| Musical Style: Melodic Power Metal | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2021 | Artist Website: Millennial Reign |
| Tracks: 4 | Rating: No Quote |
| Running Time: 20:04 |
With a four song-EP release of its Ulterium Records 2015 sophomore album Carry The Fire, under the appropriate title Carry The Fire Again, Millennial Reign has given the original material a bit more punch as a result of having been re-mixed and re-mastered. A cleaner keyboard sound, full drum presence and backing off from most harmony vocals immediately stand out, as does a new vocalist in Tiffany Galchutt.
Taking over for Carry The Fire vocalist James Guest, whom in turn was supplanted by Travis Wills for 2018 third album The Great Divide (also Ulterium), Galchutt proves a good fit for the Arlington, Texas based quartets take on the melodic metal meets power metal genre. Specifically, she separates with an expansive mid-ranged soprano style, which could not contrast more with the classic tenor form of Guest and Wills.
As a result, it took some getting used to the obvious changes a female vocalist lends to the Millennial Reign sound, particularly after having become acquainted with her two said predecessors. Nevertheless, I embrace Galchutt all the same in that similar talent levels present despite trending a different direction vocal wise. In other words, a melodic power metal framework does not find her out of her element.
Hence, her performance on scintillatingly melodic opener “Way Up High”, which finds here extending her range on the prominent verse sections only to even out for the soaring refrain of a decided draw you in form. Song otherwise manifests both the groups melodic (decided commercial bearings rise to the surface) and power metal sides (noting the symphonic keyboards). Lyric snippet:
We’ve seen shadows falling
We’ve seen darkness hide
We hear voices calling
We hear way up high
I see new dawn rising
I see bright new light
I see love in Your eyes
I see way up high
Signature track “Millennial Reign” further builds upon the power metal base with added doses of keyboards and double kick drum. It also elevates heaviness, as battering ram guitars prevail, but fails to back from the hook driven form, noting another conspicuous melody. Instrumentally, a proficient run of dual lead guitar - noting the work of Dave Harvey and Jason Donnelly - rounds things out. Lyric snippet:
Now let these words declare
We will rise like armies of our God
Burn fire in the skies
Shine Your light upon me
So that men will see
The love I know as Father
Now we are free, I’m free indeed
Heal me
With classical keyboards and choral vocals to start, “Innocent Cry” takes a symphonic metal heading but urged with a complexion to speak of the pensive if not all out wired. Pounding drums reveal as well (crediting the compact timekeeping of Wayne Stokely) to further elevate power, as does Galchutt’s intense vocal performance to build upon the assertive melody. Lyric snippet:
Innocent cry they die
Long to be alive
Just a little more time
Angles & I take you to paradise
All the lost souls never believe
Lost in eternity
Always hearing the lies
Now hear the cry
Losing their legacy
“Men Stand Alone” jump starts at once in maintaining the nimble form throughout its first minute. Upon reaching its verse sections, however, impetus pulls up (even if slightly) only for the sudden bearing to realize for the consequential (and quite memorable) refrain. Instrumentally, song presents with another ably done soloing stretch. Lyric snippet:
Why must I see the fallen
Why must their fate I taste
I know I hear Your calling
I try to find my place
This tide is ever changing
It never stays the same
The days are so much colder
When men walk alone
Credit Millennial Reign for taking the risk to switch from a classic tenor male vocal penchant to a female fronted approach, but it is one that has paid off. Quality to Carry The Fire Again realizes such, referencing not just the improved sound quality but also how the group selected four of the better original tracks. Either way, it proves a fitting manner in which to introduce Galchutt’s abilities. Moving ahead I am looking forward to hearing new material written with her in mind, particularly to see of the group strays outside its boundaries into other hard music styles. If interested in a new take on the Carry The Fire Material, then Carry The Fire Again comes as a recommended purchase.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Way Up High” (5:01), “Millennial Reign” (4:18), “Innocent Cry” (5:18), “Me Stand Alone” (5:27)
Musicians
Tiffany Galchutt - Lead Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Neil Bertrand - Bass, Backing Vocals
Steve Nichols - Drums
