Tyrant's Reign is a speed/thrash metal band from Chicago, Illinois, USA. Originally they started out in 1985, then in Indiana. After releasing 2 demos, and an EP up until 1989, the band broke up in 1990, due to management problems. They regrouped to perform at a few highly successful reunion gigs, most notably, on April 30, 2000 which was a special benefit for their late guitar player, Chris Nelken. A more permanent reunion happened in the Autumn of 2003. But so far this has only produced a compilation CD.

TYRANT'S REIGN (2004) CYNICAL GENTLEMEN

It's always a delight to discover bands that are new to you. And while it's no wonder I missed this underground speed/thrash metal band in their heydays, it's good to finally get to know their music. Tyrant's Reign never made many waves while they were still active. And that is just a shame. Because this band belonged to a group of now nearly extinct metal bands. Their brand of speed and thrash metal is scarce these days, and wasn't all that flourishing back in the 80's either. But I really love the aggressive guitar-riffs that intervene with the falsetto screaming vocals. And when the songs are as good as this, I really hope for more people to discover Tyrant's Reign. To me they sound like if the early day Metallica, Anthrax and Agent Steel spawned a baby. This is unadulterated, pure music, played with a passion for metal. This is in not music for the masses. And it's refreshing to be reminded of a time when metal was created for the "few", rather than lame attempts at radio hits, and/or the "in" sound. Numbers like "Thrashing Metal Maniacs", "S.O.S." and "The Amulet" could just as easily have been all-time thrash metal favorites of mine, had I just hear them back in '88/'89 when they were initially recorded. Mind you, I enjoy the heck out of them now also. But they haven't got the time and/or nostalgia factor going for them yet. 'Tyrant's Reign' was released after the band reunited in 2003. It's dedicated to their late guitar-player, Chris Nelken, who passed away in 2000. The CD includes remixed and remastered, previously unreleased demo tracks and 2 live recordings. And if these songs represents what the band didn't release, I really want to hear the bands official releases! Tyrant's Reign is quickly becoming an underground favorite of mine.

Killer tracks: Thrashing Metal Maniacs, S.O.S., The Amulet, Passage To Infinity, Forever And A Day