Before getting into the fact that this album is aptly named, or trying to describe the music on this release, one must first be made aware that this band is made up of three current NFL football players, Dallas Cowboys Marc Colombo (vocals) and Leonard Davis (bass) and Miami Dolphin “Cory Proctor (drums), the group is rounded out by guitarist Justin Chapman.

Forget any comparison to the Super Bowl Shuffle or other sports stars, such as Johnny Bench singing about little baby ducks, or the many failed rap careers that are a part of the NBA. Free Reign are not fucking around. They play metal like they mean it – and damn its mean. Mean and loud and in yer fucking face. At times it’s downright scary.

One wonders what might happen if these guys pump this album into their helmets on the field. Remember that scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High? You know the one where Spicoli wrecked the football star Charles Jefferson’s car. They made it look like the other team did it and on Friday night, Jefferson put the opposing teams dicks in the dirt. Imagine that times one hundred and you get the picture.

This album is aggressive from the start as “All in Vain” opens the game with a pounding hammer instead of blowing whistle. “Tragedy” is the song Free Reign are hoping will get some radio play, if it does then this band will no longer be an NFL gimmick, they will be judged on their own merits, as they should be.

The album is not perfect. Some songs are a bit overblown and some of the vocals are bit too growly but there is something going on here. This is a band, who have made their first full-length album, and are poised to do what it takes to be taken seriously. If the upcoming football season does not happen then they will have more time to hone their skills.

Free Reign are an up and coming band full of promise. Promise and a lot of anger, power and testosterone.

Check this album out if you’re a metal head and keep your eye on them in the future.