For the first three albums this melodic Speed Metal unit was known as JOE STUMP'S REIGN OF TERROR, the band project of solo artist and former TRASH BROADWAY and SHINING HEMLOCK guitarist JOE STUMP. Stump, although credited with five solo albums, felt the need for a full band endeavour convening THE REIGN OF TERROR in the mid 90's, initially for the Japanese market. The 1995 album 'Light In The Sky' features ZANISTER vocalist Brian Sarrela as frontman.

By the 2001 record 'Sacred Ground' Stump had been joined by the EVENT rhythm section of bassist Jay Rigney and drummer Matt Scurfield. Lead vocalist was none other than the highly rated Mike Vescara, veteran of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, OBSESSION, LOUDNESS, DR. SIN and MVP. The album, which included a cover of RAINBOW's 'Kill The King', also saw guest keyboard playing from Mats Olausson of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN's band. With the arrival of the October 2002 'Conquer & Divide' album the band had shortened its title to simply THE REIGN OF TERROR.

Stump, working alonside Michael Vescara once again, formed up part of the reformed OBSESSION in mid 2003.