Dwayne Dassing met singer Scott Berens in 2000 at a local bar, where Berens, newly arrived from Reno, was seeking a fresh start. Dassing, having just parted ways with his brother Gary on their project Mentallo & The Fixer, was also on the verge of a new path, aiming for a less abrasive, more organic sound. Their first collaboration, Blind, came together effortlessly—so much so that without that session, Reign of Roses might never have existed. Their sound evolved into something melodic – even medieval-sounding – built around Berens’ deeply evocative lyrics, rich with suffering and sorrow.
With Dwayne Dassing’s formidable collection of synths—ranging from vintage analogue machines to modern digital equipment—he recorded the music for Reign of Roses in a deliberately old-school fashion, relying on a sound-console and an array of outboard effects. The only element committed to software was Berens’ vocals.
The band acknowledges that not all recording sessions mirrored the initial smooth collaboration. Creative clashes often flared, with differing opinions on the direction each song should take. Yet, out of this tension, the music grew, with both artists navigating the delicate dance between their distinct visions. The outcome is a collection of polished tracks, rooted in underground industrial and gothic aesthetics, but equally suited for the dance floor. Reign of Roses thrives on this friction, offering a sound that feels both dark and accessible, shaped by compromise and chemistry.
The duo’s first full-length album, Thorns, features ten intricately layered tracks, spanning from moody dark wave to finely tuned, dance-driven beats, with gothic undertones. Much of the album’s lyrical content stems from Scott’s final tumultuous days in Reno, exploring themes of redemption and rebirth. His quest for a fresh start in a new city adds depth to the record’s haunting, evocative sound.
Now remastered by Dwayne Dassing, Thorns has finally seen the light through Re:Mission Entertainment – and in full circle, Gary Dassing makes an appearance as the drum programmer. Originally set for release in 2006 on Ras Dva Records, the project was delayed due to the death of producer Ric Laciak. The band had previously released a limited edition four-song EP that same year while supporting the Mentallo & The Fixer tour: In Bourbon and in Blood.
In Bourbon and In Blood conjures a mystical, Middle Eastern-tinged atmosphere, transporting listeners to another realm entirely. Drawing from the ethereal sounds of Dead Can Dance, This Mortal Coil, and Fields of the Nephilim, with echoes of Depeche Mode and Enigma, the piece pulses with an otherworldly energy. In contrast, Reflection offers a hypnotic allure, its laid-back, syncopated rhythms interspersed with bubbling, resonant filters. The track’s steady beat and fluid electronic undercurrents seamlessly fuse the ethereal with the danceable, creating a delicate balance between ambiance and movement. Tears of God shifts the mood again, its arpeggiating bells flowing with a melancholic grace, evoking a distinctly Gothic sensibility. The album’s range—from transcendent meditations to rhythmically grounded tracks—reveals a careful layering of elements, guiding listeners through an atmospheric journey.
Listen to Thorns below:
Reign of Roses’ Thorns is out now via Re:Mission Entertainment. Order Here
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