Still Reigning cover

Released 22 years ago this October

Still Reigning

Slayer · 2004

57 min · 16 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of thrash metal aggression paired with haunting melodies and intricate guitar work that defines Slayer's legacy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Angel of Death — Opening with an intense, unforgettable riff, this track encapsulates Slayer's signature sound, blending speed with dark themes centered around the horrors of war.
  • →
    Raining Blood — This climactic anthem features aggressive rhythms and chilling lyrics that have become emblematic of Slayer’s darker aesthetic, often cited as one of the greatest songs in metal history.
  • →
    Jesus Saves — Combining fast-paced instrumentation with provocative lyrics, this track exemplifies Slayer's ability to tackle controversial topics with a bold intensity that resonates with their fanbase.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Slayer's signature thrash sound with a blend of live energy and studio precision, appealing to both fans and newcomers.

What we noticed

  • The last three tracks slow down slightly, allowing for brief moments of melodic introspection before returning to the relentless pace.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic progression with climactic peaks
  • relentless energy for workout sessions
  • aggressive sound for cathartic release
  • wave-like pacing for intense focus

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking melodic or soft sounds
  • prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Captures Slayer's enduring influence and showcases their live performance strength.
Career context
Released on October 26, 2004, 'Still Reigning' came during a time when Slayer was celebrating their enduring influence in the metal scene after over two decades since their debut. This album captures a live performance of their iconic 1990 album 'Seasons in the Abyss', showcasing their technical prowess while also marking their continued relevance in a changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Megadeth· Anthrax· Testament

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Angel of Death 5:17
  • 2 Piece by Piece 2:06
  • 3 Necrophobic 1:52
  • 4 Altar of Sacrifice 2:57
  • 5 Jesus Saves 3:00
  • 6 Criminally Insane 2:38
  • 7 Reborn 2:22
  • 8 Epidemic 2:52
  • 9 Postmortem 4:08
  • 10 Raining Blood 4:28
  • 11 War Ensemble 5:32
  • 12 Hallowed Point 3:28
  • 13 Necrophiliac 3:36
  • 14 Mandatory Suicide 4:10
  • 15 Spill the Blood 4:40
  • 16 South of Heaven 4:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata