In a word – WOW! Like a distant stellar nursery, the West Midlands nebula appears to be generating a seemingly infinite number of protostars. One nascent fireball is Wolverhampton’s Europa Reign, who carve out cinematic soundscapes of dual guitar harmonies combined with cathartic vocals, all delivered with relentless energy.
Europa Reign – Europa Reign EP
Release Date: 15 August 2025
Words: Sophie James
This incarnation has been together since late 2023 and comprises the indefatigable Andy Owen on vocals (of White Crow & Lynus fame), guitarists Aaron Sanders and Ash Nesbitt, Jon Winter on bass and Jamie Roberts behind the kit.
Following on from their recent single, this Friday sees the release of their eponymous debut EP. So, what does it sound like?
“Your head is a maelstrom, it’s outta control”
From the outset, the melodic and rhythmic potency demands one’s attention, sustaining a vice-like grip until the resonance of the concluding note fades. The vigorous mix is fundamental to this immediacy.
The pulsing intensity of Villainous explodes from a looming suppressed riff into an unrelenting rhythmic tempest while Andy’s ursine roar, tinged with melancholy, delivers every word with unwavering precision and commitment. Meanwhile, the first of many soaring, expressive solos evoke adolescent recollections of what you believed Metal lead guitarists should sound like.
The commencement of Rust is a breakneck gallop. The groove settles into a Metallica-leaning Pearl Jam with lacerating guitars slashing out in all directions. These underpin Andy’s plaintive howl prior to harmonising into the most satisfying coda.
“Life is too short to live with regret.”
With a five-second crossfade selected on my music app, Marionette follows seamlessly. After just two songs, the listener is already anticipating the ascensions which inevitably follow.
The diction and conviction in Andy’s voice is thoroughly compelling as it expands beyond the raucous cadences. Classic twin guitar harmonies drift into a heavenly solo that transports us to days of glory past.
In just one song, there is so much to immerse yourself into. Through repeated listens, it grew so much, it narrowly missed my personal top spot, but more on that later.
One may expect a post-midsection number entitled Broken Heart to be a more restrained, emotional affair. Wrong! No ballads here.
This is a barrage of searing riffs, creating an insistent groove above which the compelling vocal roars with precise melodic certitude. Like all before, it shifts so fluidly as the band seek to test the boundaries of the arrangement.
The mid-section is a delightful expression of exploration comprising a flurry of six-string virtuosity, a revisited bridge, and a decelerated percussive breakdown, from which a captivating solo is unshackled.
“I feel the blade you’re wielding as it breaks my skin.”
While all before has been most impressive, to these well-used and much abused lugholes, Treachery is the EP’s standout and I will go as far as saying, one of the best tunes I have heard this year.
After a characteristic incendiary opening, the staccato call and response teases the preposterously contagious hooks, which solidify on the mellifluous, triumphant chorus. Then we have a solo that is a real throw your head back and offer your horns towards the Gods of Rock.
I cannot wait to hear this being played live.
In all, this debut EP leaves you feeling just one word – WOW! Unrelenting throughout, Europa Reign have made an emphatic statement pinpointing where Classic Metal is in the first quarter of the 21st Century.
The potent production stands toe to toe with outfits who are blessed with more generous budgets, as it channels each component into an assaultive mix. The deeper one immerses, the greater the appreciation for the intricacies of the songs and their explorative arrangements as the melodies entrench within one’s subconscious.
While the five tracks are a flowing, hugely satisfying and impressive genesis, the prospect of what gems are becoming is truly mouthwatering.
The Europa Reign EP will be available on all streaming platforms from Friday, 15 August 2025, while CDs can be ordered via their socials.
Coincident with this release, the EP Launch Show takes place at where else but The Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton. Tickets are available here. 
