LATTER REIGN: II

Latter Reign’s lost treasure. This Southern California act came a bit late to the scene in the early ‘90’s. Even though they played with the likes of Guardian, Fear Not, Ransom, Tourniquet, Sin Dizzy and Barren Cross, they never really got their chance to make a mark due to nothing other than timing. Brothers Luis (vocals/later drums) and July Cardenas (bass) formed the core of the band along with guitarist Brad Smith. Their original 7-song studio release Live for the Day (1991) was never officially on a label and was cassette only. Earlier this year Roxx Records released the original 7 tracks plus 2 bonus tracks on CD.

Their melodic hard rock style on the debut was credible, but the band was only getting started. In addition to playing their original material, they continued to play an album’s worth of new songs in the live setting with great reception. Unfortunately, they never got the chance to finish a new release in the studio, which is a shame because the music held tremendous promise.

Thanks to Roxx Records, Latter Reign was able to bring these previously unreleased songs to the surface and into the radar of fans. On II the band’s sound became more defined, with improvement in every category. Not only is the production quality improved but these songs have a catchiness and flair that was missing on the debut. While the complete details aren’t available, it appears from the liner notes that Dino Maddalone (P.K. Mitchell) was involved in the original recording of these songs.

All that aside, there is much for fans of melodic rock/hard rock to enjoy. The first comparison out of the gates would have to be Fear Not’s debut 1993 release. Cool thing is, these songs have a raw, less-produced quality when compared to that sentinel release, but the catchiness and melodic commercial appeal on songs like “Desire,” “Dreams” and the incredibly “radio-friendly” “Radio Paradise” garners similarities. Try to get that song out of your head! These songs not only showcase a more melodic and “commercial” side to the band but also improved creativity in the songwriting arena.

In addition to the “Latter Reign” song, one of the best tracks is “Shine Your Light,” which is apparently a newly written number! I love the guitars and drums on this track because there is a nice bit of flair with both and a very positive uplifting vibe to the entire song.

“Rotten Johnny” has that Mötley Crüe attitude but screams Siloam at the same time. It is a fast track with a colorful story. And the sassy attitude continues with the similarly fast shuffle-groove “Crazy World” – some nice guitar leads and rhythms on this one. The heavy grooves continue with “Day by Day.” At this point in the sequence (yes, there is still an art to listening to entire release in sequence!) you can’t help but realize this is a very strong collection of songs and that it’s a shame that this originally got shelved.

“Hardened Heart” is the blues track, laid-back and smooth. But one of the surprises here would have to be “Won’t Go Down,” this track seriously good with its infectious vocal melody in the chorus. The acoustic “Why” with its imploring, “Why can’t people stay together?” showcases the band’s heart for unity and love of one another. “Writing’s on the Wall” closes things out with a happy guitar groove just a bit too close to Spin Doctors “Two Princes” for my comfort, but coincidence isn’t always misfortune – good minds think alike!

This CD release comes with a very nice 12-page booklet which features a brief, but informative history of these recordings along with lyrics and pictures. I fear a release like this could go unnoticed – in fact, did go unnoticed for 27 years – and so credit to Bill at Roxx Records for digging deep into the archives of Christian rock/metal and bringing this recording to light. Do yourself a favor – if a fan of the style – and give this collection of songs the listen it deserves and in doing so you might not only be edified but find yourself a new friend!

Roxx Records

Track Listing:

1. Latter Reign (4:22)

2. Desire (4:17)

3. Dreams (5:38)

4. Shine Your Light (3:51)

5. Radio Paradise (3:36)

6. Rotten Johnny (5:01)

7. Crazy World (4:05)

8. Day by Day (3:06)

9. Hardened Heart (4:14)

10. Won’t Go Down (4:03)

11. Why (4:41)

12. Writing’s on the Wall (3:34)

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