The Making of Reign In Blood by Slayer

Introduction

Released on October 7, 1986, Reign In Blood by Slayer is not just an album; it’s a defining moment in the history of thrash metal. Emerging from the Los Angeles metal scene, Slayer had already carved out a niche with their aggressive sound and dark themes, but Reign In Blood propelled them to the forefront of the genre. Produced by Rick Rubin, this album is a tour de force of speed, precision, and unrelenting ferocity. It set a new standard for metal music, influencing countless bands and earning a place in the canon of heavy music.

This article will explore the genesis of Reign In Blood, its recording process, commercial performance, and critical reception. We’ll delve into the album’s impact, its legacy, and the fascinating stories behind its creation. With detailed insights and anecdotes from band members and industry experts, this is your comprehensive guide to one of the most important albums in metal history.

Upon its release, Reign In Blood was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, debuting at number 94 on the Billboard 200. It was Slayer’s first album to enter the charts, and its influence is still felt today. Kerry King, Slayer’s guitarist, remarked, “If you released Reign In Blood today, no one would give a shit. It was timing; it was a change in sound.” The album’s concise and brutal approach reshaped thrash metal, pushing the boundaries of speed and intensity.

Rick Rubin’s production played a pivotal role in the album’s impact. His fresh perspective brought a clarity and precision that highlighted Slayer’s technical prowess. Jeff Hanneman, Slayer’s guitarist, once said, “Rubin’s production made our music more precise, allowing listeners to appreciate the technical aspects of our playing.” The album’s enduring significance is reflected in its continued presence in lists of the greatest metal albums of all time.

The Genesis of “Reign In Blood”

The mid-1980s were a transformative period for heavy metal, with bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax pushing the boundaries of speed and aggression. Slayer, emerging from the burgeoning Los Angeles metal scene, had already established a reputation for their ferocious live performances and dark lyrical themes. Their previous album, Hell Awaits, had garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for what would become their magnum opus, Reign In Blood.

Slayer’s evolution was marked by a relentless pursuit of speed and intensity. Their earlier works laid the groundwork for Reign In Blood, but it was the collaboration with producer Rick Rubin that truly elevated their sound. Rubin, known for his work with hip-hop artists like Run-DMC and LL Cool J, brought a fresh perspective to Slayer’s music, stripping away unnecessary elements and focusing on clarity and precision. This partnership would prove to be a turning point in Slayer’s career.

The main creative forces behind Reign In Blood were guitarist Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, who wrote the majority of the album’s material. Drummer Dave Lombardo’s powerful, rapid-fire drumming and Tom Araya’s intense vocal delivery completed the band’s signature sound. The album’s artwork, designed by Larry Carroll, was as controversial as the music itself, featuring grotesque imagery that perfectly matched the album’s dark themes.

Financing the recording of Reign In Blood was a challenge. The album was produced with a relatively modest budget, financed by Def Jam Recordings. The collaboration with Rick Rubin, who was primarily known for his work in hip-hop, was initially met with skepticism by some band members. However, Rubin’s passion for the project convinced them to take a leap of faith, and the result was a landmark album that redefined the boundaries of thrash metal.

The title Reign In Blood was conceived by the band to reflect the album’s dark and aggressive themes. The artwork, created by Larry Carroll, featured a disturbing and chaotic scene that mirrored the intensity of the music. Despite initial reservations from the band, the cover has become iconic in the metal community. The album’s themes, which included war, death, and the macabre, were reflected in both the music and the visuals, creating a cohesive and powerful statement.

Recording Process

The recording sessions for Reign In Blood took place at Hit City West in Los Angeles, California, between January and March 1986. This studio, known for its state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics, provided the perfect environment for capturing Slayer’s intense sound. Rick Rubin’s involvement marked his first foray into producing a heavy metal album, and his fresh approach helped shape the final product.

Rick Rubin and engineer Andy Wallace were the key personnel involved in the recording process. Rubin, known for his minimalist production style, focused on capturing the raw energy of Slayer’s performances. Andy Wallace, who would later work on Nirvana’s Nevermind, brought his technical expertise to the project, ensuring that every note was crisp and clear. Together, they created an album that was both sonically powerful and meticulously crafted.

During the recording sessions, Slayer faced several challenges, including the pressure to deliver an album that would surpass their previous work. One notable anecdote involves the recording of Tom Araya’s iconic scream in “Angel of Death,” which was captured in a single take. This raw, visceral energy is a hallmark of the album, and Rubin’s production ensured that it was preserved in the final mix.

Rick Rubin’s approach to production was revolutionary for the time. He stripped away the excessive reverb that had characterized Slayer’s earlier recordings, opting instead for a clean, direct sound that highlighted the band’s technical prowess. This decision was instrumental in shaping the album’s distinctive sound, which would go on to influence countless bands in the years to come.

Other Albums Produced by Rick Rubin

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Reign In Blood quickly established itself as a commercial success, reaching number 94 on the Billboard 200. This was a significant achievement for Slayer, marking their first entry into the mainstream charts. The album’s impact was felt globally, as it also charted in the UK, reaching number 47. The album’s sales were bolstered by its critical acclaim and the band’s relentless touring schedule.

The album was certified Gold in the United States on November 20, 1992, a testament to its enduring popularity. Despite receiving no radio airplay, Reign In Blood sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S., a remarkable feat for a thrash metal album at the time. The album’s commercial success can be attributed to its groundbreaking sound, which resonated with metal fans worldwide.

Slayer Album Sales

The competitive landscape in 1986 was fierce, with several significant metal albums being released. Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Megadeth’s Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, and Anthrax’s Among the Living were all vying for attention. However, Reign In Blood stood out due to its uncompromising intensity and innovative production. It was this combination that helped Slayer carve out a unique niche in the metal world.

Other albums released in 1986:

• Master of Puppets by Metallica [Physical Sales: 6 million]
• Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? by Megadeth [Physical Sales: 1 million]
• Among the Living by Anthrax [Physical Sales: 500,000]

Reign In Blood has received numerous accolades over the years. Rolling Stone ranked it number 6 on their list of the “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time,” and it was inducted into the Decibel Magazine Hall of Fame. Its influence is evident in the countless bands it has inspired, cementing its place as a cornerstone of thrash metal.

Singles and Track Analysis

The singles released from Reign In Blood further cemented its status as a thrash metal masterpiece. “Postmortem” and “Criminally Insane (Remix)” were released as singles in 1986 and 1987, respectively. Both tracks showcased the band’s aggressive style and intricate songwriting, with songwriting credits primarily attributed to Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. These singles helped introduce Slayer to a broader audience, contributing to the album’s commercial success.

Track Listing and Song Meanings

Note: “Angel Of Death” and “Criminally Insane” were released as singles. “Angel Of Death” did not chart, while “Criminally Insane” achieved modest success in the underground metal scene.

Influences and Legacy

Reign In Blood was shaped by a diverse array of musical influences, including punk rock, hardcore, and the emerging thrash metal scene. Bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden had laid the groundwork for heavy metal, but Slayer took it to new extremes with their aggressive style and breakneck speed. The album’s influence extended far beyond its initial release, inspiring countless bands across multiple genres.

Influences and Artists Influenced

The year 1986 was marked by significant cultural and global events. The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28 was a tragic moment in history, while the Chernobyl disaster on April 26 had far-reaching consequences. In the world of cinema, Top Gun dominated the box office, and Platoon captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of the Vietnam War. These events, along with the release of Reign In Blood, made 1986 a year of profound impact and lasting influence.

Five Things about Reign In Blood

Reign In Blood is more than just an album; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Here are five interesting facts about this legendary record:

Media and Television Usage

The music of Reign In Blood has found its way into various media, showcasing its lasting appeal and cultural impact.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Upon its release, Reign In Blood received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. It was praised for its groundbreaking sound, intense performances, and innovative production. Over the years, the album has continued to be celebrated as one of the greatest metal albums of all time.

Review Highlights

After Reign In Blood

Following the release of Reign In Blood, Slayer continued to build on their success with subsequent albums like South of Heaven and Seasons in the Abyss. These albums solidified their status as one of the leading bands in thrash metal, and their influence continued to grow. However, the band also faced challenges, including lineup changes and evolving musical trends.

Despite these challenges, Slayer remained a dominant force in the metal scene. Their live performances were legendary, and their dedication to their craft never wavered. The band’s popularity continued to soar, and they maintained a loyal fan base throughout their career.

As of October 15, 2024, Slayer has officially disbanded, following their farewell tour in 2019. The band members have pursued various solo projects, but the legacy of Slayer and Reign In Blood continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Remasters and Reissues

Over the years, Reign In Blood has been remastered and reissued several times, ensuring that its powerful sound continues to reach new generations of listeners. These releases have included special editions with additional content, such as live recordings and bonus tracks.

Remasters and Reissues

Conclusion

Reign In Blood remains a landmark in the history of heavy metal. Its influence can be heard in the music of countless bands, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. The album’s enduring relevance is a testament to its groundbreaking sound and the vision of its creators.

Reflections from band members highlight the album’s significance. Jeff Hanneman once remarked, “It was so short and quick and to the point,” capturing the essence of what made Reign In Blood so impactful. Kerry King added, “If you released Reign In Blood today, no one would give a shit. It was timing; it was a change in sound.”

For further reading, visit the Wikipedia page for “Reign In Blood”, the official Slayer website, and the Def Jam Recordings website.

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