"Testing the Limits of Infinite", the debut full-length outing from Reign Supreme (again released by Deathwish Inc.), pretty much picks up right where "American Violence" left off with 13 tracks of straightforward, no bullshit metallic hardcore in about 36 minutes, loaded with pounding midpaced rhythms, chunky breakdowns, and fierce shouts/screams. The recording's a little thicker this time out, but retains a subtle yet interesting bite of texture to the churn of the guitar tone that helps to keep the density of the guitars from devouring the basslines in the mix. There's arguably a smidge more carefully approached melody buried in there from time to time (the quick two-minute instrumental "Waiting" and "To Live and Die (In Vain)" are the only pieces that get blatant, the former with some slick clean guitars over shimmery "post-rock" textures, while the latter features some brief musical similarities as well as some faint singing from a guest vocalist), but overall I'd say the band's definitely getting heavier, and they're actually doing it without adding more of a metal-influenced riffing style to their writing. That thick, 90's styled chug is definitely still the dominant attack throughout the album, it's just the production values and the overall aesthetic that are packing more sonic punch. As is often the case, I feel like I should say more, but... what more needs to be said? If you're a fan of the band's past efforts, I see no reason why you wouldn't dig this. They keep things fairly focused, consistent, and to the point, so you should know what you're in for here. Good stuff...
Reign Supreme "And Come What May"
Get It
Deathwish Inc. (CD)
Deathwish Inc. (LP)
Deathwish Inc. (mp3)
Comments
EXCELLENT stuff. American Violence was my favorite record of last year and this sure as hell is a worthy sequel. The production is indeed heavier yet not plastic, Jay’s vocals are even harsher and the demo songs’ re-recordings are the icing on the cake. Amazing stuff, this is the definition of non-innovating, yet splendidly written and executed metallic hardcore. This is going to monopolize the summer holiday for me, along with the new Kickback. I guess a review on that one is coming too?
7.1.2009 | By inhalexhale
I actually just recently reviewed this record on my site and was pleasantly surprised that I liked it as much as I did. There are some areas I pointed out that need some work and innovation but this is def better than American Violence and as of yet, the best metallic moshy hardcore release I heard this year, so far.
7.1.2009 | By Birkir
What I’ve heard of this record kicks ass. Heavy production, heavy tunes. Nothing new, but “good” beats “new” any day.
7.1.2009 | By Invisible Oranges