The EP saw the band experimenting with more samples and electronic sounds than their predominantly industrial metal prior releases.

[4] Ira A. Robbins of Trouser Press wrote, "The four-song Slavestate EP finds the band charging full-on into an industrial-dance realm, giving Streetcleaner's lurch-and-crunch the twist of a rhythmic basis.

In August 2009, Slavestate was reissued as part of a triple-CD package which also included the EP Cold World (1991) and the band's second studio album, Pure (1992).

[2][4] Ned Raggett of AllMusic appreciated the change in pace from Godflesh's heavy, metal-focused music, but was ultimately unimpressed.

[2] Writing for The Quietus, Noel Gardner thought the introduction of electronic and dance elements was clunky but somewhat admirable.