REIGN OF GLORY – Slingshot

After making a strong first impression with their 2022 debut All Will Bow, Christian metal outfit Reign of Glory is back with their sophomore release, Slingshot—a polished and passionate follow-up that leans even harder into the late-’80s melodic metal sound they love. Packed with soaring vocals, tight musicianship, and faith-forward lyrics, Slingshot is both a tribute to classic metal and a declaration of purpose.

Boasting a lineup of seasoned veterans, the band features powerhouse vocalist Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire), shredder Nick Layton (FireWolfe), bassist Roger Dale Martin (Vengeance Rising, Die Happy, Triple Ace Band), and drummer Jeffrey McCormack (Fifth Angel, Heir Apparent, Les Carlsen). Together, they create a sound that’s both slick and sincere—clearly grounded in tradition, but performed with conviction and professional precision.

Nostalgic Sound That Hits—But Rarely Surprises

From the opener “Hold On” to the closer “Too Close to Midnight,” Slingshot offers a full dose of retro-flavored melodic metal—complete with driving rhythms, flashy guitar solos, and big, harmony-drenched choruses. The production captures the spirit of the late ’80s with a modern sheen, giving the record that nostalgic hair-metal vibe without sounding dated or over-produced.

Musically, there’s plenty to admire: Boals’ vocals are still in top form, delivering each line with confidence and power; Layton’s guitar work is sharp, melodic, and never short on firepower; and the rhythm section hits hard with solid, no-frills groove. The whole album is technically tight and easy on the ears, especially for fans of classic Christian hard rock and metal.

However, Slingshot doesn’t venture far from familiar territory. While tracks like “Shout,” “More Than a Memory,” and “Unashamed” are undeniably catchy and well-crafted, the songwriting rarely takes risks. Most songs stick to a reliable formula, and though there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it leaves little room for surprise or reinvention. There’s a clear reverence for the genre’s roots, but at times, that loyalty limits the creative reach.

Lyrically, Slingshot wears its message boldly. Songs like “Slingshot of Faith” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” are direct in their evangelical themes, offering lyrical content that’s part praise, part testimony. For the Christian metal audience, this will be a meaningful strength—the sincerity and conviction are obvious and admirable. However, for metal fans who prefer subtler messaging or a more metaphorical approach, the overt spiritual language may feel heavy-handed.

Final Notes

With Slingshot, Reign of Glory stays true to its mission: to deliver high-energy, faith-driven metal with a classic sound. As a follow-up to All Will Bow, this album builds on the foundation of their debut with slicker production, tight performances, and unwavering spiritual focus. It’s a heartfelt and competent release that will resonate deeply with its target audience.

That said, the album’s predictable songwriting and lyrical directness may limit its appeal outside of its core audience. While the talent is undeniable and the energy sincere, there’s room for growth if Reign of Glory decides to push their boundaries on future releases.

Lineup

• Mark Boals – vocals
• Roger Dale Martin – bass,
• Nick Layton – guitars
• Jeffrey McCormack – drums

Slingshot – 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

Check out the video for “Higher Ground” by Reign of Glory off of their new album: Slingshot