin Alternative Record Guide |publisher=Vintage Books |year=1995 |isbn=0-679-75574-8}} * {{cite book |last=Weisbard |first=Eric |author2=Marks, Craig |title=Spin Alternative Record Guide |publisher=Vintage Books |year=1995 |isbn=0-679-75574-8}}


==External links== ==External links==
<!-- This is a licensed stream for the album, which is allowed under Misplaced Pages polices --> <!-- This is a licensed stream for the album, which is allowed under Misplaced Pages polices -->
* (]) at ] (streamed copy where licensed) * (]) at ] (streamed copy where licensed)


{{Slayer}} {{Slayer}}
{{Featured article}} {{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Reign In Blood}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Reign In Blood}}
Line 394: Line 554:
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 03:39, 12 December 2024

1986 studio album by Slayer
Reign in Blood
An image of the album cover featuring a demonic creature being carried on a chair by two people on each side. These people are carrying it over a sea of blood where several heads of corpses are floating. In the top left corner of the album is Slayer's logo while in the bottom right corner is the album title "Reign in Blood".
Studio album by Slayer
ReleasedOctober 20, 1986
RecordedJanuary–March 1986
StudioHit City West, Los Angeles, California
GenreThrash metal
Length28:55
Label
Producer
Slayer chronology
Hell Awaits
(1985)
Reign in Blood
(1986)
South of Heaven
(1988)
Singles from Reign in Blood
  1. "Postmortem"
    Released: 1986
  2. "Criminally Insane (Remix)"
    Released: 1987

Reign in Blood is the third studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer, released on October 20, 1986, by Def Jam Recordings. The album was the band's first collaboration with producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve. The release date of the album was delayed because of concerns regarding the lyrical subject matter of the opening track "Angel of Death", which refers to Josef Mengele and describes acts such as human experimentation that he committed at the Auschwitz concentration camp. The band's members stated that they did not condone Nazism and were merely interested in the subject.

Reign in Blood was well received by both critics and fans, and was responsible for bringing Slayer to the attention of a mainstream metal audience. Today, it is often mentioned among the greatest heavy metal records ever. In their 2017 listing of the 100 Greatest Metal albums of all time, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Reign in Blood at #6. Alongside Anthrax's Among the Living, Megadeth's Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?, and Metallica's Master of Puppets, Reign in Blood helped define the sound of the emerging US thrash metal scene in the mid-1980s, and has remained influential since. The album was Slayer's first to enter the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 94, and was certified Gold on November 20, 1992. In 2013, NME ranked it at number 287 in its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Background

Slayer composed the material for Reign in Blood following their return from a tour of Europe. Guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman wrote much of the album's music on their own, and quickly taught it to drummer Dave Lombardo. The band recorded instrumental demos of the songs (which King described as "just the best 10 songs we had at that point") and took them to Brian Slagel, the band's manager at the time.

Following the positive reception Slayer's previous release Hell Awaits had received, the band's producer and manager Brian Slagel realized the band were in a position to hit the "big time" with their next album. Slagel negotiated with several record labels, among them Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons' Def Jam Recordings. However, Slagel was reluctant to have the band signed to what was at the time primarily a hip hop label. Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo was made aware of Rubin's interest, and he initiated contact with the producer. However, Slayer's remaining members were apprehensive of leaving Metal Blade Records, with whom they were already under contract.

Lombardo contacted Columbia Records, which was Def Jam's distributor, and managed to get in touch with Rubin, who along with photographer Glen E. Friedman agreed to attend one of the band's concerts. Friedman had produced Suicidal Tendencies's self-titled debut album, in which Slayer vocalist Tom Araya made a guest appearance in the music video for the album's single "Institutionalized", pushing Suicidal Tendencies's vocalist Mike Muir. Around this time, Rubin asked Friedman if he knew Slayer.

Guitarist Jeff Hanneman was surprised by Rubin's interest in the band, and was impressed by his work with the hip hop acts Run-DMC and LL Cool J. During a visit by Slagel to a European music convention, Rubin spoke with the band directly, and persuaded them to sign with Def Jam. Slagel paid a personal tribute to Rubin, and said that Rubin was the most passionate of all the label representatives the band were in negotiations with. Following the agreement, Friedman brought the band members to Seattle for two days of publicity shots, possible record shots, and photos for a tour book; Rubin felt no good photos of the band had been taken before that point. One of the photos was used on the back cover of the band's 1988 release South of Heaven.

Cover art

The cover artwork was designed by Larry Carroll, who at the time was creating political illustrations for The Progressive, Village Voice, and The New York Times. Carroll was hired at Rubin's behest. Despite its warm reception, the band members themselves originally did not like the image. King said, "Nobody in the band wanted that cover. We were stuck with it." He even described the artist as a "warped demented freak," although Carroll went on to make cover arts for their next two albums, South of Heaven (1988) and Seasons in the Abyss (1990), as well as Christ Illusion (2006). By a differing account, Araya recalled that he "thought it was amazing" and "liked it immediately". He also stated that there were three different variations of the album cover in its conceptual stages, with the final version incorporating elements of all three.

It was believed that Columbia Records initially refused to release Reign in Blood because of the disturbing imagery. Araya refuted this claim in 2016 saying that it was because of the song "Angel of Death" and it had nothing to do with the cover art.

Recording and production

Reign in Blood was recorded and produced at Hit City West in Los Angeles with Rubin producing and Andy Wallace engineering. The album was the label boss' first professional experience with heavy metal, and his fresh perspective led to a drastic makeover of Slayer's sound. Steve Huey of AllMusic believed Rubin drew tighter and faster songs from the band, and delivered a cleanly produced sound that contrasted sharply with their previous recordings. This resulted in drastic changes to Slayer's sound, and changed audiences' perception of the band. Araya has since stated their two previous releases were not up to par production-wise. Guitarist Kerry King later remarked that "t was like, 'Wow—you can hear everything, and those guys aren't just playing fast; those notes are on time.'"

According to Araya, it was Hanneman's idea to add the scream for the introduction in "Angel of Death." Araya did several takes but ended up using the first one. By a differing account, Araya stated the scream was done in two takes, with the second take going on to appear on the album.

The album's production is noted by the band Rubin's omission of reverberation, which King said made the album sound "way more threatening". He compared the band's use of reverb on previous releases to the likes of Venom and Merciful Fate, saying "we played in Reverb Land, for a lack of a better term." Upon hearing the album's mix, King said the band " like, 'why didn't we think of that before?'" Rubin himself said, "when I hear very fast music like Metallica, and the sounds are big sounds… the whole thing gets blurry, and you can't really hear it If the music you're playing is fast and if the sounds are big, there's not enough space for those big sounds to happen next to each other. There's no punctuation; it becomes a blur I didn't want it to be a blur of bass; I wanted it to be a pulse." Rubin's lack of experience as a heavy metal producer at the time allowed him to work outside the general tropes of the genre. He said, "I didn't have the baggage of what the old way of doing it was And in this case, these forms of music were so new that the old way would've lessened their impact. It wouldn't have made them better." He limited his use of studio effects to what he felt was absolutely necessary. Rubin's approach to the album's production resulted in a "stripped-back, punchy" sound.

Hanneman later admitted that while the band was listening to Metallica and Megadeth at the time, they were finding the repetition of guitar riffs tiring. He said, "If we do a verse two or three times, we're already bored with it. So we weren't trying to make the songs shorter—that's just what we were into," which resulted in the album's short duration of 29 minutes. The band realized the album's runtime only when they were finishing up with its mixing with engineer Andy Wallace. The band weren't sure whether they would have to hit the studio to create more material or just leave it, so they turned to Rubin. "His only reply was that it had 10 songs, verses, choruses and leads and that's what constituted an album. He didn't have any issue with it," Araya told Metal Hammer.

King had stated that while hour-long records seem to be the trend, "ou could lose this part; you could cut this song completely, and make a much more intense record, which is what we're all about." When the record was completed, the band met with Rubin, who asked: "Do you realize how short this is?" Slayer members looked at each other, and replied: "So what?" The entire album was on one side of a cassette; King stated it was "neat", as "You could listen to it, flip it over, and play it again." The music is abrasive and faster than previous releases, helping to narrow the gap between thrash metal and its predecessor hardcore punk, and is played at an average of 220 beats per minute.

Lombardo's departure

Lombardo (pictured) on departing Slayer: "I wasn't making any money. I think I had just gotten married, and I figured if we were gonna be doing this professionally—on a major label—I wanted my rent and utilities paid."

Following the album's recording sessions, Slayer embarked on the Reign in Pain tour with the bands Overkill in the United States and Malice in Europe; they also served as the opening act for W.A.S.P.'s U.S. tour in 1987. In late 1986, drummer Lombardo quit the band. To continue the tour Slayer enlisted Whiplash drummer Tony Scaglione.

Rubin called Lombardo daily to insist he return, telling him: "Dude, you gotta come back in the band." Rubin offered Lombardo a salary, but he was still hesitant about returning; at this point Lombardo had been out of the band for several months. Lombardo returned in 1987; Rubin came to his house and picked him up in his Porsche, taking him to a Slayer rehearsal.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
The Guardian
Kerrang!
Rock Hard9.5/10
The Rolling Stone Album Guide
Spin Alternative Record Guide10/10
Stylus MagazineA+
The Village VoiceB+

Although the album received no radio airplay, it was the band's first release to enter the Billboard 200, where it debuted at #127, and attained its peak position of 94 in its sixth week. The album also reached #47 on the UK Album Chart, and on November 20, 1992, it was certified gold in the US.

Reign in Blood was critically acclaimed by the underground and mainstream music press. Reviewing for AllMusic, Steve Huey awarded the album five out of five, describing it a "stone-cold classic." Stylus Magazine critic Clay Jarvis awarded the album an A+ grade, calling it a "genre-definer," as well as "the greatest metal album of all time." Jarvis further remarked the song "Angel of Death" "smokes the asses of any band playing fast and/or heavy today. Lyrically outlining the horrors to come, while musically laying the groundwork for the rest of the record: fast, lean and filthy." Kerrang! magazine described it as the "heaviest album of all time," and listed the album at #27 among the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time". Metal Hammer magazine named it "the best metal album of the last 20 years" in 2006. Q Magazine ranked Reign in Blood among their list of the "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time", and Spin Magazine ranked the album #67 on their list of the "100 Greatest Albums, 1985–2005". Critic Chad Bowar stated: "1986's Reign in Blood is probably the best thrash album ever recorded." In August 2014, Revolver placed the album on its "14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own" list. In 2017, it was ranked 6th on Rolling Stone's list of "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time".

Adrien Begrand of PopMatters observed that "here's no better song to kick things off than the masterful 'Angel of Death', one of the most monumental songs in metal history, where guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman deliver their intricate riffs, drummer Dave Lombardo performs some of the most powerful drumming ever recorded, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya screams and snarls his tale of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele." When asked why Reign in Blood has retained its popularity, King replied: "If you released Reign in Blood today, no one would give a shit. It was timing; it was a change in sound. In thrash metal at that time, no one had ever heard good production on a record like that. It was just a bunch of things that came together at once." Decibel inducted Reign in Blood into the Decibel Magazine Hall of Fame in November 2004, being the first album to earn such award.

Legacy

Reign in Blood is regarded by critics as one of the most influential and extreme thrash metal albums. In its "Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time" poll, MTV praised Slayer's "downtuned rhythms, infectious guitar licks, graphically violent lyrics and grisly artwork," which they stated "set the standard for dozens of emerging thrash bands," while "Slayer's music was directly responsible for the rise of death metal." MTV described Reign in Blood as essential listening, and the album was ranked number 7 on IGN's "Top 25 Most Influential Metal Albums".

"Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" were played at almost every show.

Asked during a press tour for 1994's Divine Intervention about the pressure of living up to Reign in Blood, King replied that the band did not try to better it, but just wanted to make music. In 2006, Blabbermouth's Don Kaye drew a comparison to the band's 2006 album Christ Illusion, and concluded, "Slayer may never make an album as incendiary as Reign in Blood again."

Rapper Necro was heavily influenced by the album, and has remarked that it takes him back to the 1980s, "when shit was pure". Ektomorf vocalist Zoltán Farkas describes the album as one of his primary influences. Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse stated Lombardo's performance on the album helped him play faster throughout his career. Kelly Shaefer of Atheist said: "When Reign in Blood came out it changed everything! That is easily the best extreme metal record ever!"

Hanneman said that the album was his personal favorite, reasoning it was "so short and quick and to the point".

Paul Bostaph – Slayer's drummer from 1992 to 2001, and from 2013 to 2019 – first heard the record while a member of Forbidden. At a party, he walked towards music he heard from another room, and approached Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero. Asked what was playing, Locicero shouted, "The new Slayer record." After listening closely, Bostaph looked at Locicero, and concluded his band was "fucked".

Oderus Urungus of Gwar cited 'Altar of Sacrifice' as his favourite Slayer song: "It's the one I would always play for my friends when I was getting into Slayer. They would get this glazed look in their eyes and worship the speakers while doing the devil-horn thing."

In 2006, the album won a Metal Hammer award for Best Album of the Last 20 Years. That same year, the album's cover art was featured in Blender Magazine's 2006 "top ten heavy metal album covers of all time."

In 2005, Rock Hard ranked the album at number six on its list of the "500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time." In 2016, Loudwire ranked Reign in Blood #1 among Slayer's eleven studio albums. In 2013, NME ranked it at number 287 in its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Live performances

The tracks "Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" have become almost permanent additions to Slayer's live set, and were Hanneman's favorite tracks to play live. The band played Reign in Blood in its entirety throughout the fall of 2004, under the tour banner "Still Reigning". In 2004, a live DVD of the same name was released, which included a finale with the band covered in fake blood during the performance of "Raining Blood".

King later said that while the idea of playing Reign in Blood in its entirety was suggested before by their booking agency, it was met with little support. The band ultimately decided they needed to add more excitement to their live shows, and to avoid repetition incorporated the ideas of raining blood. When asked about using fake blood in future performances, King remarked: "It's time to move on, but never say never. I know Japan never saw it, South America and Australia never saw it. So you never know." In 2008 the band performed Reign in Blood in its entirety once again, this time in Paris, France, during the third European Unholy Alliance Tour.

Although it was omitted from a number of concerts because of short time allotments, Slayer have often said that they enjoy playing the album in its entirety. According to Hanneman: "We still enjoy playing these songs live. We play these songs over and over and over, but they're good songs, intense songs! If it were melodic songs or some kind of boring 'clap your hands' song, you'd be going crazy playing those every night. But our songs are just bam-bam-bam-bam, they're intense." The band was on stage for 70 minutes, which allowed only seven or eight additional songs to be played following the album's play. King stated this arrangement "alienates too many people". In the Unholy Alliance Tour of 2004, however, the album was played in its entirety during Slayer's set as the last ten songs to end the show. The album was performed live at the I'll Be Your Mirror London festival in May 2012. In May 2014, it was announced that Slayer would perform the album in its entirety at Riot Fest in Chicago and Denver.

Controversy

Lyrical themes

Def Jam's distributor, Columbia Records, refused to distribute the album due to the song "Angel of Death", because of its setting and description of the Holocaust. Reign in Blood was eventually distributed by Geffen Records; however, due to the controversy it did not appear on Geffen's release schedule and the Geffen logo was not put on the album.

For the album, Slayer decided to abandon much of the earlier Satanic themes explored on their previous album Hell Awaits, and write about issues that were more on a street level. Reign in Blood's lyrics include death, religion, insanity, and murder, while the lead track "Angel of Death" details human experiments conducted at the Auschwitz concentration camp by Josef Mengele, who was dubbed "the Angel of death" by inmates. The song led to accusations of Nazi sympathizing and racism, which have followed the band throughout their career.

Hanneman was inspired to write "Angel of Death" after he read a number of books on Mengele during a Slayer tour. Hanneman has complained people usually misinterpret the lyrics, and clarified: "Nothing I put in the lyrics that says necessarily he was a bad man, because to me — well, isn't that obvious? I shouldn't have to tell you that." The band utilized the controversy to attract publicity, incorporating the Reichsadler into their logo (also the S in the band's name resembles the Sig runes used by the SS), and writing a song in Divine Intervention titled "SS-3" --- which depicts Reinhard Heydrich, the second in command in the Schutzstaffel, his assassination by the Czechoslovak Resistance, and the bloody reprisals for it.

Song covers

"Raining Blood" was covered by Tori Amos on her 2001 album Strange Little Girls. King has admitted that he thought the cover was odd: "It took me a minute and a half to find a spot in the song where I knew where she was. It's so weird. If she had never told us, we would have never known. You could have played it for us and we'd have been like, 'What's that?' Like a minute and a half through I heard a line and was like, 'I know where she's at!'". The band, however, liked the cover enough to send Slayer T-shirts to her. The song was also covered by Malevolent Creation, Chimaira, Vader, Dokaka, Reggie and the Full Effect and Killick Erik Hinds, who covered the entire album on a H'arpeggione. "Raining Blood" was also covered by the New Zealand drum and bass band Concord Dawn on their 2003 album Uprising, and by Nashville, Tennessee band Asschapel on their 7" "Satanation". A medley of "Raining Blood" and "Postmortem" appears on Body Count's 2016 album Bloodlust, preceded by a short monologue by lead singer Ice-T where he names Slayer as both a major influence on Body Count and as one of his favorite bands of all time "and always will be"; a video for Body Count's version was released in August 2017.

In 2005, the Slayer tribute band Dead Skin Mask released an album with eight Slayer tracks, including "Angel of Death". The death metal band Monstrosity covered the song in 1999, while the track was featured on the classical band Apocalyptica's 2006 album Amplified / A Decade of Reinventing the Cello. A Slayer tribute album titled Al Sur del Abismo (Tributo Argentino a Slayer), compiled by Hurling Metal Records, featured sixteen tracks covered by Argentina metal bands, including Asinesia's version of "Angel of Death".

Popular culture

"Raining Blood" was featured in the South Park episode, "Die Hippie, Die", which aired on March 16, 2005. The plot centers on the town of South Park, which has been overrun by hippies. Eric Cartman states "Hippies can't stand death metal" and proceeds to drill through a hippie concert onto the main stage to change the audio to "Raining Blood", making the hippies run away. King found the episode humorous and expressed his appreciation for the show, ending the interview with "It was good to see the song being put to good use, if we can horrify some hippies we've done our job." "Angel of Death" also appears in several movies, including Gremlins 2, at the point when the character Mohawk turns into a spider, Jackass: The Movie, where it is played during a car stunt scene, and in the 2005 Iraq War documentary Soundtrack to War.

"Angel of Death" was featured in the multi–platform video game Tony Hawk's Project 8. Nolan Nelson, who selected the soundtrack for the game, asserts: "one of the greatest heavy metal songs ever recorded. Don't know who Slayer is? I feel sorry for you." "Raining Blood" is also one of the songs featured in Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock and later Guitar Hero Smash Hits, and is considered one of the most difficult songs in the game, if not the hardest of the career song list. "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood" are both available as DLC for Rocksmith 2014 and for the Rock Band series.

In season 1, episode 6 of The Leftovers, the character Nora Durst (played by Carrie Coon) pays a prostitute to shoot her in the chest while she wears a Kevlar vest, playing "Angel of Death" to mask the sound of gunfire.

Track listing

Side one
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."Angel of Death"Jeff HannemanHanneman4:51
2."Piece by Piece"Kerry KingKing2:02
3."Necrophobic"
  • Hanneman
  • King
  • Hanneman
  • King
1:40
4."Altar of Sacrifice"KingHanneman2:50
5."Jesus Saves"King
  • Hanneman
  • King
2:54
Side two
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
6."Criminally Insane"
  • Hanneman
  • King
  • Hanneman
  • King
2:23
7."Reborn"KingHanneman2:11
8."Epidemic"King
  • Hanneman
  • King
2:23
9."Postmortem"HannemanHanneman3:27
10."Raining Blood"
  • Hanneman
  • King
Hanneman4:14
Total length:28:55
1998 re-issue bonus tracks
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
11."Aggressive Perfector"
  • Hanneman
  • King
  • Hanneman
  • King
2:30
12."Criminally Insane" (remix)
  • Hanneman
  • King
  • Hanneman
  • King
3:18
Total length:34:43

Personnel

Production

Charts

Chart (1986-1987) Peak
position
UK Albums (OCC) 47
US Billboard 200 94
Chart (2006) Peak
position
Irish Albums (IRMA) 80
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) 9
Chart (2009) Peak
position
Japanese Albums (Oricon) 264
Chart (2022) Peak
position
Polish Albums (ZPAV) 48

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) Silver 60,000
United States (RIAA) Gold 500,000

Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. "FMQB" (PDF). p. 46.
  2. "Touring Blood", Decibel Magazine, April 2008, p. 57.
  3. ^ Hess, Mike (July 23, 2003). "Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?". Nighttimes.com. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2007.
  4. Cummins, Johnson. "Slayer's Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids". MontrealMirror.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2002. Retrieved December 2, 2006.
  5. Weingarten, Christopher R.; Beaujour, Tom; Shteamer, Hank; Kelly, Kim; Smith, Steve; Spanos, Brittany; Exposito, Suzy; Bienstock, Richard; Grow, Kory; Epstein, Dan; Considine, J. D.; Greene, Andy; Sheffield, Rob; Begrand, Adrien; Christe, Ian (June 21, 2017). "The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone.
  6. Rocklist.net NME: The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time : October 2013
  7. Mudrian, Albert (July 14, 2009). Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces. Da Capo Press. p. 49.
  8. ^ "An exclusive oral history of Slayer". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on October 20, 2006. Retrieved January 3, 2007.
  9. Mudrian, Albert (July 14, 2009). Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces. Da Capo Press. p. 54.
  10. Wiederhorn, Jon. "Fascinating Facts You Didn't Know About Slayer's 'Reign In Blood'". Ranker. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  11. Mudrian, Albert (July 14, 2009). Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces. Da Capo Press. p. 55.
  12. Loudwire (March 9, 2016). "Slayer's Tom Araya - Misplaced Pages: Fact or Fiction?". YouTube. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  13. Ferris, D.X. (2008). "Recording Blood". Reign in Blood. 33⅓. Continuum. p. 89. ISBN 978-1-4411-3241-3.
  14. ^ Huey, Steve. "Reign in Blood – Slayer". AllMusic. Retrieved January 5, 2007.
  15. La Briola, John (July 22, 2004). "Slay Ride". Westword.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved April 4, 2007.
  16. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: LoudWire (March 9, 2016). "Slayer's Tom Araya - Misplaced Pages: Fact or Fiction?". YouTube. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  17. Mudrian, Albert (July 14, 2009). Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces. Da Capo Press. pp. 53–54.
  18. Mudrian, Albert (July 14, 2009). Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces. Da Capo Press. p. 50.
  19. Barrios, Joel (November 2, 2024). "RICK RUBIN Explains The Unique Production Behind SLAYER's Reign In Blood: "I Was More Subtractive Than Additive, Getting Back To The Essence"". Metal Injection. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  20. Schaffner, Lauryn (October 7, 2019). "Slayer's 'Reign in Blood': 10 Facts Only Superfans Would Know". Loudwire.
  21. Haug, Andrew (October 13, 2006). "Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer". Abc.net.au. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2007.
  22. ^ Huey, Steve. "Slayer – Reign in Blood". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 14, 2014. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  23. Lawson, Dom. "Slayer: Reign in Blood vinyl reissue – review". The Guardian. Archived from the original on December 21, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  24. Russell, Xavier (October 2, 1986). "Blood Feast". Kerrang!. Vol. 130. London, UK: United Magazines Ltd. p. 18.
  25. Schäfer, Wolfgang. "Rock Hard". issue 19. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  26. Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (2004). The Rolling Stone Album Guide. New York City, New York: Simon and Schuster. pp. 741–742. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8. rolling stone slayer album guide.
  27. Weisbard & Marks, 1995, p. 358.
  28. ^ Jarvis, Clay (September 1, 2003). "Reign in Blood". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on May 11, 2006. Retrieved April 7, 2007.
  29. Christgau, Robert (March 31, 1987). "Christgau's Consumer Guide". The Village Voice. New York. Archived from the original on May 7, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
  30. "Search results". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007. Retrieved October 15, 2007.
  31. "Artist Chart History". Billboard.com. Retrieved March 25, 2007.
  32. "Slayer's 1985–1986 discography". Rockdetector.com. Archived from the original on March 2, 2007. Retrieved January 1, 2007.
  33. "RIAA – Artist Slayer". RIAA.com. Archived from the original on June 26, 2007. Retrieved February 14, 2007.
  34. "Lostprophets scoop rock honours". BBC News. August 25, 2006. Archived from the original on January 10, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2007.
  35. Russell, Xavier (January 21, 1989). "Slayer 'Reign in Blood'". Kerrang!. Vol. 222. London, UK: Spotlight Publications Ltd.
  36. "Golden Gods Awards Winners". Metal Hammer. June 13, 2006. Archived from the original on December 9, 2006. Retrieved January 10, 2007.
  37. "Q 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time". Q. Archived from the original on February 24, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2007.
  38. "100 Greatest Albums, 1985–2005". Spin. June 20, 2005. Archived from the original on March 12, 2007. Retrieved April 9, 2007.
  39. Bowar, Chad. "What is Thrash metal?". heavymetal.about.com. Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2008.
  40. "14 Thrash Albums You Need to Own". Revolver.com. August 29, 2014. Archived from the original on August 31, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
  41. Grow, Kory (June 21, 2017). "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media LLC. Archived from the original on June 24, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  42. Begrand, Adrien (23 January 2004). "The Devil in Music". Popmatters.com. Archived from the original on 15 March 2007. Retrieved 22 February 2007.
  43. "Kerrang! interview with Kerry King about God Hates Us All album". Slayersaves. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2007.
  44. Chase, Jesse (November 2, 2004). "Slayer – "Reign in Blood"". Decibel. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  45. "Why They Rule – #6 Slayer". MTV. Archived from the original on July 18, 2006. Retrieved January 18, 2006.
  46. D. Spense, T. Ed (19 January 2007). "IGN Top 25 Metal Albums". IGN. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2007.
  47. Kaye, Don. "Slayer Christ Illusion (American)". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved February 20, 2007.
  48. "Death-Rapper Necro to Make European Live Debut in London". Blabbermouth.net. November 27, 2006. Retrieved January 18, 2006.
  49. Yiannis, D (November 12, 2006). "Interview with Zoltan Farkas of Ektomorf". Metal-Temple. Archived from the original on November 18, 2006. Retrieved February 18, 2007.
  50. Wilson, David L. (13 December 1999). "Interview with Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse". Metal-rules.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2007.
  51. "Tribute to Jeff Hanneman (1964–2013)". metalcrypt.com. June 8, 2013. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  52. ^ Steffens, Charlie (30 May 2006). "Interview with Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman". KNAC.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2007.
  53. Arnopp, Jason (September 20, 1997). "The Kerrang! Challenge". Kerrang!. p. 53.
  54. "Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards – antiMUSIC News". www.antimusic.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
  55. Popoff, Martin, Dunn, Sam and McFadyen, Scot. "The Top Ten Greatest Heavy Metal Album Covers of All Time". Blender Magazine. Archived from the original on October 19, 2006. Retrieved January 9, 2007.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  56. Schäfer, Wolfgang (2005). "Reign in Blood". In Rensen, Michael (ed.). Best of Rock & Metal - Die 500 stärksten Scheiben aller Zeiten [The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time] (in German). Rock Hard. p. 227. ISBN 3-89880-517-4. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  57. "Slayer Albums Ranked". Loudwire. Archived from the original on January 26, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  58. Rocklist.net NME: The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time : October 2013
  59. Davis, Brian (July 26, 2004). "Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman". KNAC.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved December 13, 2006.
  60. Patrizio, Andy (11 January 2005). "Slayer: Still Reigning The landmark metal album performed in its entirety". IGN. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2007.
  61. "Kerry King of Slayer". Metal-Rules.com. 4 November 2004. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2007.
  62. ^ Atkinson, Peter (24 April 2006). "Songs about God and Satan – Part 1: An Interview with Slayer's Kerry King". KNAC.com. Archived from the original on 26 November 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2007.
  63. "Slayer Concert Setlist at Le Zénith, Paris on November 11, 2008". setlist.fm. Archived from the original on October 17, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  64. Lahtinen, Luxi (18 December 2006). "Slayer — Jeff Hanneman". Metal-Rules.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 27 February 2007.
  65. Lahtinen, Luxi (11 April 2004). "Kerry King of Slayer". Metal-Rules.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 20 February 2007.
  66. "I'll Be Your Mirror London 2012 curated by Mogwai & ATP – All Tomorrow's Parties". Atpfestival.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  67. Young, Alex (15 May 2014). "Riot Fest's 2014 lineup gets more insane: 10 bands will perform classic albums in full". consequence.net. Archived from the original on 19 June 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  68. Gargano, Paul. "Slayer – Tom Araya – January 2007". Maximum Ink Music Magazine. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2007.
  69. "moreorless : heroes & killers of the 20th century — Josef Mengele". Moreorless.com. April 30, 2001. Archived from the original on December 5, 2006. Retrieved January 5, 2007.
  70. "Master of Death — Heydrich". Auschwitz.dk. Archived from the original on 2 February 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2007.
  71. Barker, Samuel (9 February 2002). "A Conversation with Kerry King". Rockzone.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2007.
  72. Couture, François. "RIB – Erik Hinds". Allmusic. Retrieved April 7, 2007.
  73. "Slayer Tribute Band Dead Skin Mask to Release CD". Blabbermouth.net. December 23, 2004. Retrieved March 11, 2007.
  74. Lehtinen, Arto. "Interview with Monstrosity's Lee Harrison". Metal-Rules.com. Archived from the original on May 17, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2007.
  75. "Apocalyptica: 'Amplified' Collection to Feature New Recordings". Blabbermouth.net. April 4, 2004. Retrieved March 21, 2007.
  76. "Slayer: Argentine Tribute Album Detailed". Blabbermouth.net. June 10, 2006. Retrieved March 11, 2007.
  77. "Die Hippie, Die". Southparkstudios.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved February 13, 2007.
  78. "Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)". Joblo.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  79. "Jackass soundtrack". Cduniverse.com. Archived from the original on 28 December 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  80. "Soundtrack to war". Soundtracktowar.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  81. "Electro vs. Metal – Music is the key of life". IGN. Archived from the original on 10 March 2010. Retrieved 18 February 2007.
  82. bjwdestroyer (3 November 2007). "Raining Blood 5* Expert Guide". Scorehero.com. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2008.
  83. Kelly Braffet (3 August 2014). "The Leftovers Recap: Just Shoot Me". Vulture. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  84. HBO Staff (3 August 2014). "The Leftovers Season 1 Episode 6". HBO. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  85. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  86. "Slayer Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  87. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Slayer". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  88. "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  89. "レイン・イン・ブラッド – スレイヤー – Oricon Style".
  90. "Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart". OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  91. "British album certifications – Slayer – Reign in Blood". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  92. "American album certifications – Slayer – Reign in Blood". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 28, 2023.

Notes

  • Weisbard, Eric; Marks, Craig (1995). Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. ISBN 0-679-75574-8.

External links

Slayer
Studio albums
Live albums
Box sets
Extended plays
Video albums
Songs
Tours
Related articles
Categories: