"Raining Blood" is a song by the American thrash metal band Slayer. Written by Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King for the 1986 studio album Reign in Blood, the concept deals with religion, specifically said to be about overthrowing Heaven. Originally released on the Reign in Blood track listing on October 7, 1986, it was released as a single later that year.
The song is one of only three tracks on Reign in Blood that is longer than three minutes, itself being four minutes and seventeen seconds long. The song ends with a minute of rain sound effects, closing Reign in Blood. Described as a "classic" by Allmusic, it is noticed by fans as one of Slayer's most popular songs. As an almost permanent addition to their live sets, King and Hanneman said it was their favorite song to play live.
There have been many appearances of the song in the media and elsewhere, including the South Park episode, "Die Hippie, Die" and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, said to be one of the hardest songs in the Career Mode setlist. There is also a live appearance of the song in the compilation albums both Headbangers Ball and Hard N' Heavy Vol. 61.
Read more about Raining Blood: Writing and Concept, Composition, Live Performances, Appearances, Cover Versions, Reception, Personnel, In Popular Culture
Famous quotes containing the words raining and/or blood:
“It’s raining my soul, it’s raining, but it’s raining dead eyes.”
—Guillaume Apollinaire (1880–1918)
“Your kind doesn’t just kill men. You murder their spirits, you strangle their last breath of hope and freedom, so that you, the chosen few, can rule your slaves in ease and luxury. You’re a sadist just like the others, Heiser, with no resource but violence and no feeling but fear, the kind you’re feeling now. You’re drowning, Heiser, drowning in the ocean of blood around this barren little island you call the New Order.”
—Curtis Siodmak (1902–1988)