Review: Reign of Fire

Reign of Fire – Three Tracks That Burn Bright

Chicago’s Reign of Fire have been refining their craft for decades - and it shows. With Joe Booe on vocals, Rob Christman on guitar and keys, Pete Bartolomei on drums, and Jim Davidge on bass, this hard rock quartet deliver musicianship, power, and creativity in spades. Their latest trio of tracks proves one thing beyond doubt - Reign of Fire aren’t just keeping the flame alive, they’re turning it into an inferno.

First up is “Call of Vikings,” which creeps in with eerie chanting before a wall of distortion crashes through like thunder. The drums lock in with blistering footwork, and soon the song evolves into a chugging, epic monster. The soaring guitar line and melodic vocal lift it beyond typical metal fare - there’s melody, atmosphere, and storytelling woven through the chaos. The chorus turns unexpectedly into a “metal sea shanty” - yes, really - and it’s as wild as it sounds. By the time the monumental solo hits, you’re completely sold. At over six and a half minutes long, it never once loses momentum. It’s gothic, it’s grand, and it’s absolutely glorious.

Next, “The Road to Madness” kicks things up several notches. Faster, meaner, and relentless, it showcases Reign of Fire’s signature chugging guitars in full flight. The track shifts and twists through multiple sections - a masterclass in tempo changes and dynamic control. Beneath the ferocity lies a surprisingly strong sense of melody, something few bands in this genre dare to explore. The middle eight is pure madness - wind instruments weaving through metallic chaos in a way that shouldn’t work, but absolutely does. Just as you settle into the rhythm, the band flips the switch again, and the guitars roar back with fury. It’s a rollercoaster - and one hell of a ride.

Closing the set, “Hangman” dives into darker, more gothic territory. It’s haunting, slow-burning, and cinematic, recalling the epic side of 80s metal but with a modern edge. The vocal performance is nothing short of superb - powerful, expressive, and narrative-driven, with lyrics that paint vivid, shadowy imagery. The solo here is jaw-dropping, diving and soaring in equal measure before giving way to a chilling rocking-chair outro that leaves you with goosebumps.

Across these three tracks, Reign of Fire prove they’re masters of control, contrast, and creativity - capable of balancing aggression with artistry. This is metal made by musicians who know their craft inside out and still find ways to surprise.

In a world of fleeting trends, Reign of Fire aren’t just burning bright -they’re setting the scene ablaze.