Legendary drummer Dave Lombardo recently offered fresh insights into the creation of one of thrash metal’s most iconic anthems, Slayer‘s “Raining Blood,” and the influential album it hails from, 1986’s Reign In Blood. Speaking on the 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal podcast with Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, Lombardo recounted the song’s origins and the factors that shaped its groundbreaking sound.
A key revelation centered on the song’s unforgettable intro – a dramatic sequence of thunder, distinctive drumbeats, and lightning-strike guitars. According to Lombardo, this iconic opening was conceived by late Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman.
“Jeff [Hanneman] recorded the demo,” Lombardo explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “He recorded the drums and the guitar and presented that to us at rehearsal. And we thought it was a little odd. It was, like, ‘What? You just want it to start this way?’ And I don’t know where the idea, where the rain came in. But the song was practically done, and it was on cassette. And we thought it was great, at least once the riff kicked in. That blew us away.”
Lombardo also delved into his drumming approach for “Raining Blood” and the Reign In Blood album, citing early influences like the drummers for Iron Maiden, Motörhead, and Judas Priest. He credited producer Rick Rubin, who helmed the album, with significantly refining his creative contributions.
“At that time, obviously, it was Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Judas Priest. So the drummers at that time laid the groundwork for me,” Lombardo said. “But then later, [when we recorded] Reign In Blood, [the album’s producer] Rick Rubin really kind of honed my creativity and he helped me apply the creativity in very special places that impacted the next part of the song… he helped me hone in my creativity and add, let’s say, a creative drum roll to lead into the next section.”
He emphasized that Rubin encouraged a more melodic and song-serving approach to drumming: “So I think that’s where you’re hearing, as a listener, the drums being played in a more melodic form as it’s part of the song instead of, ‘I’m playing drums and I need to show you how good I am at these chops that I’ve developed through the years.’ It wasn’t about that. It’s about the song and making it as special and giving it the right amount of drumming.”
The former Slayer drummer also highlighted the crucial role that extensive touring played in shaping the band’s musicianship and sound. “That’s where you really develop your chops, your stamina, and you start hearing things a little differently from the stage perspective,” he explained. “And I think, at least in my experience, that’s where I started hearing music in a different way, in a more performance way, rather than just creative. It’s, like, you know the power that certain rhythms have when they’re performed live, so you try to record those rhythms as authentically as possible.”
Released on October 7, 1986, via Def Jam Recordings, Reign In Blood was Slayer‘s first collaboration with Rick Rubin and is widely regarded as a landmark album in thrash and speed metal, with Kerrang! magazine once dubbing it “the heaviest album of all time.” Its release was initially delayed due to concerns over its graphic artwork and lyrical themes, particularly the opening track “Angel Of Death,” which referenced N*zi doctor Josef Mengele and his experiments. While this sparked some sketchy allegations, the band consistently stated they did not condone such ideologies but were interested in the subject matter. Despite the controversy, Reign In Blood became Slayer‘s first album to enter The Billboard 200 chart (at No. 94) and was certified gold by the RIAA in 1992.
