"Reborn" by WRETCH was originally released back in 2006 by Auburn Records as their first full length album.  Hailing from the Rust Belt of Ohio, WRETCH formed in the early 80's and developed a loyal underground following. They rewarded this following with demo after demo recordings, as well as appearances on compilation albums. The band moved to Los Angeles in 1989, and after failing to secure a major label deal, ultimately split up. Fast forward to 2006, and WRETCH had reconvened and recorded "Reborn" which has now been re-released via Pure Steel Records. Additionally, WRETCH has signed a five-year deal with Pure Steel Records, so we can all look forward to some new material in the future!

WRETCH is hard to pinpoint to one genre of Metal.  I hear elements of many different sub genres. Classic, NWOBHM, Thrash. Whatever you want to label it, it's great. "Reborn" opens with "Mental Wars". It's fast, no nonsense and it's a song that does a great job of letting you know what to expect the rest of the album. Lots of Thrash elements on this one. From the vocal presentation to the crunchy guitar riffs and pounding bass and percussion. Next up is "Cry For the Young" really shows off vocalist Juan Ricardo's phenomenal vocal range. I hear lots of METAL CHURCH and MAIDEN influence here. Guitarist Nick Giannakos really shines here as well. "Life" follows, which was the lead track, and the song that garnered them a lot of initial attention.  Again, there's a lot of MAIDEN influence underscored by a NWOBHM feel, that bounces back and forth unencumbered with Thrash. It's a great track. There's a 'sinister' feel to a lot of these songs. And perhaps none more so than "Eyes of Fate". With a galloping guitar pace, and impressive war chant vocals it invokes "The Trooper" at times, yet definitely stands on its own.

"The Winners" slows things down a bit, opening with some acoustic guitar and tamer vocals from Ricardo, who again shows amazing range. I really enjoy his vocal style, and his presentation. And once again, more great solos from Giannakos. "Winners" is definitely one of my favorite tracks on "Reborn". For those unfamiliar with WRETCH, it would be my go-to track.

"I Am Storm" and "'Til Death Do Us Part" are another pair of standout tracks, the latter closes out the original track listing. The only track that really failed to impress me was "Touch Like Thunder" which is a cover of the band, BREAKER. While it's still an enjoyable song, I just felt it failed to live up to the rest of the album.  This re-issue closes out with a bonus cut, "The Conflict", which sounds like it came from completely different sessions. Historically, I suppose it's nice to have, but it really doesn't seem to add anything significant to this album.

"Reborn" overall was a great album to introduce me to WRETCH. I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone looking for something unique.