Millennial Reign
Millennial Reign hails from DFW(Dallas Fort Worth), Texas and formed back in 2010 by guitarist-Dave Harvey(ASKA). In an interview at Angelic Warlord we discover the meaning behind the band's moniker: "Millennial Reign is actually a Biblical term from the Book of Revelation. It refers to the thousand-year reign of Christ after the tribulation. I heard the term many years ago and I always thought it sounded like a Power Metal band name. It was the name I decided to use when I released the first album, even though it was more classic 80's metal."
Revelation 20
"Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain. 2 He seized the dragon—the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan—and tied him up for a thousand years. 3 The angel then threw him into the abyss and locked and sealed it so that he could not deceive the nations until the one thousand years were finished. (After these things he must be released for a brief period of time.)
4 Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. These had not worshiped the beast or his image and had refused to receive his mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."
"Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain. 2 He seized the dragon—the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan—and tied him up for a thousand years. 3 The angel then threw him into the abyss and locked and sealed it so that he could not deceive the nations until the one thousand years were finished. (After these things he must be released for a brief period of time.)
4 Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. These had not worshiped the beast or his image and had refused to receive his mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."
Millennial Reign stepped onto the Metal scene with the release of their 2012 debut self-titled full length independent album. This release quickly garnered the band a strong fan base as the album captured the feel and sound of the 80's era metal scene. Then, in 2015 Millennial Reign released their sophomore album titled 'Carry The Fire' in which we saw an evolution in the bands sound as they moved from Melodic Metal to a more modern Power Metal sound. In an interview at Angelic Warlord with guitarist-Dave Harvey we gain more insight into the bands musical direction:
"After the 80's were over there was a huge void musically here in the states. The alternative grunge scene taking over really was the death of talented musicians. The internet coming along really opened the world up for music. I started researching what was going on in Europe and other countries and traditional power metal was the mainstream. I began ordering CD’s from bands like Edguy, Masterplan, Avantasia etc and a whole new attitude was born in me. I really related to the style and knew at that time that was the direction I wanted to go from there."
"After the 80's were over there was a huge void musically here in the states. The alternative grunge scene taking over really was the death of talented musicians. The internet coming along really opened the world up for music. I started researching what was going on in Europe and other countries and traditional power metal was the mainstream. I began ordering CD’s from bands like Edguy, Masterplan, Avantasia etc and a whole new attitude was born in me. I really related to the style and knew at that time that was the direction I wanted to go from there."
In 2018 Millennial Reign released their third full-length album titled 'The Great Divide'. The album was released on the Ulterium Records label and mixed and mastered by Ty Sims. The band, having signed with Ulterium Records, leaves no question to why the production on 'The Great Divide' is of the highest caliber. Ulterium Records has worked with such well known bands as Theocracy, Within Silence, Signum Regis, Innerwish, Sinbreed and many more.
The album' cover art was done by Artist-Jan Yrlund(Battle Beast, Pyramaze, Korpiklaani) and portrays an epic path that will ultimately lead one home.
With their third release, the band continues to evolve and explore new Metal territory having now sailed their ship out of Melodic Metal waters and into the enchanted Symphonic Power Metal realm. In addition to the Symphonic arrangements we find some subtle Neo-classical Metal flavorings that add just the right touches here and there throughout this project. However, a new genre placement isn't the only change that the band has gone through over the past 3 years. There has been a serious line-up change to the band's roster with James Guest being replaced by Vocalist-Travis Wills(Infidel Rising), Daniel Almagro was replaced by Bassist-Neil Bertrand, Wayne Stokely was replaced by Drummer-Steve Nichols. The band is completed by founding member/Guitarist-Dave Harvey(ASKA).
The album' cover art was done by Artist-Jan Yrlund(Battle Beast, Pyramaze, Korpiklaani) and portrays an epic path that will ultimately lead one home.
With their third release, the band continues to evolve and explore new Metal territory having now sailed their ship out of Melodic Metal waters and into the enchanted Symphonic Power Metal realm. In addition to the Symphonic arrangements we find some subtle Neo-classical Metal flavorings that add just the right touches here and there throughout this project. However, a new genre placement isn't the only change that the band has gone through over the past 3 years. There has been a serious line-up change to the band's roster with James Guest being replaced by Vocalist-Travis Wills(Infidel Rising), Daniel Almagro was replaced by Bassist-Neil Bertrand, Wayne Stokely was replaced by Drummer-Steve Nichols. The band is completed by founding member/Guitarist-Dave Harvey(ASKA).
Vocalist-Travis Wills had the following to say about his new position in the band: “I'm very happy to be working with Millennial Reign and the Ulterium Records label. It began with collaborating on keyboard tracks for the new album. When James decided to leave, they asked if I was interested in doing vocals and of course I said yes. It's a privilege to work with such a great group of guys I've known well over ten years.”
Front man-Travis Wills vocal style fits well with the bands Power Metal arrangements and draws comparison to Roy Khan(Kamelot-'Siege Perilous'). With Travis' vocals, one thing that stands out is his ability to create dynamic within his delivery which helps draw the listener back for repeat listens.
Front man-Travis Wills vocal style fits well with the bands Power Metal arrangements and draws comparison to Roy Khan(Kamelot-'Siege Perilous'). With Travis' vocals, one thing that stands out is his ability to create dynamic within his delivery which helps draw the listener back for repeat listens.
Guitarist-Dave Harvey lights up the fret board for the band delivering the Metal goods as he moves from 80's style riffs to more modern day shred techniques. With this Junior release, Harvey's guitar work does not go unnoticed as he can stand up to and hold his own against any of the more well known shredders within the same genre.
Front man-Travis Wills not only can sing but also has a knack for writing song lyrics. From track to track we find that the lyrics read more like poems that are laced with words of wisdom. The following are some clips from a few different tracks:
"Break The Tide"
Scenes forever changing
The past remembered yet we forget
Cant put Him in a box with this what He is
Is He a rabbi or prophet
"The Day The Sun Stood Still"
March the tribe across the Jordan
Moses has passed on
You must be strong, brave and fear not
For I am with you
"More Than Scars"
In a time when my life wasn’t fine
In a void, yes my dark ness was real
I’ll sur vive, I sur vived my travels
In my veins f lows the king
Scenes forever changing
The past remembered yet we forget
Cant put Him in a box with this what He is
Is He a rabbi or prophet
"The Day The Sun Stood Still"
March the tribe across the Jordan
Moses has passed on
You must be strong, brave and fear not
For I am with you
"More Than Scars"
In a time when my life wasn’t fine
In a void, yes my dark ness was real
I’ll sur vive, I sur vived my travels
In my veins f lows the king
If you are into Symphonic Power Metal and are planning on making just one album purchase within the next 2 months then I would make 'The Great Divide' that album! Millennial Reign is perfect for fans of Within Silence, Kamelot, Queensryche, Crimson Glory, Stryper, and Theocracy!
The Great Divide" will be released on May 25th through Ulterium Records.
Buy "Break The Tide" digital track from Ulterium Records:
Pre-order "The Great Divide" here:
Buy The Great Divide on vinyl record format here:
Musicians:
Travis Wills-Vocals
Dave Harvey-Guitars
Neil Bertrand-Bass
Steve Nichols-Drums
Travis Wills-Vocals
Dave Harvey-Guitars
Neil Bertrand-Bass
Steve Nichols-Drums
#powermetal #symphonicmetal #whitemetal