Reverence – Review by Battle Helm
Reverence is a feeling of deep respect or awe — like what you have for a leader, a hero, or that special group. Bold words to name your band by, but this Detroit supergroup certainly do have something special in vocalist Todd Michael Hall (Riot V, Jack Starr), guitarist Bryan Holland (Tokyo Blade, Arrest), drummer Steve ‘Doc Killdrums’ Wacholz (Savatage, Crimson Glory), guitarist Pete Rossi (Overland, Sanxtion), and new bass player Michael Massie (Overloaded)! A veritable US metal assault from start to finish on this 11 track sophomore, Reverence play modern metal along the lines of Iced Earth or Nevermore – but always to the max! Holland and Rossi’s guitars are simply turbo charged, relentlessly gunning out raw, molten riffs while spitting fiery solos from out’ve nowhere! With Mr Killdrums pounding away on his thundering kit, Massie’s deep bass adds a power groove to what is already an engine heavy sound – yeah, these dudes really are from the Motor City! However, what really sets apart – and justifies – Reverence’s name are the incredibly passionate and heartfelt melodies bursting out’ve every red blooded gland from Todd Michael Hall’s beautiful voice to Holland and Rossi’s guitars once again, this time switching to catchy, alluring choruses on superior quality songs like ‘Heart Of Gold’, ‘Angel In Black’ and the epic ‘Blood Of Heroes’. Able to secure a 3 album deal with highly respected Japanese music label Marquee/Avalon on the strength of just 4 new song demos, Reverence are the new, burning hot act that any lover of true, no frills, modern heavy metal simply must hear!
