Slayer will commemorate the 40th anniversary of their landmark albumReign in Blood by playing thethrash metal masterpiece in its entirety at two special shows later this year.
“The fastest, the heaviest, the most uncompromising record in thrash metal history turns 40,” the bandproclaimed in a social media post.”Slayer marks the anniversary with two U.S. headline dates featuring the album performed in full, including their first L.A. show in seven years.”
READ MORE:The 20 Best Hard Rock and Metal Albums of 1986
Where Will Slayer’s 2026 ‘Reign in Blood’Shows Take Place?
The first Reign in Bloodshow will take place on Sept. 4 at Shakopee, Minnesota’s Mystic Lake Amphitheater. Down, Suicidal Tendencies and Hatebreed will provide support.
The second full-lengthReign in Blood performance will take place on Nov. 13 (fittingly, Friday the 13th) at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. Slayer will be supported on that date by Cannibal Corpse, Cavalera (featuring Sepultura’s Max and Igor Cavalera) playingSepultura’sChaos A.D. full, and Crowbar.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday. You can find more information at Slayer’s website.
Why Slayer’s Upcoming ‘Reign in Blood’ Shows Are So Significant
Released in October 1986,Reign in Blood is widely considered one of the greatestthrash metal albums of all time.Featuring classics such as “Raining Blood” and “Angel of Death,” thealbum cemented Slayer’s place in the “Big 4” of thrash (alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax) and had an incalculable influence on future extreme metal bands.
Slayer’s upcomingReign in Bloodshows are made even more special by the fact that the bandhas only played a handful of concerts over the past three years. They completed their farewell tour in 2019but returned to the stage in 2024 for a pair of festival performances, followed by sixshowsin 2025.
TheReign in Blood shows bring Slayer’s total 2026 show count up to four so far. The band will also appear at Rocklahoma Festival on Sept. 6 and Sick New World Texas on Oct. 24.Both festival appearances are also being touted as “40 years ofReign in Blood” shows.
See Slayer’sReign in Blood on our list of rock and metal albums turning 40 in 2026:
40 Classic Rock and Metal Albums Turning 40 in 2026
From thrash to hip-hop to synth-pop, 1986 was an exciting and eclectic year for music.
Gallery Credit: Bryan Rolli