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Reign Supreme

Testing the Limits of Infinite (2009)
Deathwish Inc.

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Contributed by: OverDefined
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on July 3rd 2009

Reign Supreme has their sights set on accomplishment here. With their self-confident band name and album title and roots in the VFW hall hardcore scene, with this material, the band has clearly made the decision to position themselves for bigger things along the lines of Hatebreed and Terror before them. By simplifying the riffs, attempting straightforward anthemic lyrics and never missing a chance for a breakdown, it seems as if they have their sights on breaking into the mainstream metalcore scene. The result is easily the most mainstream-accessible release that Deathwish has ever put out; however, the trade-off has left a release with little musical or emotional depth.

Sonically, the production is heavy on compression, giving this record an incredibly thick and full sound. Vocalist Jay Pepito unleashes an impressive scream that is reminiscent of The Beat Goes On-era Blacklisted with touches of Phil Anselmo to add sprinkles of melody. The drums and guitars are performed succinctly and this band fully commits to the sound it is after. The record even starts out promisingly with “Mother Superior,” which is reminiscent of Carry On. That is, until the halftime breakdown -- complete with chugs. Unfortunately, this is a trend that Reign Supreme follows for the rest of the album. In “Persevere and Overcome,” they actually skip the fast part and just start out with the breakdown under the lyrics “I will bow to no one,“ but, you know -- spread out with gang vocals: “I...WILL...BOW...TO...NO ONE.” People will mosh to this for sure -- just not me.

To spend some more time with the lyrics, take “In Absentia”: “I’m only halfway human...the rest of me is machine. I am reborn.” Chugchugchug chugchug chug chug chug. Did I mention that this is a mosh record? How about the next track, “Failure”: “You can’t run from the truth. Every time I try I fucking fail”...breakdown buildup...”Whooooooa…I FAIL”...breakdown. Later, they get kind of posi in “And Come What May”: “We’ll always carry each other...we’ll carry on.” Guess what happens next...wrong! The song ends without a breakdown. Pretty sneaky.

In conclusion, Reign Supreme has probably succeeded at what they were attempting. They’ve created an extremely accessible piece of heavy music that you can totally mosh to...you know, if you’re into that.

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cognicide (January 1, 2012)

whoever did this write up is an ass.

i literally just created an account for this website just to have the ability to say that.

Cuddly_Cameron (July 19, 2010)

Their 7inch was 10 times better

funkytown (October 12, 2009)

musically this album is solid. I think that their on a different level than their all-chug piers. They have some nice riffs, they have a few math chords, (but don't beat them to death like every metalcore band ever) and some nice temp changes. Though it's a mosh record, i feel like a lot of different hardcore kids can get into this. lyrically, the album is kind of weak. Every song has the same premise. Phrases are repeated in songs and at times, and some songs really don't prove a point. This is a good record all around though.

joseph716 (September 26, 2009)

This album is a bit repetitive but you can't deny that they are a talented band. Their sound out weighs the repetition IMO.

KevinJamesSuperFan (July 6, 2009)

I've got no idea what this band sounds like, but that is some of the worst album art I've ever seen. I get te idea behind it, but it just looks like shit. It reeks of dollar bin bullshit, that'll sit there for years before someone picks it up and takes a listen as a joke, only to be surprised it isn't some new age bullshit or obscure 80's metal band

LeightonESmith (July 5, 2009)

forgot to score

LeightonESmith (July 5, 2009)

I loved the EP. I had high hopes for this thing. It seems the criticism at the end of the first paragraph sums up my feelings too. It seems to lack depth. Its a pummelling assault all the way through but they don't seem to change it up much. The songs kinda run together and lack any real variation. I love this style of music and wanted to score this higher but they will hopefully branch out in future albums. These guys will be a top tier hardcore band soon enough.....

conduit (July 4, 2009)

This record is alright, definitely nothing different then American Violence really besides the production and length...sounds just like other Reign Supreme to me haha.

Deathwish has a ton of amazing bands and have signed alot of great up and coming bands (Lewd Acts, Rot In Hell, Mother Of Mercy)

thus_spoke_sean (July 4, 2009)

this record might be a total mosh record, but it also kicks ass. it is what it is, but it's done well enough to just smile and enjoy it.

mattp330 (July 3, 2009)

maybe i was too quick to think those bands were the end all be all of that label. after much anticipating releases by them, i was kind of let down by end of a year and carpathian

inagreendase (July 3, 2009)

maybe not original, but i really enjoyed this album. these guys, shipwreck and the carrier are the best bands on deathwish

The Carrier's alright, but 108, End of a Year, Blacklisted and HopeCon smoke them and this. Heck, I even like Carpathian and Killing the Dream more than them.