IRON REAGAN - WORSE THAN DEAD

Coming in at nineteen tracks, IRON REAGAN's Worse Than Dead is a thrashy treat. With tracks rarely reaching a minute and a half, the record is over before you know it. In that time, IRON REAGAN tackles subjects such as corruption and society in a fast and pissed off fashion - with some great solos and mosh parts thrown in for good measure.

It took a few listens for Worse Than Dead to finally click. Something just didn't grab me until one day when I had iTunes on shuffle and "I Ripped That Testament A New Asshole" came on. While being an instrumental track, I found myself nodding my head and really digging the beat so I went back and revisited the album. After that I couldn't get enough. Combining 80's cross-over thrash a la D.R.I. and CRO-MAGS with a distinct, powerful no-bullshit political edge Worse Than Dead is a force to be reckoned with. As many other reviewers have noted, hearing more serious lyrics from singer Tony Foresta is refreshing. The blunt lyrics remind me of another A389 band, PICK YOUR SIDE (As does some of the music for that matter).

"Drop The Gun" starts the album, wasting no time in launching a furious and rabid assault. There's no respite in sight. There's no overly long track to kill momentum. In their violent whirlwind, IRON REAGAN manages to be really catchy (Especially in tracks like "Cycle Of Violence") with some really well done hooks. Despite a few casual listens to the demo, I was curious if they could keep up the intensity on a proper full-length; I'm glad to say that not only did they maintain that energy, Worse Than Dead is a record so good that I've found myself putting it on repeat. As the album starts wrapping up there's even an appearance by Tomas Lindberg, who provides guest vocals on the track "Snake Chopper."

If you're a fan of MUNICIPAL WASTE, REPROACH, and thrash in general, IRON REAGAN won't disappoint. While not exactly party music, they still bring energy and a perfected pissed-off attitude to the table. Worse Than Dead will make you want to head-bang yourself into a coma. It's that good.

With a release date in late March, you can pre-order a copy over at the A389 web-store. And if you have the ability, IRON REAGAN is currently on tour and I highly suggest checking them out.

IRON REAGAN TOUR

Tues. 2/26 Montclaire Nj @The Meatlocker w/ 96, Ides
Weds. 2/27 Baltimore @Golden West Café w/ War on Women, WarxGames
Sat 3/2 Chesapeake Va @Rogers Sports Pub w/ Black Tusk, U.S. Brass, Occultist
Fri 3/8 Frederick, Md @Club 611 w/ Cro Mags, Ringworm
Sat 3/9 Richmond Va @Strange Matter w/ Hot Graves, Occultist, Humungus