Kids Deliver Jaw-Dropping Cover of Slayer’s “Raining Blood” That Stuns Lifelong Metal Fans
Slayer’s “Raining Blood” is considered one of the most sacred tracks in thrash metal history. Released on the landmark 1986 album Reign in Blood, the song quickly became a defining anthem of the genre. For young children to take on such a ferocious piece of music seemed almost unthinkable, yet when the O’Keefe Music Foundation brought it to life, the result shocked and impressed fans around the world.
The O’Keefe Music Foundation (OMF) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free music education, professional recording sessions, and high-quality video production to musicians under 18. By giving young players access to top-level studios and equipment, OMF allows kids to express themselves on the same stage as their musical heroes, creating performances that often go viral.
The “Raining Blood” project was a long-time dream for the foundation. For nearly a decade, OMF searched for the right lineup of young musicians who could handle the song’s technical demands and aggressive style. When they finally assembled the perfect group, the stage was set for one of their most ambitious recordings.
The lineup reflected both talent and diversity of age. Vocals were handled by 14-year-old Kaden Karns, whose raw delivery carried the spirit of Tom Araya. On lead guitar was 15-year-old Eli Dykstra, while 14-year-old John Fowler filled in the crushing rhythm guitar lines. Bass was played by 15-year-old Bailey Couch, and drums were in the hands of 18-year-old Curtis Moss, who provided the relentless double-kick drive the song demands.
Adding to the atmosphere were two of the youngest performers ever featured in an OMF video. Five-year-old Annika Miller played the thunder tube, and her seven-year-old brother Logan handled the rainstick. These contributions cleverly mirrored the storm effects that have become iconic parts of Slayer’s composition, making the performance not just musical but also theatrical.
The session was recorded at Refraze Recording Studio in Dayton, Ohio, a professional environment that gave the children the tools to sound like seasoned veterans. With expert engineers guiding them, the performance captured both the precision of the riffs and the raw power of the original composition.
Despite their youth, the musicians displayed an impressive balance of discipline and freedom. Every riff was executed tightly, yet there was still a sense of fun and reckless abandon—exactly the energy that “Raining Blood” requires. Observers noted that the children approached the song with respect, but also with fearless intensity.
One of the standout elements was the guitar work. Dykstra not only nailed Kerry King’s rapid fire lines but added small touches of his own phrasing. Fowler’s rhythm guitar locked perfectly with the drums, creating the thick wall of sound essential to Slayer’s attack. Together, they replicated the track’s chaotic brilliance while adding youthful personality.
Vocals were equally striking. Karns, just 14 at the time, sang with grit and aggression far beyond his years. His phrasing carried echoes of Tom Araya’s venom but was filtered through a teenager’s raw energy, giving the song a fresh edge that both honored the original and stood on its own merit.
Curtis Moss’s drumming was the backbone. At 18, he was the oldest in the lineup, and his precision on the blast beats and fills gave the performance its relentless power. Fans praised his stamina and consistency, two qualities critical to making “Raining Blood” sound authentic.
The video was released on Valentine’s Day 2018, and the irony of presenting one of metal’s most brutal songs on a day dedicated to love only added to its appeal. Within weeks, the performance racked up more than a million views on YouTube, quickly spreading across social media and metal forums worldwide.
Reactions poured in from lifelong Slayer fans, many of whom admitted they were skeptical at first but blown away after watching. Commenters praised the kids’ skill, with some even claiming the cover outshone attempts by experienced tribute bands. The mixture of innocence and brutality struck a unique chord with viewers.
The use of the thunder tube and rainstick became a talking point, as fans noted how these small details recreated the storm atmosphere in a surprisingly powerful way. It proved that OMF not only focuses on technical skill but also on artistry, making sure each performance connects emotionally as well as musically.
Over time, the “Raining Blood” video became one of OMF’s most celebrated projects, sitting alongside their covers of bands like Tool, Iron Maiden, and Slipknot. It remains a perfect example of the foundation’s mission: to show that age is no barrier to greatness when passion, preparation, and creativity align.
Today, the performance continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. It demonstrates that the essence of metal—its intensity, precision, and refusal to compromise—can thrive even in the hands of children. By respecting Slayer’s legacy while infusing it with youthful spirit, these kids created a rendition that will be remembered for years to come.
