Latter Reign is a Melodic Metal band from Southern California that formed back in the late 1980's. Latter Reign's Metal sound can be compared to bands such as Electrik, Angelica, and Judea. The band was founded by bassist-July Cardenas & Ryan Cane who joined forces to form a partnership. It wasn't long before they decided to add members to the group and that's when July contacted drummer-Doug Bear to handle percussion for the band. Doug quickly came on board and the three began honing their skills at a small church in Ontario, Canada. Next on the band's agenda was finding a lead vocalist. To fill this position, July didn't have to look any further than his own brother Luis Cardenas. After adding Luis to the group's roster, both Ryan & Doug left the band to pursue other opportunities. With the loss of two members, brothers - July Cardenas & Luis Cardenas began searching for new musicians to fill the available positions. July soon discovered lead guitarist/keyboardist-Brad Smith who promptly came on board to head up the guitar section. Brad then introduced the band to drummer-Dave Bonavich who quickly signed on as the band's new percussionist. The band was looking for a second guitarist, so Luis contacted guitarist-Glenn Graff who soon joined the group completing the band's line-up.
After their conception, the band wasted no time and got to work on material for a debut album.
After their conception, the band wasted no time and got to work on material for a debut album.
1991
In 1991 Latter Reign released their debut full-length album titled 'Live For The Day' on an indie label. 'Live For The Day' was released on cassette-only format and was a solid offering by the band. After the release of their debut, the band hit the streets in order to promote their studio album. While touring, Latter Reign went on to share the stage with many well-known bands including Fear Not, Guardian, Tourniquet, Sin Dizzy, Barren Cross, Ransom and Broken Silence.
The track-list for 'Live For The Day' includes 1.Prisoner 2.Real Love 3.Commin' Back 4.Winds Of Change
5.Don't Close Your Heart 6.Only Believe 7.Live For The Day 8.WInds Of Change(Acoustic).
The track-list for 'Live For The Day' includes 1.Prisoner 2.Real Love 3.Commin' Back 4.Winds Of Change
5.Don't Close Your Heart 6.Only Believe 7.Live For The Day 8.WInds Of Change(Acoustic).
2022
In 2022 Latter Reign re-released their full-length debut album titled 'Live For The Day' on Roxx Records. For the first time, fans are now able to listen to 'Live For The Day' on CD format. This newly released album features all 7 original tracks remastered & restored along with 2 additional bonus tracks. In addition, it includes a Jewel, 8 page booklet with lyrics. The album was remaster by Rob Colwell of Bombworks. The album's cover art features new stunning artwork and design by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal.
I must say that this original cassette recording must have had really poor demo-like production because this remastered/restored album still sounds pretty rough even after being remastered. However, the band and their arrangements are spot on with a killer 80's Melodic Metal sound complete with all the right hooks.
The track-listing for 'Live For The Day' includes 1.Prisoner 2.Real Love 3.Comin’ Back 4.Winds of Change 5.Don’t Close Your Heart 6.Only Believe 7.Live For The Day 8.Winds of Change(Bonus Track) 9.Desire(Bonus Track)(From: Heavens Metal Comp).
I must say that this original cassette recording must have had really poor demo-like production because this remastered/restored album still sounds pretty rough even after being remastered. However, the band and their arrangements are spot on with a killer 80's Melodic Metal sound complete with all the right hooks.
The track-listing for 'Live For The Day' includes 1.Prisoner 2.Real Love 3.Comin’ Back 4.Winds of Change 5.Don’t Close Your Heart 6.Only Believe 7.Live For The Day 8.Winds of Change(Bonus Track) 9.Desire(Bonus Track)(From: Heavens Metal Comp).
2022
In 2022 Latter Reign released their follow-up full-length sophomore album titled 'Latter Reign II' on Roxx Records. This limited-edition CD song collection was remastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and the album cover art, layout, and design were all done by Luke Easter(Tourniquet). Back in the early 90's, during the band's concerts, they would not only play music from their debut album but they also played many additional songs that were never released. That's where Roxx Records stepped in and gathered together these unpublished recordings along with many that were never finished. At this time, the band came back together and entered the studio where they finish recording all their unfinished tracks. The entire story of this process is featured within the inner sleeve of this 2022 CD sophomore release.
While in the studio, the band had the following to say about the recording process of 'LR II': "Latter Reign is putting the finishing touches on our 1995 studio recordings. We had most of this record finished back in the day, but it never got released. Luis Cardenas recently put vocals on about 5 songs, and Glenn Graff and I have been adding a few guitar parts here and there. We had 2 new songs emerge from our recent efforts. One came from me attempting to change the arrangement on a slow tune on the record, and I ended up with an all new rocker! The other came from an instrumental (all we had was the drum track recorded back then) song, that we put lyrics to."
The production on Latter Reign II sounds really good along with the band's tight arrangements and hooks making this album an instant classic for 80's era collectors.
While in the studio, the band had the following to say about the recording process of 'LR II': "Latter Reign is putting the finishing touches on our 1995 studio recordings. We had most of this record finished back in the day, but it never got released. Luis Cardenas recently put vocals on about 5 songs, and Glenn Graff and I have been adding a few guitar parts here and there. We had 2 new songs emerge from our recent efforts. One came from me attempting to change the arrangement on a slow tune on the record, and I ended up with an all new rocker! The other came from an instrumental (all we had was the drum track recorded back then) song, that we put lyrics to."
The production on Latter Reign II sounds really good along with the band's tight arrangements and hooks making this album an instant classic for 80's era collectors.
The track-list for 'Latter Reign II' includes 1.Latter Reign 2.Desire 3.Dreams 4.Shine Your Light 5.Radio Paradise 6.Rotten Johnny 7.Crazy World 8.Day By Day 9.Hardened Heart 10.Won't Go Down 11.Why 12.Writing's On The Wall.
Guitars are managed by lead guitarist-Brad Smith & rhythm guitarist-Glenn Graff who both lay down some tasty licks on this 2022 release. The guitars are melodic and stay true to the style and sound of the 80's Metal and Rock music scene.
Lyrics show a love for the Lord and for people as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Latter Reign"
See the fighting in the streets
Children crying not enough to eat
People dying hear the pain
spreading like a fire
The end of the earth
I cry out
Oh Lord
My heart rips inside
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I
In the latter reign
wipe away our tears
"Shine Your Light"
I've been searching for so long
For answers in this life
Not knowing all along
It was right before my eyes
For a friend you'd give your life
Never thinking twice
Living water blessed our souls
Now's the time
Shine your light
Let the world see
Shine your light
What you're meant to be
"Rotten Johnny"
Johnny never heard the golden rule
Beatin' up on others, stayin' after school
Principle says mom this boy's no good
Lifting up the girl's skirts
And breakin' all the rules
Never had respect for anyone
Teacher says this breakdown...
Momma turned him over to the Lord up above
Daddy turned him over his knees, had enough
"Hardened Heart"
And I know that you are playing with fire
And I know you will fall apart
Your hardened heart
How long will it steal your soul
Your hardened heart
How long will it keep the fire out
"Why"
Won't you tell me
Why does selfishness take over?
Killing innocent through foolishness
Please tell me
Why can't we see?
it's not too late to turn your heart around
Courage to change is all you need
Believe without a doubt
Without a doubt
See the fighting in the streets
Children crying not enough to eat
People dying hear the pain
spreading like a fire
The end of the earth
I cry out
Oh Lord
My heart rips inside
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I
In the latter reign
wipe away our tears
"Shine Your Light"
I've been searching for so long
For answers in this life
Not knowing all along
It was right before my eyes
For a friend you'd give your life
Never thinking twice
Living water blessed our souls
Now's the time
Shine your light
Let the world see
Shine your light
What you're meant to be
"Rotten Johnny"
Johnny never heard the golden rule
Beatin' up on others, stayin' after school
Principle says mom this boy's no good
Lifting up the girl's skirts
And breakin' all the rules
Never had respect for anyone
Teacher says this breakdown...
Momma turned him over to the Lord up above
Daddy turned him over his knees, had enough
"Hardened Heart"
And I know that you are playing with fire
And I know you will fall apart
Your hardened heart
How long will it steal your soul
Your hardened heart
How long will it keep the fire out
"Why"
Won't you tell me
Why does selfishness take over?
Killing innocent through foolishness
Please tell me
Why can't we see?
it's not too late to turn your heart around
Courage to change is all you need
Believe without a doubt
Without a doubt
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
Latter Reign is for fans of Electrik, Angelica, and Judea. Latter Reign has produced a couple of rare gems and thanks to Roxx Records we are now able to enjoy these previously unheard recordings. If you are looking for some 80's style Melodic Metal then check out what Latter Reign has delivered up with their latest release 'Latter Reign II'. Help support the band and Christian Metal music by picking up your copy of this 2022 release today!
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Luis Cardenas - Lead Vocals, Drums
Brad Smith - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keys, bgvx
Glenn Graff - Rhythm Guitars, bgvx
July Cardenas - Bass
Dave Bonavich - Drums
Luis Cardenas - Lead Vocals, Drums
Brad Smith - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keys, bgvx
Glenn Graff - Rhythm Guitars, bgvx
July Cardenas - Bass
Dave Bonavich - Drums
