Recorded live at Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine, produced by Arthur Gorson and directed by Dean Karr, “Still Reigning” begins with the crowd chanting “Slayer” in anticipation before they open the set with a blood curdling scream courtesy of vocalist Tom Araya and they explode into “Angel of Death”.
As they play the tracks from their classic album Reign in Blood, I especially love the shots of the pit, a mass of tangled and bruised bodies. It’s well directed and I really liked the effect of switching back and forth between color and black and white
The band doesn’t stop to talk or even seem to breathe they just shred, playing furiously through every song. “Criminally Insane” is absolutely sick, and I love “Postmortem” with its fitting intro. Other highlights and the shining moment of the entire thing, is the “Wall of Blood”. Everything falls to black, seconds later the lights come up on the band and they are covered as a wall of blood comes thundering down onto the stage, covering band and instruments as the first infamous notes of the legendary song “Raining Blood” kick in. The band never misses a beat and at the end of the song, the rain of blood begins again, crashing down and drenching everything. It is quite an impressive effect, and one that most bands would never be able to pull off, at least not in the middle of a song.
There is plenty of bonus features including a focused documentary “Slayer in their own words”, which documents the origins and history of the band as well as how they developed their trademark sound and the development of the “Wall of Blood” effect.
Overall, it highlights the best elements of this legendary band, their brutal fans, and even more brutal music. It’s a must have for any true Slayer fan or even for someone that just wants to get to know the band. The DVD is impressive in overall quality and production, and the sound is amazing. It perfectly captures the essence of their live performance. The band is incredibly consistent in their music and delivery; it is pure relentless metal. They prove that after all these years SLAYER is still Reigning.
TRACKS
Angel Of Death
Piece By Piece
Necrophobic
Altar Of Sacrifice
Jesus Saves
Criminally Insane
Reborn
Epidemic
Postmortem
Raining Blood
War Ensemble
Hallowed Point
Necrophiliac
Mandatory Suicide
Spill The Blood
South Of Heaven
