Review: Reign of Glory – Slingshot
Reign of Glory lost their secret weapon in Robin Kyle Basauri. His iconic voice had such a classic power and melodic depth, so talented. And then, drummer Jim Chaffin was replaced with Jeffrey McCormack (no, not our Heaven’s Metal guy). Nevertheless, Nick Layton and Roger Dale Martin had to figure out how to keep the band moving forward with another vocalist – no small task – and a new drummer.
Enter Mark Boals, singer and bassist. Boals is most remembered for his vocal contributions to Yngwie Malsteen, especially the Trilogy album, but he also had his own solo career along with his more recent contributions with Foundry. To me, he is a great cross between Klaus Meine (Scorpions) and Michael Sweet (Stryper). And McCormack works well with Martin to anchor the rhythms. In other words, it’s all good in the Reign of Glory camp.
Perhaps the only caveat of change from All Will Bow, from my perspective, would be that the general vibe of Slingshot feels less cutting-edge melodic metal and just a bit more like a heavy Gospel praise rock album. This isn’t bad, it’s just different. And I think many of the songs have a similar pace and melody, so there is a more homogenous groove from song to song. The execution and mix are brilliant, it’s just there is a sameness that sets the ear just a bit to listener fatigue by track 5.
On the other hand, there is a beauty in “Holy, Holy, Holy” that is undeniably inspiring. And I love Boals on “More Than a Memory” and “Unashamed” where he really channels the best qualities of Sweet and Meine. These are great songs. And the final track “Too Close to Midnight” reminds me of the best gritty melodic rocker qualities of Whitecross – the faster pace appreciated.
In listening to Slingshot after many spins of both digital and vinyl renderings, I still conclude that All Will Bow has a more distinct sound and execution. Granted, the vocalist change was huge – Boals is grand in his own rite – but the songs here just feel a bit less creative, more scripted, more derivative and less edgy and innovative. Nevertheless, fans of the band and this style will likely embrace Slingshot with open arms, as they should, because the sound quality and musician execution is solid.
Track List:
1. Hold On (3:42)
2. Higher Ground (5:31)
3. Unholy Prophet (4:00)
4. Slingshot of Faith (4:42)
5. Shout (4:17)
6. More Than a Memory (4:14)
7. Unashamed (3:50)
8. Holy, Holy, Holy (4:52)
9. Shattered Chains (5:07)
10. Too Close to Midnight (4:18)
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