Reign of Steel

Death Dealer is one of the rare “supergroups” that actually defies the usual pitfalls of the label. Formed in 2012, the band has maintained a relatively stable lineup while steadily building a catalog that now stands at four studio albums. The current lineup features vocalist Sean Peck (Cage), guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman (Manowar, The Dictators), guitarist Stu Marshall (Dungeon, Night Legion), bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X), and drummer Steve Bolognese (Into Eternity, Ross the Boss Band)—a collection of seasoned veterans whose combined pedigree sets high expectations. But, are those expectations met with the all too frequent supergroup slump?

Reign of Steel marks my first exposure to Death Dealer, and unlike many supergroups where the final product falls short of the individual résumés, this band absolutely delivers. This is unapologetically traditional heavy metal—no modern gloss, no trend-chasing—just pure, high-octane leather and steel.

Opening track “Assemble” immediately establishes the album’s identity, wearing its Painkiller-era Judas Priest influence proudly on its sleeve. Sean Peck’s piercing, sustained shrieks drive the song forward with conviction, setting the tone for what follows. From there, the album largely maintains a full-throttle pace, delivering a barrage of US power metal infused with that unmistakable Painkiller intensity.

There are a few welcome shifts in dynamics. “Raging Wild and Free” leans into a Saxon-esque swagger, while “Sleeping Prophet” slows things down into a muscular mid-tempo stomp, giving the album some breathing room. Still, the core of Reign of Steel is speed, aggression, and melody—executed with veteran precision.

Guitarists Ross the Boss and Stu Marshall are a major highlight, unleashing a steady stream of dual harmonies, galloping riffs, and unapologetically indulgent solos. Their chemistry anchors the record and reinforces its old-school credentials, while the rhythm section provides a rock-solid foundation throughout.

If there’s a flaw, it lies in the songwriting consistency. Not every hook lands with equal impact, and some melodies take time to fully reveal themselves. However, the strength of the performances never wavers, and tracks that initially feel less immediate—such as “Reign of the Night”—tend to grow with repeated listens.

Ultimately, Reign of Steel is a record made squarely for fans of classic metal. It doesn’t quite reach “modern classic” status, but it comes damn close as a no-frills, retro metal firebomb. With just enough variation in tempo to keep things engaging, the album delivers a relentless, high-energy assault that old-school metalheads will devour.