WILD DOGS reign of terror ST-73241

US Power Metal Fury: Wild Dogs’ ‘Reign Of Terror’ (ST-73241)

Today’s entry spotlights a cult classic from the American heavy metal scene, specifically the US Power Metal movement of the late 80s. We are looking at the 1987 album Reign Of Terror by Wild Dogs, released on Enigma Records with the catalog number ST-73241.

Released in 1987, this album marked a significant evolution for the Portland-based band. It was their third studio album and the first to feature new vocalist Michael Furlong, who replaced original singer Matt McCourt. However, for many rock historians and drummers, the main attraction here is the presence of a young Deen Castronovo behind the kit. Before he became a superstar with Bad English, Journey, and Revolution Saints, Castronovo was laying down thunderous, high-speed double-bass drumming on metal records like this one and those by Dr. Mastermind and Cacophony.

Musically, Reign Of Terror is a powerhouse of US metal. It opens with the blistering speed metal anthem Metal Fuel (In The Blood), showcasing Castronovo’s technical prowess immediately. The album balances these high-velocity tracks with pounding mid-tempo metal like Man Against Machine and the dramatic title track, Reign Of Terror. The production, handled by Steve “Boom” Fontano at the legendary Prairie Sun Recording Studios (a hub for Shrapnel Records artists), gives the guitars a sharp, aggressive edge.

This specific copy is the standard US release on Enigma. Collectors often note that while the vinyl labels state “Manufactured in USA,” the back sleeve often bears a “Printed in Canada” mark, a common characteristic for Enigma releases of this period. The runout grooves feature the “MASTERED BY CAPITOL” stamp, ensuring a professional cut. ST-73241 is an essential listen for fans of 80s power metal and anyone wanting to hear the heavy metal roots of one of rock’s greatest drummers.