Children of the Reptile-The End

Self-Release/Independent
2018

Children of the Reptile is a U.S. traditional heavy metal/epic metal band that has been active since 2009. Lead by vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Ozzie Darden (ex-Death Machine Weapons, ex-The Disasters), this four-piece band is based in Wilmington, North Carolina and has two EPs and two full-length albums to it's name. Released in late-January of this year, the nine-track "The End" is the second full-length release from Children of the Reptile. It serves as the follow-up to 2016's well-received "The Four Weapons EP" and finds this U.S. metal band sounding better than ever! As with the group's last EP, "The End" features damn catchy material that should please not only long-time fans of the group, but anyone that appreciates true heavy metal. If your personal CD collection includes everything from Megadeth and Metallica to Thin Lizzy, Dio, solo-Ozzy, Manilla Road, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest then you are going to dig this outfit. You simply cannot go wrong when you mix Ozzie's tremendous vocal delivery with blazing guitar solo and the one-two punch that is this album's rhythm section! Having made their debut in 2012 with a 3-song EP, Children of the Reptile has grown into one of the most dependable metal bands out there. There is no reason why this band shouldn't be in your personal music collection and I have no idea why they are still unsigned! Just like the group's last studio album, "The End" is a A+ release in a day and age when far too many bands are just going through the motions.

Children of the Reptile-The Four Weapons EP

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Sporting one of the coolest monikers out there(!), Children of the Reptile is a up-and-coming heavy metal band from Wilmington, North Carolina that is every-bit as epic as their name suggests! The group's wide array of influences include (but are not limited to!) Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Rainbow, Manilla Road, Loudness, Megadeth, Brocas Helm, The Lord Weird Slough Feg, Metallica, and even Thin Lizzy!! According to the Metal Archives, Children of the Reptile was originally formed in 2008 by vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Ozzie Darden (ex-Death Machine Weapons, ex-The Disasters) and guitarist/vocalist Chris Millard (Salvación, ex-Wrathlord) for a one-off show. It was only in 2009 that this U.S. epic heavy metal band became the real deal. After putting out their 3-song debut EP in March of 2012, Children of the Reptile went on to release a self-titled album in 2013. Just released on November 19th, "The Four Weapons EP" is the latest studio recording for this four-piece lot. It finds Ozzie Darden and Chris Millard backed by bassist/vocalist David "Pils" Hufham and drummer Jon Kiker (ex-Death Machin Weapons, ex-Wrathlord). While Jon Kiker has since been replaced by Chase Kelly, "The Four Weapons EP" did feature his immense skills and he should be duly credited. And speaking of (MAD) skills, Ozzie Darden and Chris Millard have the twin guitar attack style of Tipton/Downing (Iron Maiden) and Smith/Murray (Judas Priest) down pat! Simply put, the guitar solos on this EP are KILLER! For fans of real heavy metal (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, solo Ozzy, Dio, etc.) these leads will feel like a homecoming of sorts. Meanwhile the tight rhythm section is right there in line with the strings...and so is lead singer Ozzie. Darden's voice is honest and sincere and it fits right in with the overall mentality of this 4-track recording. Easily verified by listening to just one of the songs on this tremendous EP, Children of the Reptile has a real love for the music that they have created. Whether it's the instrument number "Arrival of the Dark Child" (which slays!) or the EP's three "regular" songs ("4 Weapons", "Sieg Zeon!", and "Goblin's Treasures"), "The Four Weapons EP" is 100% authentic in it's delivery! There is nothing fake about recording or the  extremely-talented band that crafted it. God, is that every refreshing or what? Real heavy metal from a honest to goodness real heavy metal band. Who would have thought it possibly that such a cool thing still existed in 2016? Available for the low price of only $5.00 (which frankly is a steal of a deal for this twenty plus minute EP!), "The Four Weapons EP" is for fans of traditional heavy metal as well as epic metal. It's a A+ recording in a world where we all too often settle for B- releases and it comes with my highest of recommendations!