[8] According to Blabbermouth.net, the album fits within Clutch's long-term development, "never taking any drastic left turns, though progression and noticeable change has been evident over time.

offered a positive review, stating that "13 albums in, Clutch are still uniquely brilliant, master craftsmen of a form at once ingeniously simple and amazingly clever.

"[12] Metal Injection called the album "grand without pomposity, experimental without an inch of fat and underwritten with grooves so thick you could build a bridge out of them.

"[18] Rock 'N' Load wrote in their review, "Sunrise on Slaughter Beach is a grand entrance into newfound Clutch territory not seen before.

Whilst still harnessing their iconic sound, the band have managed to widen their range and prove themselves once more pioneers; unafraid of throwing out a curveball.