Review: “Demonetization” by Iron Reagan

“Very excited to release new music with the original Iron Reagan lineup. This is the first time we’ve released something with Paul since 2014 (Exhumed Split). This is some of our strongest/heaviest material we’ve done to date. Looking forward to getting back on the road with these guys and seeing everybody.” ~ Tony Foresta

Having been in hibernation since January 2020 it seemed less possible with each passing year that Richmond Virginia Crossover Thrash merchants Iron Regan would return, however never say never. The faithful were repaid on 14th February 2026 when four fifths of the line up that brought us the bands debut album “Worse Than Dead” took to the stage at Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne, Florida and with a tour lined up with Killswitch Engage and Machine Head for the summer there were whispers of new material. As it turns out those whispers were true as vocalist Tony Foresta, guitarist Phil “LandPhil” Hall (both of Municipal Waste fame), bassist Paul Burnette (Hellbear), drummer Ryan Parrish (ex-Darkest Hour) along with a new guitarist Adam Guilliams have surprise released EP “Demonetization“.

In true Iron Regan style the record produced, mixed and mastered by Zach Miller (Freya, Laser Mountain, Pit) is a box of short, sharp shocks that is the equivalent of getting tasered while attempting to escape from the feds at the border due to being found in possession of a “little bit” of weed. It crashes through walls of Punk, Hardcore, Fastcore and Thrash Metal like the Incredible Hulk, title track “Demonetization” setting the tone as a 58 second burst of adrenalized riffage and a single verse of screamed vocal. Its as fierce and intense as you’d expect, like the Energizer Bunny just sucked down 10 cans of an energy drink that gives you wiiings and then spontaneously combusted.

Slowing down just a little “God Don’t Like It” offers a two step-able riff and a bit of a sing-a-long as the band go Thrash Punk for a minute, the sentiment of the lyrical narrative one that will make you crack a smile. The longest cut on the record is “Make It Ugly” which clocks in at 161 seconds with a gang-chanted chorus of the title that is wonderfully old school and a couple of fiery little solos to boot. Make no mistake, the fire still burns for Foresta who vents his spleen like this was his first record. Forget old and tired. It’s more like older, wiser and more aggressive.

By the time “Hood Ornament” comes around it’s clear that the original players have rolled back the thirteen years since they started out like it was nothing and delivered some of their finest material. The breakneck speed Thrash riffs on this one are insane, the rhythm section giving the guitarists a run for their money with that hold on to your hats approach that the fans know and love. Sure when they play these songs live you’re just going to have to throw your beer in the air and stay in the pit but it’s all about the stage dives and high fives anyway right? Let’s have some f***ing fun!

The blistering “Parts Unknown” has a menacing and sinister quality, the band leaving no stone unturned in their Thrash or be Thrashed approach before “Turning Green” injects a bit of Storm Troopers Of Death bounce. Is Billy Milano still alive? If he is, he’s going to be found at the side of the stage loving every second while this tornado of riffs takes the roof off the venue [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Demonetization
2. God Don’t Like It
3. Make It Ugly
4. Hood Ornament
5. Parts Unknown
6. Turning Green

“Demonetization” by Iron Regan is out 9th June 2026 digitally, physically on 18th September 2026 via Relapse Records and is available over at bandcamp