An Interview With Red Reign
A new album from Red Reign comes in swinging with a blend of classic and melodic metal that has no problem thrashing out when it needs to and provides a massive, high-octane energy that feels unstoppable right from the get-go.
The Don't Look Back album has a brutal power that comes through in these catchy hooks and a lot of these end up bouncing around in your head for a very long time after the songs end.
These guys have tons of heart and that shows in every second past and every note played.
Their blend of old and new school approaches really work wonders and the guitar performances across the board are outstanding with melodic but blistering leads, vast undertones, and some classic builds that really give me hints of nostalgia but also feel refreshing at the same time.
The record has a massive blend of color and edginess that's all performed with passion and I don't just mean vocally, I mean guitar-wise, drumming, bass, everything.
The drumming is super tight but adds this unbelievable drive as he Slams on that crash and rolls with the double bass during outros and heavier sections and it's unreal how these guys are able to pull together this outstanding energy that feels almost like a live performance in a way.
These guys definitely have an amazing knack for feeding off of each other's energy during a performance and that's kind of why it feels almost like that live performance vibe.
The vocals are robust and powerful with completely memorable melodies and he gives it his all for every single track.
I think what I adore most about this record is the fact that you can headbang to it, jump around the living room, or find yourself singing along by the third chorus of many tracks with your fists in the air.
Red Reign defines today's Arena rock soundscape and they do it with a pure and Surefire love for their craft which bleeds through on each song.
You can tell these guys have a serious level of musicianship but the record is still tastefully done and never too over the top so everything is dynamically balanced extremely well and the songs just feel great, and I feel like this is the kind of record you want to listen to all the way through from beginning to end as opposed to just one or two songs this way you can get the full scope of what these guys can do and how catchy the songs can be.
With such an outstanding classic metal release we wanted to have a sit-down with Red Reign to find out where this all came from and what might be coming up next for the band.
Here's what happened.
TSWS: Okay, let's start with the Don't Look back album! This record had a driving rock tone with a lot of
character to it! How did this release come about?
Well, as covid hit and the world shut down, we were able to sit down and take our time and write
songs about life in the covid era and reflection about a persons life.
TSWS: How did this all start for you as a band?
We formed the band back in 2014. Bubba McMichael and I (Sammy Lee) had a few ideas from a previous
band and wanted to pursue these ideas to record. We then found our bass player Larry Moore and
Stevie Shred. Once we had the band in place, we were then able to start writing for our first self titled EP
Red Reign.
TSWS: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Bubba McMichael who writes all lyrics for the band gets inspiration from everyday life. A lot of our songs
are about life reflection, relationships, and navigating everyday life thru different peoples perspective.
TSWS: This release has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences
musically?
Well generally speaking our influences come form the 70’ and 80’s rock bands. Some bands like:
Aerosmith, Van Halen, Dokken, Boston, Black Sabbath, Queensryche and many more.
TSWS: What are all you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When not out playing, we are able to enjoy spending time with our family and we also work full time.
However we all still get together for rehearsal and continue the writing process for future releases.
TSWS: Who's in all your headphones right now?
So I have a mixed bag of music on my itunes. So one minute it could be Van Halen, next song could be
Smoky Robinson and the back to Junkyard. You get the idea, Haha
TSWS: Are you all doing any live performances right now?
At this moment we are finalizing a deal to play some shows in May. I am not able to discuss until all
contracts are signed, but stay tuned!
TSWS: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
We recorded the album with David ivory at his studio, Ivory Studios
TSWS: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
We are starting to get some shows lined up, so hopefully we will see all of our friends in the cities we will
be visiting.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Please continue to support up and coming bands. Unfortunately, the rock bands form our past
are gradually retiring. We need to keep rock and Roll at the forefront.
Thank you for allowing me to spread the word on Red Reign