HINDER – The Reign (2017)

HINDER will release its new studio album, “The Reign“, on August 11. Since their origins tagged as ‘Nickelback-lite’, for me Hinder were always were one of the few modern rock bands worth a listen.
“The Reign”, is Hinder’s second CD with vocalist Marshal Dutton, a frontman who brought a new sound to this band that lately has been approaching to a more and more melodic hard style.

While Hinder’s sound still has a modern rock patina, they are more melodic and if you want – mature – now. Loud radio-ready choruses, softer verses, cleanly picked bridges, and fat hard rock riffs that probably sound similar to the music at your local strip club.
All these elements are present on “The Reign” which starts big and loud with the album’s title track.
And yet somehow, things are different on this new album.

In their years together the group has attained an awareness of the genre’s limitations and with it, a resolution to keep things fresh and engaging. Take second track “Burn It Down,” whose first verse is propelled by a dramatic piano line that initially made me think the band had rushed right into a ballad. Instead, after its first minute, the song explodes with a stomping melodic riff and soaring chords that make for a powerful early cut.

Where the album really finds its feet is with the irrepressible “King of the Letdown”. A single, harmonic driven, riff frenzy with a chorus built to get the blood pumping, it’s bridge section, along with an anthemic outro, sees the track sweep you up, leaving the listener on a high that will only be topped when “King of the Letdown” is experienced live.

“Remember Me” is laced with hooky lines, layered over a strong, musically up-tempo performance by guitarists Joe Garvey and Mark King, drummer Cody Hanson, and bassist Mike Rodden.
Singer Marshal Dutton performance is smooth throughout and add a proper ‘arena rock feel’ when needed.

“Another Way Out” is one of the heaviest tracks here with its fierce riffing, while “Long Gone” round up the band’s more sombre side with fine energy.

This Hinder 2017 is the best you can get, and “The Reign” a welcomed album because it could bring a new audience to the classic melodic hard rock genre.
“The Reign” is darn fine combination of modern rock production with melodic hard / arena rock hooks. The catchy choruses, inspired musicianship, and energetic songs all around the 3;30 minutes make “The Reign” more enjoyable than anything I’ve heard from this style in years.
Highly Recommended

01 – The Reign
02 – Burn It Down
03 – King of the Letdown
04 – Remember Me
05 – Too Late
06 – Another Way Out
07 – Making It Hard
08 – Drink You Away
09 – Play To Win
10 – Long Gone
11 – Loser’s Salute

Marshal Dutton – vocals
Joe ‘Blower’ Garvey – guitar
Mark King – guitar
Mike Rodden – bass
Cody Hanson – drums

Pre Order:
www.amazon.com/Reign-Hinder/dp/B073JH9JH3
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