Reign of Glory’s “All Will Bow” was my first music review ever. I had no idea what I was doing. Now two years later, I am still figuring this gig out. But not so for RoG! They know what they are doing and this latest album is a bold step for the band, solidifying them as a leader in the Christian metal scene.
Born from a collaboration between bassist Roger Dale Martin (Vengeance Rising, Once Dead, Die Happy) and guitarist Nick Layton (Firewolfe, Q5), they recruited vocalist Robyn Basuari (Die Happy) and drummer Jim Chaffin (The Crucified, Deliverance) for their debut album “All Will Bow.” They have played the last few editions of the Christian Metal Rock Festival in Versailles, OH, they have made themselves a live act to be reckoned with. With growing difficulty for Robyn and Jim to commit to live performances, they graciously (I’m hoping) stepped aside for vocalist Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen) and drummer Jeffrey McCormack (FireWolfe, Q5) to step in to make a solid live lineup. And this is the lineup behind “Slingshot.”
It may be the lineup change or more time together as a band, but it is instantly enjoyable from beginning to end. There is still an 80s rock/metal flavor to their sound, which is subtly becoming their own. Mark’s powerful vocals are on point for melodic metal, pairing well with Nick’s lead guitar work, often playing off each other. Although the rhythm section is strong, the mix unfortunately buries the lower frequencies missing the opportunity to flex more of the rhythmic muscle in their sound.
RoG is bold in their Christian message on this album. It opens with encouraging songs like “Hold On” and “Higher Ground,” but they also bring forward Biblical stories in “Shout” and “Slingshot” as well as contemporary Christian topics like end times and conquering addiction in “Too Close To Midnight” and “Shattered Chains,” respectively. I like that the lyrics repeating in my head are uplifting and encouraging, even being the basis for mental prayer throughout the day. The layers of meaning in the words make it well worth repeated listens. So, how about the tunes?
Starting at the top, Mark’s voice has a timbre akin to Rob Rock or Michael Sweet, bringing power and a little push to the upper range. His performance is engaging with added vocalizations as if he were feeling out the songs on stage. Moving to the lead guitar work, Nick steps up the performance and lands some tasteful solos that add atmosphere and meaning to the songs. I also enjoyed the neat lead moments like the middle eastern work in the opening tracks and the neoclassical transition passages in “Slingshot.” The bass was a little buried in the mix, but I liked the few windows into Roger’s world like the verse on “Higher Ground.” I just wish the bass had its own sonic space. Jeffrey’s drums are solid and direct the diverse settings across the album well, tending not to draw attention except for the double bass fusillade on “More Than a Memory” and the opening to “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
The songwriting is captivating, taking the listener on an enjoyable jaunt through the 44 minutes. Each of the songs have its own character, whether it is driving hard rock, traditional metal or AOR, each with an optimistic and uplifting quality. The songs are less formulaic showing organic shifting between sections with some neat musical episodes along the way with breakdowns, twin guitars and use of other scales and patterns. Although I think some choruses go one repeat too far, the beefier four minute plus songs show progressive flair without getting sucked down the ol’ rabbit hole.
Two songs really stood out for me. “Shout,” a song using imagery of the battle of Jericho, is a driving song with a metal edge and infectious energy that you can’t help grooving with. The chorus gets embedded in the cranium, the gang vocals are powerful, and the lead guitar work is the best on the album. However, the coup de grâce is “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Starting with drums leading into a Hendrix-esque solo guitar, Mark leads a truly majestic, stadium-rousing rendition of the traditional Christian hymn. Replete with deceptive cadences and gear shift key changes, it has that progressive edge that you can sing along with.
The collection of songs are solid with nary a weak one among them. There are definite high points with lyrics that are encouraging without being preachy making this one of the best boldly Christian metal releases this year. If you are looking for uplifting heavy music to encourage you in the daily battles, I can’t think of a better weapon than this “Slingshot.”
Rating: 9.0/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Hold On
2 – Higher Ground
3 – Unholy Prophet
4 – Slingshot of Faith
5 – Shout
6 – More Than A Memory
7 – Unashamed
8 – Holy, Holy, Holy
9 – Shattered Chains
10 – Too Close To Midnight
Reign of Glory is:
Mark Boals – vocals
Nick Layton – guitars
Roger Dale Martin – bass
Jeffrey McCormack – drums
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Record Label: Roxx Records
Discography:
All Will Bow (2022) [review]
Slingshot (2025)
Social Media: Website | Facebook | Spotify
Video for Higher Ground
Video for Slingshot Of Faith