Bruce's Weekly Metal Album Feature #3 - Reign in Blood by Slayer

Album: Reign in Blood
Artist: Slayer
Release Date: October 7, 1986

This week we're going to be looking at Reign in Blood by Slayer in light of their upcoming final tour and retirement. Before we start, let me just say: this album is a masterpiece.

While this album only lasts a brief 30 minutes, it is filled to the brim with intense guitar riffs and haunting solos. From start to finish, there are no dull or relaxing moments. Tom Araya's scream at the beginning of "Angel of Death" is outright terrifying. The lyrics of the song are just as terrifying, describing the horrors victims in Nazi Germany experienced. The riffs are just as menacing, with outright speed in the beginning and then shifting to a slower groove in the middle; there is no break from the madness. Dave Lombardo's drumming is equally as devious as the guitars and vocals- his double bass-drum drumming is unmatched in speed and precision. The album ends with Raining Blood, a very eerie tune. From the intro with the drums to Tom screaming "Raining Blood!" to the wildly chaotic guitar solo, this track closes out one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time.

Rating: 5/5
Outstanding Tracks: "Angel of Death", "Postmortem", "Raining Blood"