I remember hearing the song “Rill Rill” off of Sleigh Bells’ first album Treats, released just last May, and how uncertain I was as to if I even liked it or not. After a few listens, this uniquely poppy track, underscored with lyrics just dark enough to be respectable, would get my stamp of approval. When they dropped Reign of Terror on February 21st – not even a year after their first release – I was quite interested (along with the other ‘You know them too’s’) to see what the “noise pop” duo had in store for us their second time around.

Reign of Terror begins with exactly that: an onslaught of infectious feedback and energy that could virtually allow the track “True Shred Guitar” to go untitled. While the devotees of the first album’s sing-along appeal may be running for the hills, Gap sweaters wrapped around their waists, the more refined listener and fan of the band will take it as a message of their intentions, as if they planned to warn the top-40 rabble of what’s to come, only to “Reign Terror” on them. This message is made clear when the darker, more unrestricted tone hemorrhages into the next song, “Born to Lose,” featuring terrifying guitar riffs backed by a pumping helicopter-esque rhythm.


Although it may be harder, darker, more distorted and energetic -- an overall far-cry from anything you’ll find on Treats -- the band’s unique juxtaposition is not lost in the mayhem. Don’t be afraid! Lead singer Alexis Krauss’s innocent, almost gentle voice can still be heard beneath whatever personal issues Derek Miller is taking out on his guitar. This duality comes to fruition in “Crush,” when menacing sounds and caustic, downright defiant lyrics are disguised under a cloak of the pop sound similar to what we heard their last go-around.

Some may find themselves longing for more of the light-hearted aspects of Treats, however, Sleigh Bells’ sophomore release is a definite step in the right direction. Sure, it would have been shamefully simple for them to ride on the coattails of the novelty sound they are (were?) known for, making millions in the process, and even producing something we all haven’t heard before. Reign of Terror, however, is a showcase of the band’s creativity and diverse talent. This album features lead guitarist Derek Miller as an artist, allowing him the opportunity to express himself via guitar (cheaper than his therapist I imagine), something the last album made no room for.

The final tack, “D.O.A.,” is the perfect culmination to the second effort, and epitomizes the new direction of their sound. Opposed to an immediate insertion into the abyss of distorted resonance, “D.O.A.” allows a rather ominous buildup, which eventually pinnacles into the signature diabolic assault we have come to enjoy. The sound, for those unfamiliar, is far and away from heavy metal. It’s aspects of grime only magnify the true artistry behind a brighter complete package. Reign of Terror is a demonstration of the band’s much needed exploration. Being more musical, more subtle, and at the end of the day more memorable, this album truly proved to be the more fruitful “treat,” and may prove to be one of the best alternative albums of the year. 

Key Tracks: “Born to Lose,” “Crush,” “Comeback Kid,” “D.O.A.”