| Musical Style: Melodic Metal | Produced By: Defector |
| Record Label: Roxx Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2023 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 40:57 |
The redesigned Millennial Reign debut full length, re-issued on Roxx Records in February of 2023 under the Defector heading and re-titled Fire By Night, is light years better than its original self-titled version. As an initial independent release from 2012, Millennial Reign comprised the material founding member and guitarist Dave Harvey composed between 2000 and 2005 as part of his previous band 3:16 but failed to record. That changed when Harvey recruited vocalist Trae Doss and drummer Bryan Diffee ahead of recording said 3:16 songs and putting them out under the Millennial Reign moniker. However, due to the project not comprising actual Millennial Reign material, he took it off the market once the group put out in 2015 its Ulterium Records sophomore album Carry The Fire. Harvey later reconsidered the decision and contacted Roxx Records, which led to the re-release of the original Millennial Reign recordings re-branded as Defector.
Fire By Night separates from Millennial Reign in the key areas of packaging and re-mastering. In terms of former, I find the ‘owl descending over a ring of fire’ cover art more eye-catching than the ‘silver shield with wings outlined in red’ cover to the original. Likewise, the detailed 12-page booklet to feature lyrics and band photos (noting the work of Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal graphics) is also an upgrade. From standpoint of latter, Millennial Reign by no means sounds bad, but the Roxx Records re-mastering takes things to the next level with an added dose of refinement resulting in crisper guitars, better-defined keyboards and expanded bass presence.
Aspect in which the two projects share is musical direction to uphold a scintillating blend of eighties melodic metal and hard rock characterized by (referencing the original 2012 Millennial Reign press material) ‘huge vocal harmonies and big choruses’ inviting comparison to ‘Petra, Stryper, Bloodgood, Dokken, Bon Jovi, Ratt, Warrant, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Queensryche and Iron Maiden’. That said bands with a European flair along lines of Audiovision, Harmony and Narnia also deserve mention.
After opening to minute and half guitar feedback instrumental “The Ascension”, album moves on to “Always”, a top cut embodying said eighties melodic metal and hard rock nuances in question. It opens to a forthright blend of crunch-heavy guitars and accenting keyboards, muscling its way forward in polished mid-tempo form as Doss exhibits his smooth and clean mid-to upper range vocal abilities (he reminds somewhat of Xalt front man Scott Doefler). Backing vocals elevate the alluring refrain.
“We Are The Ones” ensues in upping tempo and heaviness. With full on guitars leading the way, the song powers ahead in making a pointed statement as Diffee reveals his spot on timekeeping with double kick drum outbursts adorning the backend. The best elements of Stryper and Audiovision come to mind in the process. Lyric snippet:
Sky rips, mountains tremble
The fear of God has forged His name in our hearts
One man the true Messiah, the world kneels and bows to the Lord
Sometimes we feel like we are running in circles within
Our heart are weak and we can’t go on
Cause were weighted down with sin
That’s when we realize we can turn to You for everything
“Run For Your Life” takes a smoother approach in elevating keyboards and returning impetus to the mid-paced. Not compromised in the process is heaviness, noting Harvey’s spot on rhythm guitar and lead work, nor immediate hooks, in reference to the accessible sensibilities.
“Left Along” plays up a mirthful aspect and aligns it with tough as nails low-end groove. The hard rocking environs to command correspondingly sees rumbling bass play a commanding role and vocals to support a soulful albeit not less complementary nuance. One cannot deny the decisive as it gets harmonies and melodies. Lyric snippet:
You just can’ leave well enough alone
You think that you can do it better on your own
You won’t even come in from the rain
Lashing out from the place you hide
Knowing that you never really tried
There is no one else that you can blame
Semi ballad “Broken”, albums lengthiest at five and half minutes, gallops from the get go only to settle down for the reticent flavorings to command its verse sections. As impetus accelerates, guitars punch in and power things to the sweeping chorus to see the galloping incentives return in uncompromising form. Harvey again makes a compelling statement with his well-placed lead guitar.
Albums title track brings a power metal vibe, pointing to a darker resonance found in choral keyboard and neo-classically influenced guitars. When further factoring the catchy demeanor and soaring vocals, I am reminded of Sweden’s Narnia, particularly the groups 1998 sophomore release Long Live The King. Lyric snippet:
Pharaoh’s army pursued us
With hearts of hatred and weapons unsheathed
We cried out for mercy and Pharaoh’s army was drowned in the sea
Delivered out of Egypt’s hands
We were led into the promised land
God has led us out of plight
Cloud by day, fire by night
“Live Forever” trends AOR and melodic hard rock territory. As the albums most commercial cut, “Live Forever” gives prominence to acoustic lacings and a reduced guitar aptitude to align with an uplifting mentality speaking of the worshipful. Am I out of line to suggest comparison Running Out Of Time era Daniel Band?
Straight on eighties metal to “Everyday” is the one album track reminding me most of Xalt with its breathing bass and low end groove. Outside of that, song brings some of the most mesmerizing harmonies you will hear - noting the regally done instrumental moments - alongside heavy-set backing vocals adorning the forward thinking refrain. Lyric snippet:
Though my body is dying, my spirt is renewed
Everyday
Though my troubles don’t compare
I sure look forward to what is to come
Everyday
Troubles we see will soon be over
But the joys will last forever
Seems I forget the One who cares
And when I’m down can’t seem to get through it
You know I’m looking in the wrong place
“Lost In Vegas” represents another commercial cut, with draw you in at once hooks and up-tempo focus mirroring the radio friendly either way. Layered Stryper-like vocal melodies adorning the refrain help make it one of albums catchiest, while the riveting lead guitar combined with the closing double kick drum lend an understated element of muscle.
If your musical tastes trends toward melodic metal and hard rock with polished production and refined songwriting - not to mention a light European flair - Defector’s Fire By Night is a solid choice. Yes, the original Millennial Reign self-titled release from 2012 is solid, but Fire by Night takes things to the next level with improved packaging and superior re-mastering. Performance from the talented power trio cannot be questions when factoring Doss’ expansive vocals, Harvey’s multi-dimensional guitar, bass and keyboard abilities and Diffee’s spot on timekeeping. Nine strong cuts and a short instrumental add up to a potential top five album of the year candidate.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “The Ascension” (1:40), “Always” (4:36), “We Are The Ones” (4:05), “Run For Your Life” (4:16), “Left Alone” (3:39), “Broken” 5:23), “Fire By Night” (4:24), “Live Forever” (4:14), “Everyday” (4:33), “Lost In Vegas” (4:06)
Musicians
Trae Doss - Lead Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitars, Bass & Keyboards
Bryan Diffee - Drums
