Thundering across the plains of Western Illinois comes The Horde, spreading terror with axes and flame. Here is a metal band that doesn't mess around and takes no prisoners. Inspired by tales of barbarians and beasts, they churn out an aggressive, raw sound that mixes aspects of thrash, death and epic heavy metal into a finely tuned weapon.

The Horde immediately proved their worth with their debut From Empire To Ashes but on Thy Blackened Reign, everything is kicked up a notch. The sound is harder and meaner, the choruses are more memorable and the production is clearer. Plus the cover is awesome! That image in itself tells you all you need to know about The Horde.

Those brave enough to seek out this raging disc will be well rewarded with a banquet of red-hot steel!

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

This first cut has a raw and hungry sound to it, but it’s still rooted in classic metal. Duncan's snarling vocals avoid the excesses of death and black metal but still come across as mean, mean, mean! He gives a great voice to the band and this cut is a fine introduction to their style.