Well, if DEATH DEALER isn't a super group I don't know what is. You only have to look at the line-up to confirm it. this band that originates from Encinitas, California, USA was formed in 2012 and are presenting us with their fourth studio album "Reign Of Steel". Let me start with singer Sean Peck, the frontman for CAGE. I loved his work with DENNER/SHERMANN. Yes, the original guitar tandem from MERCYFUL FATE. He also shone in his contributions with THE THREE TREMORS, plus he is the current singer for the US Power Metal force called WARRIOR. So, he's got enough going on. Guitarist Ross The Boss also has quiet the resume. Original shredder for THE DICTATORS, MANOWAR and MANTIOBA'S WILD KINGDOM, but let's not forget his solo material with ROSS THE BOSS. I'll stop there, because if I list all the bands of all the members of DEATH DEALER this will be more of a book reading than a review.

As far as music concerns you can compare "Reign Of Steel" to anything you might hear from THE THREE TREMORS in comparison to all the other former and current bands mentioned. This is very Heavy Power Metal with a lot of over the top vocals complementing the rather busy, utterly impressive and quite intense and intricate guitar playing by the two outstanding guitarists. Add to that the very solid but also properly noticeable foundations laid by the bass and drums, and you will understand that when listening to "Reign Of Steel" there is no other way to describe what DEATH DEALER does as mind blowing. Luckily the band also takes the time to slow down at times ("Raging Wild And Free"), to give you as a listener time to breathe, to make sure you don't pass out from exhaustion. Because let there be no misunderstanding, "Reign Of Steel" is a very demanding album energy-wise.

And therein lies the crux for me. I really like what I hear, but I wish that the intensity of what is on offer would just be distributed more into bitesize bits instead of one massive lump after another. I know that the album only clocks over 45 minutes, and even with the power ballad in the middle I feel like I've run a death defying marathon after listening to what DEATH DEALER is dishing out on "Reign Of Steel". Of course the musicians as well as the music is good, but sometimes it just gets on top of you.