10 Amazing Albums (That Are Under 30 Minutes)
7. Slayer - Reign In Blood
An album that helped define a subgenre and caused no end of controversy and debate on its 1986 release and beyond, Slayer’s biggest and best record is an all out assault that’s packed with ideas. Indeed so heavy and abrasive is this album in part that it’s probably for the best it doesn’t exceed the 30 minute mark.
Slayer play with fire from the off, with opener “Angel Of Death” detailing the gruesome practises of infamous Nazi Josef Mengele. Unsurprisingly, the band was quickly forced to denounce accusations of racism, and they could hardly be said to be condoning the man in their music. Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman’s guitars are punchy and precise as ever, but the star man is Dave Lombardo, drumming himself to the point of exhaustion as the track reaches its punishing crescendo.
It’s one of the definitive thrash metal albums, but even if you’re not into any of that, the musicianship on display is admirable. The tension and release of “Criminally Insane”, the sheer drama and harmonised riffing of “Raining Blood” - it’s not the least bit subtle, but the detail put into the layered music has kept it influencing new bands to this day.