‘Get Ready For the Reign'

Comprised of two Dallas Cowboys (Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis) and a Miami Dolphin (Cory Procter), Free Reign is certainly a larger than life heavy metal crew.

With the line-up rounded out by non-footballer and accomplished guitarist Justin Chapman, the quartet is readying the release of an all-new single, 'One Step Away' which follows up on the promise of last year's five-song release, Tragedy.

'One Step Away' will be released by the band via their own label, DC Rightside Music, and a new, full-length studio album will follow-up the single in April 2011.

Exclusive Magazine recently sat down with Cory Procter and discussed his upcoming CD, Taking it from the top and how did a meeting of the metal minds come together between some Cowboys and a Dolphin?! "Well, I was originally with the Cowboys for a few years so we got together during that time and discovered that we all enjoyed music. Rock/metal was just a common theme in our tastes and naturally goes with sports. So we had a lot of fun jamming until Justin joined up and things took off from there!"

And being that you guys are rivals in the NFL, were there any personal speed bumps to overcome along the way, perhaps? "There weren't any problems because we were already teammates and friends before I went to Miami. The biggest challenge would obviously be being in two different cities but since I reside in Dallas it works out fine."

Your new single, 'One Step Away' is a song about feeling close to success - whether as a band member or a team/player. Did you have any personal so-close-and-yet-so-far vibe to put into this song, perhaps? "Well, this song is actually mostly written by Justin and we sprinkled our own ideas in there with the help of our producer, Alex Gerst. I think that all of us have had that feeling at some point in our lives. It's not just about sports but about life. Sometimes you can be so far ahead but still be one step away from that ultimate goal."

The single is being released by your own label, DC Rightside Music, with a full-length studio album following in April. What can we expect from the debut album and how will it compete out there in the metal musical genre? "You can expect a wide range in our music. We have a number of songs that are heavy with great riffs and others that are a lot more melodic but still have drive. It should compete real well with other bands! I think we have our own style and with Marc's voice gives it a different sound that stands out."

Having listened to 'One Step Away,' I have to say I was impressed! So, what part do you play in this metal band and how long has it been together? "Thanks! I am what you might call the rock on which this band is standing! Ha! I'm the drummer and therefore I'm part of the foundation with Leonard on bass. We've been together for a few years now. More than that if you wanna go back before we started receiving attention for the band."

Where did the bands name FREE REIGN originate? "That was actually my idea! We have a great time with each other. Especially Marc and I because we both have the dumbest humor in the world! We have these conversations that make total sense to us but really don't say anything. Our talks are very spinal tappish and one day I told him we needed something that lets people know that we're taking over the world and we have free reign over everything!"

And, being that the band features a right tackle, a right guard, and a center/guard, does that mean you play zone whilst playing live shows?! "We could if we wanted to!! We'd be able to move in sync and knock someone over while doing it!"

OK, as we should also cover some NFL stuff, being that we're here in Detroit, you played for the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2005. How long were you with us and why did you feel the need to move on? "I was on the practice squad there for most of that season and left for the Cowboys because of the situation and potential opportunities. The Lions weren't doing so hot and Steve Mariuchi had just been let go along with my oline coach so it didn't make sense to stay when I was trying to make a team."

What is your favorite go-to NFL moment thus far in life - and why? "I started most of the '08 season with the Cowboys and we had a Monday night game vs the Eagles. I had a great game and we won. That big stage and performing well gives you a great rush."

Do you have any tattoos and, if so, and as we're not called Exclusive Magazine for nothing, what is the newest one - and where is it located?! "I actually don't have any at the moment, but I've always thought it would be cool to get one someday."

Lastly, and throwing you a journalistic curve ball, Exclusive Magazine love penguins ... do you, perhaps? "I love the movie 'Happy Feet' so therefore I love penguins!"

Interview: Russell A. Trunk

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