"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:
“Don’t tell me it’s raining when you’re peeing on me!”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“It is a strange, strange fate, and now, as I stand face to face with death I feel just as if they were going to kill a boy. For I feel like a boy—and my hands so free from blood and my heart always so compassionate and pitiful that I cannot comprehend how anyone wants to hang me.”
—Roger Casement (1864–1916)