Album Review: Acid Reign – Daze Of the Week (Back On Black)

Rebooted and ready to go, Acid Reign are back with their brand-new album, ‘Daze of the Week’, out May 15th, 2026, via Back on Black.

I know what you’re thinking. Didn’t we already do an Acid Reign return in 2019 with ‘The Age of Entitlement’? Yes, we did. However, the lineup that rebooted the band then has significantly changed with both guitarists (Paul & Cooky) and the drummer (Marc) gone. So, here we are, Acid Reign 3.0, led, as always, by the incomparable Howard “H” Smith. Not just the driving force behind the band but sounding as strong as ever here.

It’s an album that thrashes hard, delivering a thumping, racing, and head banging inducing piece of heavy metal. It’s a satisfying listen that in no way sets out to change the world, it’s just making it that little bit heavier, and it begins in earnest fashion.

Kicking things off is The Who of You and the title track. Both go hard, both go fast, and both deliver a raucous display of rhythmic violence. Especially as the thrash does get twisted here and there by melody, groove, hardcore tones, and more.

Did I mention that H is sounding fantastic? Because he really is. Such as spitting furiously on the intense No Truth. However, this is not a one-man show and Acid Reign really do sound united here. Crafting addictive efforts like Conniption King, which delivers bouncy rhythms and a somewhat catchy chorus (the guitar soloing is great too), groove-infused bangers like Alonely, and heart-racing experimental efforts like Blind Lies. Each track hits with force and leaves a memorable mark. Putting it simply, it’s a kick ass record.

If any doubts remain, Sorrowsworn’s punky twist on speed metal should shut them down, but even then, it’s quickly followed by the sharp and pointed old-school sounding head banger that is Old Young Man. Young, old, veterans, or newbies, these are tracks that have the potency to appeal to all.

If I am being honest, I am over the moon. I really didn’t expect much, especially learning that it was effectively another reboot of the band, but they’ve killed it here and delivered my personal favourite Acid Reign album to date. Wrapping up in spectacularly heavy fashion thanks to the thrashing mania of Fantastic Passion, before dramatically changing the tone with Centre of Everything. Think you know everything this band has to offer? Think you’ve heard all that H can do? You should think again.

I’m glad to have them back again. Here’s hoping that Acid Reign 3.0 is it now.

Acid Reign – Daze of the Week Track Listing:

1. The Who of You
2. Daze of the Weak
3. No Truth
4. Conniption King
5. Alonely
6. Blind Lies
7. Sorrowsworn
8. Old Young Man
9. Fantastic Passion
10. Centre of Everything

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