"Raining Blood" is the ferocious closing track from Slayer’s seminal 1986 album Reign in Blood. Written by guitarist Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, the song is a cornerstone of thrash metal and widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential metal tracks ever recorded123.
Concept and Lyrics
The song’s narrative centers on a soul cast out of Heaven, trapped in Purgatory and consumed by a thirst for vengeance. Hanneman described it as "about a guy who's in Purgatory 'cause he was cast out of Heaven. He's waiting for revenge and wants to fck that place up." King expanded: "The rest of the song explains what happens when he starts fcking people up. The lyrics 'Return to power draws near' is because he's waiting to get strong enough again to overthrow Heaven. And then 'Fall into me, the sky's crimson tears' is everybody's blood flowing into him. So basically, 'Raining Blood' is all the angels' blood falling on him"13.
The lyrics are vivid and violent, evoking apocalyptic imagery:
"Trapped in purgatory
A lifeless object, alive
Awaiting reprisal
Death will be their acquiescence
...
Raining blood
From a lacerated sky
Bleeding its horror
Creating my structure
Now I shall reign in blood".
Musical Structure and Impact
"Raining Blood" is renowned for its ominous rain sound effects, explosive riffs, and relentless double-bass drumming. The song opens with 33 seconds of rain and thunder, followed by one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in metal, and closes with another minute of rain, bookending the track in atmospheric menace12. The main riff is considered a hallmark of thrash, and the song’s structure—combining melody, speed, and chaos—has made it a live staple and a fan favorite12.
Reception and Legacy
- Universally hailed as a classic, "Raining Blood" is routinely ranked among the greatest metal songs of all time, topping lists by Loudwire and Kerrang, and featured in Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest heavy metal songs1.
- Its influence extends beyond metal, with its riffs and imagery referenced in pop culture, including a memorable appearance in South Park3.
- The song peaked at #64 on the UK Singles Chart and has been a near-permanent fixture in Slayer’s live sets, often accompanied by theatrical effects such as fake blood raining on stage13.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Reign in Blood (1986) |
| Writers | Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King |
| Concept | Banished soul in Purgatory seeking revenge on Heaven |
| Musical Features | Iconic riffs, double-bass drumming, rain sound effects |
| Reception | Universally acclaimed; considered a thrash/metal classic |
| Chart Performance | #64 UK Singles Chart |
| Legacy | Metal anthem, live staple, pop culture references (e.g., South Park) |
"Raining Blood" remains a defining statement of Slayer’s aggression and a landmark in heavy music, celebrated for its unrelenting energy, dark narrative, and unforgettable riffs123.
