Review
Slayer’s third studio beast, "Reign in Blood," unleashed on October 7, 1986, is an earth-shattering milestone in thrash metal. Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, this sonic assault sees Slayer diving deep into the grim and brutal corners of reality, ditching fantasy for themes like serial killers, war, and historical horrors. The album’s ten tracks, packed into an intense under-30-minute barrage, showcase lightning speed and ferocity, with legendary anthems like "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood" etching their names into metal lore.
Despite some critiques about the production's tinny quality, Tom Araya’s shift towards a more melodic vocal approach hammers home the album’s cohesion and raw power. "Reign in Blood" didn’t just shape the thrash scene—it detonated it, influencing a slew of metal subgenres, including death metal and even branching into rap. Its impact on the realm of heavy music is unmatched, rightfully earning its place as one of the greatest metal albums ever forged. - Amanda
Artist Bio
Slayer is a pioneering thrash metal band from California, formed in 1981, and often cited as one of the “Big Four” of thrash alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Known for their aggressive sound and dark lyrical themes, Slayer released their debut album, *Show No Mercy*, in 1983, followed by influential works like *Reign in Blood*, *South of Heaven*, and *Seasons in the Abyss*. Key members over the years have included Tom Araya, Kerry King, Dave Lombardo, Gary Holt, and Paul Bostaph. The band saw notable commercial success with albums like *Christ Illusion* and received recognition such as their induction into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame. Their music sits comfortably alongside bands like Exodus, Testament, and Pantera, with a reputation for intense live shows and a lasting influence on the heavy metal scene.
