SLAYER reign in blood P-13433

Thrash Metal’s Magnum Opus: Slayer’s ‘Reign In Blood’ (P-13433)

Today’s entry focuses on the absolute pinnacle of thrash metal intensity. We are examining the 1987 Japanese Promo Sample pressing of Reign In Blood by Slayer, released on Geffen Records with the catalog number P-13433.

29 Minutes of Pure Aggression

Although released internationally in late 1986, this landmark album hit Japanese shelves on January 25, 1987. Produced by Rick Rubin and engineered by Andy Wallace, Reign In Blood stripped away the reverb and sprawling song structures of the era to create a dry, razor-sharp sound that remains the gold standard for extreme metal. Clocking in at just under 29 minutes, the album is a relentless assault from the opening scream of “Angel Of Death” to the apocalyptic thunder of “Raining Blood.” With tracks like “Jesus Saves” and “Criminally Insane,” the band—featuring the terrifying riffs of Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, the rapid-fire vocals of Tom Araya, and the inhuman drumming of Dave Lombardo—changed the course of heavy music forever.

Warner-Pioneer Promo Rarity

This specific copy is a highly coveted Promo Sample manufactured by Warner-Pioneer Corporation. It is distinguished from the standard retail version by specific industry markings:

- Promo Sticker: A numbered “Sample” (見本盤) sticker is affixed to the rear sleeve.
- Label Markings: The vinyl labels are printed with “Not For Sale” (非売品) and “Sample” characters, identifying it as a copy distributed to radio stations and press before the official launch.

Complete Collector’s Packaging

The packaging for this Japanese release is iconic. It comes housed in the classic cover art by Larry Carroll and includes the original Obi strip and a Japanese/English lyric insert. For thrash metal collectors, this promo pressing represents the cleanest, punchiest analog version of Slayer’s most important work.