DAVE LOMBARDO Reflects On SLAYER’s ‘Reign In Blood’: ‘The Reviews Weren’t All Great At The Time’
Dave Lombardo says the influence of Slayer’s *Reign in Blood* became clear gradually, as audiences grew and other bands began imitating the group. Reflecting on its 40th anniversary, the former drummer recalled that the album was not universally praised when it came out, despite later being regarded as a landmark in heavy metal.
Released in 1986, the 28-minute, 58-second record was Slayer’s first collaboration with producer Rick Rubin and their first album to enter the Billboard 200, reaching No. 94. Its release was delayed over concerns about its artwork and lyrics; the opening song, “Angel of Death”, drew accusations of Nazi sympathy, which the band rejected. The album was certified gold in 1992 for sales exceeding 500,000 copies.
In short
- Lombardo says *Reign in Blood*’s influence grew over time.
- The album’s early reviews were mixed.
- It reached No. 94 on the Billboard 200.
Explained simply
Slayer are an American heavy metal band known for fast, aggressive music. Drummer Dave Lombardo was part of the group during the making of Reign in Blood, a short album released in 1986 and produced with Rick Rubin. It was Slayer’s first record to reach the US Billboard 200 chart.
The album’s lyrics and cover raised concerns before release, and its opening song, “Angel of Death”, prompted accusations that the band sympathised with Nazis; Slayer rejected that interpretation. The record later sold more than 500,000 copies in the US and became an influential work in heavy metal, as other bands drew on its sound.
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