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DEATH DEALER “Reign of Steel”
DEATH DEALER “Reign of Steel”
By Colonel Angus
What a way to kick off 2026!!!!! DEATH DEALER’s latest full-length album roars onto the scene, marking the band’s return after a half-decade absence and leaving any remaining doubters firmly in the dust. Keeping the same line-up as the one on “Conquered Lands” (Mike LePond being the new guy) is exactly what is needed in metal today. Many bands struggle to keep their members intact, often sacrificing chemistry, so kudos for DEATH DEALER keeping it together. But to be honest, no matter how good the musicians are, if the songs don’t hold up, then what do you really have? Fortunately, these guys are able to create tunes that walk the line between powerful and chaos without surrendering either.
DEATH DEALER hit you right between the eyes right off the bat with the pounding power metal of “Assemble”. Both heavy and melodic, this one is more of a statement than just a song. The guitar duo of Ross “The Boss” and Stu Marshall provide expert riffing for Sean Peck to soar over the top with his patented banshee wail. Slowing down a bit on the intro of “Devil's Triangle”, the band pulls the best parts of JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN for the remainder of the track. The guitar work on that track is some of the best on the record with the solo being one of the many highlights.
Keeping to the traditional heavy metal sound, “Riding on the Wings” starts off with this great JUDAS PRIEST style riff but as it moves along, the band sneaks in some power metal here and there to drive home the fact that they are truly power metal. Switching up the vibe, “Bloodbath” is more of a thrasher where they forgo the majesty of power metal and just let loose. Peck spits out the lyrics more in line with a thrash tune and even the guitar solo echoes early SLAYER. Clocking in at just over two and half minutes, it fits in with the over feel of the record even though it is a slight detour.
Midway through the album, “Raging Wild and Free” emerges as a track that echoes elements of JUDAS PRIEST’s “Beyond the Realms of Death,” while maintaining a clear identity of its own. After that bit of a ballad, we are back to some classic power metal with “Blast the Highway”. While it has power metal throughout, there is a NWOBHM charm to the songs that ultimately sounds like a current take on early 80s metal. “Compelled” is another high point on a record full of great tracks. That one starts off with this chunky riff that will have you headbanging in seconds and Peck puts in another stellar performance making him one of the premier metal vocalists out there.
The band returns to fast power metal with “Dragon of Algorath” where they seem to be most comfortable. Although the album covers a broad range of tempos and styles, the faster power metal tracks exhibit a consistent atmosphere, indicating that Death Dealer are particularly comfortable in this approach. The band ends “Reign of Steel” with a couple of tunes that keep true to the overall sound of the record without really repeating themselves. “Sleeping Prophet” is sort of an epic that settles for a slower pace while “Reign of the Night” bookends the disk with some classic American power metal.
I have said it before that power metal is not my favorite genre as a whole but there are a few bands that rise above the rest and DEATH DEALER is certainly one of them. Ultimately, my heart (actually my ears) likes the tunes that relinquish some of those power metal elements for a more traditional metal approach with heavier chugging riffs that groove. But, make no mistake, this whole record is quality through and through and there is metal magic within all of the songs. If “Reign of Steel” serves as an indication of what lies ahead in 2026, then this year promises to be an exceptional one for metal.
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