Reign of Terror
by Sleigh Bells
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 70
  3. Negative: 3 out of 70
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  1. Ziggster
    Mar 22, 2012
    9
    Far more emotive and massive sounding than "Treats". Proof that you can still make lots of loud noise and display your human side while your at it. With "Reign of Terror", Sleigh Bells certainly are pushing it.
  2. RMDmusicblog
    Aug 8, 2012
    8
    This album introduced me to the band, and it's absolutely out of this world. Somehow the band manages to pull of mixing up pop with metal (AKA "Noise Pop"). Hopefully this won't be the last album they release.
  3. messerhani
    Oct 8, 2013
    8
    The songwriting seems so much stronger than on their debut, "Treats", but the polished sound took something away the sweetness of melodies and vocals aren't as contrasted with the heavyness of drums and guitars as they were. But it's a fun, rewarding listen, and some tracks are pure gold.
  4. AV_critic
    Feb 21, 2012
    7
    Darker than the debut album "Treats", Miller brings back loud shattering guitar riffs while Krauss intrigues the listener with her beautiful and catchy voice in "Reign of Terror". The difference in R.O.T. is the dark undertone based by personal traumatic experiences and influences of a horror film. The entirety of the album is intense and addictive.
  5. tttahby
    Feb 22, 2012
    4
    Reign of Terror begins with the tacky canned bang "True Shred Guitar" transitions to the decent "Born to Lose" turns up the luster with "Crush" and "End of the Line" half-heartedly attempts to regain Treats badassery with "Leader of the Pack" "Comeback Kid" and "Demons" ensues with seemingly endlessly ear-rape on "Road to Hell" (nudged next to the farty shoegaze failure of "You Lost Me")Reign of Terror begins with the tacky canned bang "True Shred Guitar" transitions to the decent "Born to Lose" turns up the luster with "Crush" and "End of the Line" half-heartedly attempts to regain Treats badassery with "Leader of the Pack" "Comeback Kid" and "Demons" ensues with seemingly endlessly ear-rape on "Road to Hell" (nudged next to the farty shoegaze failure of "You Lost Me") and ends with the almost-satisfying "Never Say Die" and "D.O.A." I appreciate Sleigh Bells exploring a new direction, but the incorporation of the faux-gauze pop-rock sleaze makes the album feel awkward and just 'OK'. The beats unnecessarily take backseat while Alexis' shrill voice tumbles through radio-flavored hoops with Derek's guitar trying (and failing) to reign terror. I didn't feel that this album incorporated ENOUGH innovation, either shoegaze it to heaven and back or burn it to dust with bass-flecked distortion. The songs definitely have interesting concepts, but the ideas are not built upon nearly enough and tracks drone on in chunky sing-song loops.… Expand
  6. Thor
    Feb 21, 2012
    10
    Great album. Better than Treats, Sleigh Bells show that they are able to expand their sound to different styles, and still somehow come across as head-bangingly awesome.
  7. LuizCC
    Feb 22, 2012
    9
    People may say it is not fresh and new as 'Treats' was, but no one can deny they've grown. The musics have much more to say, the beats are even more noise-pop, and we can hear a lot of metal-influenced melodies all around. Watch out "Never Say Die", "D.O.A." and "Comeback Kid" (that seems to be a continuation to "Kids", from 'Treats'). It's like they throw Daft Punk, Van Halen andPeople may say it is not fresh and new as 'Treats' was, but no one can deny they've grown. The musics have much more to say, the beats are even more noise-pop, and we can hear a lot of metal-influenced melodies all around. Watch out "Never Say Die", "D.O.A." and "Comeback Kid" (that seems to be a continuation to "Kids", from 'Treats'). It's like they throw Daft Punk, Van Halen and Aerosmith in a blender and mixed their music styles and references to compose this album. And it is a good damn thing.… Expand
  8. Reeeth
    Feb 21, 2012
    8
    By nature, Reign of Terror isnâ
  9. AlexxTrusc
    Apr 26, 2012
    4
    To show the listener a style presented on "Reign Of Terror" it's enough to listen to the first "live" song - "True Shred Guitar". The rest is analogous outline of the same patent. The entire record is maintained in quite a specific climate. Songs do not stand out too much from one another, and what is the signature of this album - it sounds like it was recorded during the cheerleader 'sTo show the listener a style presented on "Reign Of Terror" it's enough to listen to the first "live" song - "True Shred Guitar". The rest is analogous outline of the same patent. The entire record is maintained in quite a specific climate. Songs do not stand out too much from one another, and what is the signature of this album - it sounds like it was recorded during the cheerleader 's show at a football game. Lot of chorus shouting, mass of solos and not for a moment slowing pace. This album is a bit like watching ad with no sound - initially may intrigue, but in general...… Expand
  10. Vampire25
    Feb 27, 2012
    9
    "Treats" was a fun, great little album. Sleigh Bells have crafted an even better album with "Reign Of Terror". It's much darker, much more mature, but still just as ambitious as their debut. They've expanded their sound. All In All, "Reign Of Terror" is a stunning album that's one of the best so far of 2012. A-
  11. Ben-Bopper
    Jun 12, 2012
    9
    Sleigh Bells return with an amazing album, beginning to end.
  12. GingerCritic
    Feb 24, 2012
    8
    Being a fan of Sleigh Bells, I was thrilled about this new album. And despite some of the criticism I've heard for their new album, I really enjoy it. It still has that same vibe from "Treats", but in a bit of a darker sense. It can't outshine "Treats", but it's definitely worth a listen. If you're a fan of Sleigh Bells or you just need to jam out to something really unique, this is one for you.
  13. gaussy
    Mar 2, 2012
    7
    Since I heard "Treats" the last year, I've been waited for this album. However, it was a bit disappointing. There are goods songs like "Born to Lose" or "Comeback Kid", but I wanted more.
    At least, the band tried to change a little their style. Good album. Only good and no more.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Discussed Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Under The Radar
    Mar 21, 2012
    80
    Packs a visceral wallop, at moments far more bruising than anything on their predecessor. [Mar 2012, p.86]
  2. Spin
    Mar 21, 2012
    80
    Reign of Terror is evidence that these kids never stopped Armageddonit even once they got punk cool.
    Read full review
  3. Kerrang!
    Mar 12, 2012
    80
    It's impressive to hear how Sleigh Bells rock so hard with so little. [19 Feb 2012, p.52]
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