SLAYER Reign in Blood (Geffen Records) The Metal Album That Changed Everything! #Slayer #vinylrecords

lbum cover of Slayer's Reign in Blood, featuring a dark and chaotic scene with a goat-headed figure on a throne, distorted human-like figures, and religious symbolism, reflecting the album's intense and macabre themes

"Reign in Blood" is the third studio album and the major label debut by the American thrash metal band Slayer. It was released on 7 October 1986 . The album was the band's first collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve. "Reign in Blood" was universally well received by both critics and fans, and was responsible for bringing Slayer to the attention of a mainstream metal audience. Kerrang! magazine described the record as "the heaviest album of all time," and a breakthrough in thrash metal and speed metal. Alongside Metallica's "Master of Puppets", Anthrax's "Among the Living "and Megadeth's "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?", "Reign in Blood" is considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time, thrash metal in particular.

Essentials
Production & Recording Information
Musicians
Tracklisting
Album Cover Photos
Related Slayer Albums

Album Description:

The 1986 album "Reign in Blood" by Slayer is a seminal release in the history of thrash metal. Released by Geffen Records, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential and intense albums in the genre. Here's some information about the 12" vinyl LP album release:

Album Cover: The album cover features a chilling image of a skeletal angel holding a blood-filled chalice against a black background. The artwork perfectly captures the dark and aggressive tone of the music within.

Slayer's "Reign in Blood" pushed the boundaries of thrash metal, incorporating elements of speed and aggression that were unparalleled at the time. The album features fast, complex guitar riffs, rapid double-bass drumming, and dark, violent lyrics that explore topics like death, war, and anti-religion. The band's tight musicianship, intense energy, and the raw vocal delivery of Tom Araya contributed to its influential status.

"Reign in Blood" has had a profound impact on the metal genre. Its extreme speed and aggression set a new standard for thrash metal, influencing countless bands in the years that followed. The album is often cited as one of the greatest metal albums of all time and has been praised for its technical proficiency, songwriting, and uncompromising attitude.

Due to its controversial lyrical themes, "Reign in Blood" faced criticism and censorship upon its release. Some of the songs were accused of promoting violence and anti-religious sentiments. Despite the controversies, the album gained a dedicated following and solidified Slayer's reputation as one of the most extreme and influential bands in metal.

The 1986 Slayer album "Reign in Blood" on 12" vinyl LP remains a landmark release in the history of thrash metal, showcasing the band's aggressive style and pushing the boundaries of the genre. It continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike for its impact and enduring legacy.

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Geffen Records – 924 131-1

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1986 Europe

Album Packaging

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve ( OIS ) with white background colour with red lettering, on one side there is "Def Jam Recordings" in very large letters, on the other side there are the lyrics of all the songs as well as the production details.

Producers:

Rick Rubin - Producer

Rick Rubin – Producer, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings

I treat Rick Rubin like a musical truth-serum: whatever band walks in, he strips the fluff and leaves the heartbeat. Read more...

Rick Rubin is the guy who helped build Def Jam out of an NYU dorm and then spent decades bouncing between hip-hop, rock, and heavy metal without losing the plot. Before the producer legend, he was literally onstage: 1981–1984 he played guitar in his DIY punk band Hose, gigging around the NYC scene and sharing bills with hardcore staples like Minor Threat and Hüsker Dü. I hear that punk minimalism in his later work—from LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys to Metallica, Slayer, and Johnny Cash—always chasing the cleanest possible version of the song.

Rick Rubin Wiki

Slayer - Producer

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Andy Wallace - Sound Engineer

Andy Wallace is an acclaimed American sound engineer and mixer whose precision and power helped define the sound of modern rock and metal. From Slayer’s brutal thrash to Sepultura’s tribal metal and Nirvana’s grunge revolution, his mixes set new standards in audio production. Read more about Andy Wallace.

Howie Weinberg - Mastering Engineer

Howie Weinberg – Mastering Engineer

Mastering legend with over 200 Gold and Platinum albums to his name. Read more...

Howie Weinberg is a renowned mastering engineer whose work has defined the sound of countless legendary albums. With over 200 Gold and Platinum records, he has mastered classics by Metallica, Nirvana, and Slayer, shaping the sonic punch and clarity of modern rock and metal. His mastering touch became an industry benchmark that still echoes through generations.

Howie Weinberg Wiki

Recording Location:

This album was recorded at: Los Angeles.

Mixed at New Fresh N.Y..C. (New York City)

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Stephen Byram - Album Cover Design

Larry W. Carroll - Illustration

Photography:

Charly Rinne - Photography

Charly Rinne, a pivotal figure in German heavy metal, shaped the scene as Metal Hammer’s first Chief Editor and the founder of No Remorse Records. His work as a producer and photographer defined the look and sound of bands like Scorpions, Helloween, and Kreator, creating legendary album covers and editorial influence. Read Charly's Story

Musicians:

Kerry King - Guitar
Kerry King – Guitars
Co-founding guitarist of Slayer, known for his relentless riffing, chaotic solo style, and an approach to thrash metal that favored aggression over polish. Read more...

Kerry King is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member of Slayer, formed in 1981. His playing style is defined by rapid-fire tremolo riffs, atonal dive-bomb solos, and an unapologetically abrasive tone that helped push thrash metal toward its extreme edge. King co-wrote many of the band’s most recognizable songs, contributing decisively to landmark albums such as Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons in the Abyss. His aggressive musical vision and confrontational stage presence became core elements of Slayer’s identity and long-term influence.

Kerry King Wiki
Jeff Hanneman (1964-2013) - Guitar
Jeff Hanneman – Guitars
Founding guitarist and primary architect of Slayer’s most ruthless material, known for razor-sharp riffs, unsettling themes, and a songwriting style that pushed thrash metal into darker territory. Read more...

Jeff Hanneman was a founding member and guitarist of Slayer and one of the most influential riff writers in extreme metal. Drawing inspiration from punk, hardcore, and war history, his playing favored speed, tension, and brutal simplicity over technical flash. Hanneman co-wrote many of the band’s defining songs, including Angel of Death, Raining Blood, and War Ensemble, helping shape albums such as Reign in Blood and Seasons in the Abyss. His uncompromising approach and dark lyrical focus left a permanent mark on thrash metal’s sound and attitude.

Jeff Hanneman Wiki
Tom Araya - Vocals, Bass
Tom Araya – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Founding voice and bass anchor of Slayer, known for his ferocious delivery, stark lyrical themes, and a presence that helped define thrash metal at its most extreme. Read more...

Tom Araya is a Chilean-American bassist and vocalist best known as the frontman of Slayer, one of thrash metal’s most influential and uncompromising bands. Joining the group in 1981, Araya combined rapid-fire bass lines with an unmistakable vocal attack that ranged from snarled shouts to near-spoken menace. Albums such as Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons in the Abyss cemented his reputation as a defining voice of extreme metal, while his lyrics often explored war, violence, religion, and the darker edges of human psychology. His role in shaping Slayer’s sound and image remains foundational to the genre.

Tom Araya Wiki
Dave Lombardo - Drums
Dave Lombardo – Drums
Revolutionary metal drummer whose speed, precision, and groove redefined what thrash metal drumming could physically do. Read more...

Dave Lombardo is a Cuban-American drummer best known for his work with Slayer, where his explosive double-bass technique and razor-sharp timing set new standards for extreme metal percussion. Joining the band in the early 1980s, Lombardo’s playing became a defining force on albums such as Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons in the Abyss, blending raw speed with unexpected rhythmic complexity. Outside of Slayer, he expanded his range through collaborations with Fantômas, Testament, and Suicidal Tendencies, proving his versatility well beyond thrash. His influence on modern metal drumming is both technical and unavoidable.

Dave Lombardo Wiki

Tracklisting Side One:

Angel of Death
Piece by Piece
Necrophobic
Altar of Sacrifice
Jesus Saves

Tracklisting Side Two:

Criminally
Insane
Reborn
Epidemic
Postmortem
Raining Blood

Front Cover Photo Of SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)

High Resolution Photo #10 SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records) https://vinyl-records.nl — The album front cover for Slayer’s Reign in Blood is a haunting and intricate piece of artwork that captures the dark and aggressive tone of the music within. The imagery is surreal and macabre, dominated by shades of black, red, and earthy tones, creating a sinister atmosphere.

Key elements of the cover include:

1. Central Figure: A goat-headed figure seated on a throne, representing demonic or satanic imagery, surrounded by symbols of chaos and destruction.

2. Distorted Characters: Multiple grotesque and distorted human-like figures are scattered throughout, their expressions and postures evoking anguish, despair, and violence.

3. Religious Overtones: A figure resembling a pope with an exaggerated mitre stands in the foreground, suggesting themes of corruption or critique of organized religion.

4. Chaotic Scene: The background is filled with disturbing details, including severed heads, hanging figures, and a crowd that appears to be in torment, symbolizing themes of death and suffering.

5. Typography: The Slayer logo, in bold red and white with swords forming a pentagram, is prominently displayed in the upper-left corner. The album title, Reign in Blood, appears in a stark and simple font at the bottom right.

The artwork was designed by Larry Carroll and perfectly complements Slayer’s intense, fast, and aggressive music, reinforcing the themes of brutality and nihilism present in the album’s lyrics.

Photo Of The Back Cover SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)

High Resolution Photo #11 SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records) https://vinyl-records.nl

Photo of the inside cover SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)

High Resolution Photo #12 SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records) https://vinyl-records.nl

Photo of the custom inner sleeve SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)

High Resolution Photo #13 SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records) https://vinyl-records.nl

Close up of the record's label

Photo of record label of SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)

Photo of Side One: SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)

High Resolution Photo #14 SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records) https://vinyl-records.nl

Photo of Side Two: SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)

High Resolution Photo #15 SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records) https://vinyl-records.nl

SLAYER – Black Serenade

"Black Serenade" is not an official Slayer album. Released in Germany, it compiles various bonus tracks and B-sides, likely sourced from singles and EPs. While the vinyl itself might be a collector's item

Black Serenade 12" Vinyl LP

SLAYER - Christ Illusion

Slayer’s Christ Illusion (2006) marked the return of drummer Dave Lombardo and showcased the band’s aggressive thrash sound. Featuring Grammy-winning tracks ‘Eyes of the Insane’ and ‘Final Six,’ the album’s controversial Larry Carroll artwork and themes of war and religion cement it as a standout in Slayer’s legendary discography.

Christ Illusion 12" Vinyl LP

SLAYER - Diabolus in Musica

One of the standout features on "Diabolus in Musica" is the songwriting contributions of guitarist Jeff Hanneman. Known for his powerful riffs and dark lyrical themes, Hanneman's influence is palpable throughout the record.

Diabolus in Musica 12" Vinyl LP

SLAYER - Eyes of the Insane

"Eyes of the Insane" is the 2006 single by Slayer, taken from their 2006 album Christ Illusion. The lyrics explore an American soldier's mental anguish following his return home from the second Gulf War

Eyes of the insane (Red Vinyl) 7" Vinyl Single

SLAYER - God Hates Us All

The album opens with the track "Darkness of Christ," which features a sample from a speech by actress Gina Gershon in the film "Bound." This sample sets the stage for the rest of the album, as it is a chilling and ominous

God Hates Us All 12" Vinyl LP

SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel

Slayer's 1984 EP "Haunting the Chapel" showcased their evolving thrash metal sound. Despite sharing the same haunting cover as the US release, the Canadian Banzai 12" Vinyl LP edition holds collector's appeal

SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, Canada) SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, USA)

SLAYER - Hell Awaits

Released in 1985, "Hell Awaits" was the sophomore album from Slayer, following their debut opus, "Show No Mercy." It marked a significant evolution in their sound, as they delved deeper into the dark and macabre territories

Hell Awaits 12" Vinyl LP

SLAYER - Live in Montreux 2002

Slayer's "Live in Montreux - 2002" captures their fiery 2002 performance at the Swiss Jazz Festival. This double LP unleashes thrash anthems like "Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" on hot wax,

Live in Montreux 2002 12" Vinyl 2LP

SLAYER - Live Undead

This reissue includes the bone-crushing bonus track "Chemical Warfare," a studio scorcher that complements the raw energy of the live recordings.

SLAYER - Live Undead ( Record Label with Blood Dripping AXE ) SLAYER - Live Undead (Record Label with Red Guitar)

Metal Blade Records 3984-14033-1, 1984 , USA

SLAYER - Live Undead & Haunting the Chapel

A feral snapshot of Slayer at the moment they stopped warming up and started burning cities. This limited blue vinyl pairs the raw, chaotic violence of the “Live Undead” EP with the studio brutality of “Haunting the Chapel,” capturing the band just before thrash metal fully detonated. Fast, ugly, and gloriously unpolished, this release documents Slayer’s transition from underground menace to genre-defining force.

SLAYER - Reign in Blood

Slayer’s Reign in Blood (1986) is a thrash metal masterpiece renowned for its relentless speed and aggression. Featuring iconic tracks like ‘Angel of Death’ and ‘Raining Blood,’ the album set a new standard for the genre. Its dark themes and technical brilliance earned critical acclaim, making it a landmark release in heavy metal history and a pivotal influence on countless bands.

Reign in Blood 12" Vinyl LP

SLAYER - Seasons in the Abyss

This album Seasons in the Abyss is the fifth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. It was released on 9 October 1990, through Def American Records, and later through American Recordings

Seasons in the Abyss 12" Vinyl LP

SLAYER - Show No Mercy

"Show No Mercy" Three different versions of coloured vinyl, originally released in December 1983. Brian Slagel signed the band to Metal Blade after watching the band perform the song "Phantom of the Opera" by Iron Maiden.

SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black Vinyl, Netherlands) SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Grey Vinyl, UK SLAYER - Show No Mercy (White Vinyl, UK)

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SLAYER - South of Heaven

Slayer’s 1988 album South of Heaven slowed their thrash assault for a darker, atmospheric sound without losing intensity. Featuring “Mandatory Suicide” and the title track, it pushed the genre’s boundaries and cemented the band’s status as metal innovators.

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SLAYER - Reign in Blood 12" Vinyl LP Album - Geffen Records Release

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Essentials of: SLAYER - Reign in Blood (Geffen Records)