Company: Divebomb Records Release: 2014 Genre: Traditional Reviewer: Eric Compton
Quality debut
Greensboro, North Carolina's Divebomb Records have released another entry in their "Bootcamp Series". Cleveland, Ohio's, Reign were a short-lived band that released one album, "Now and Forever", in 1997. I remember seeing that release posted for sale in one or two of the trade magazines back then and missed the opportunity at the time. Thankfully, Divebomb picked this one up and has given it their normal re-issue treatment. This comes with band supplied photos, new artwork, a sixteen page booklet and an interview with guitarist Joe Simms (Axemaster)
"Now and Forever" arrived late but never stuck around for the after-party. In 1997, grunge had reached its downward spiral and nu-metal had reared its ugly head. A band focusing on twin guitar melodies, flashy solos and a squeaky clean vocalist weren't the characteristics for commercial success at that point in our history. If the record landed a few years later then things may have worked out differently. Nevertheless this is a quality debut that showcases the phenomenal Joe Simms doing what he does best. The man's attention to 80s traditional metal ala Shok Paris, Armored Saint and Omen can be heard on "The Last Walk", "Crime and Punishment" and the title track. Kudos to the label for bringing this one back for the fans.
