Just a taste, a sample, from their newest upcoming sophomore album THE LAST REIGN brings us "Prelude". Coming from Buffalo, New York this Melodic Death Metal band masterfully mixes modern metal with that dearly loved "Gothenburg Metal" sound. "Gothenburg Metal" refers to the subgenre of metal that came from Gothenburg, Sweden, commonly referred to as Melodic or Symphonic Metal. THE LAST REIGN takes their influences from other popular melodic bands, AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, SOILWORK, DARK TRANQUILLITY, and NIGHTRAGE. THE LAST REIGN was founded in 2015 with a three-song demo album titled "Devastation" followed by the full-length version, "Expulsion from Paradise" in 2016. "Prelude" was released on October 11, 2019, preceding the release of its full album in the summer of 2020.

The original members, after the first album, left the band. Leaving one member, the founder and creator of the band and lead guitarist, Brian Platter. While this may sound disastrous, Platter was able to recover and introduce new band members, Adam Svensson on vocals, Brian Platter on Guitar, Vince Mayer on Guitar, Seth Welty on Bass, and Colin Marmion on Drums. With its first song, Denouement, whose literal definition of the word means "the final part of a play, or movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved." This song reflects on the band's ideals that society is crumbling, starting here and now. They feel that the more we talk on our phones the less we actually talk and the use of acronyms as speech sets us back to nearly writing on cave walls again. They feel we no longer use "the King's English", a term referring to medieval times when only the Kings and Queens spoke eloquently. In all my years, I have only ever heard ONE person use that term, "King's English". This person was my own muse, the reason I am writing today, my Grandma. A person who instilled the love of words, poetry, and our language in me. I completely relate, thusly, to the bands reference to this term and why. This song dutifully represents its own connotations. Set to some amazing guitar leads and old school, 90's sounding vocals. "Behold the de-caying race / Behold the de-caying race."

"Annihilation of the Ancients" leads in with crisp guitar chords and Adam Svensson's brutal and beautiful voice. Again, this takes me back to my high school years, and the inception of certain subgenres of metal. Oh, to long for those 90's. Who knew we were living the best decade?! It was a monumental era for metal, as we gained Melodic Metal then. I deeply appreciate and like the old school sound. In "Annihilation of the Ancients" we are thoughtfully provoked to consider our own demise. Great drum work by Colin Marmion! As well as a bass guitarist who reeks of utter confidence, Seth Welty. "Only for the Weak" - riding the waves of this epic tune, this song does not disappoint. This talented musical composition is both melodic and brutal. One whose beat has you tapping your foot in time, or bobbing your head to its beat. Each note truly accompanies its companion notes, each instrument flows in flawless beauty. Like a thing you just can't look away from, this song is NOT only for the weak. Although it truly carries on its existential comprehension.

Truly, if this is just the taster and tease for us, I am absolutely excited to hear the full version. With all these talented members the upcoming sophomore album cannot help but be amazing. I wonder what THE LAST REIGN has in store for us next? Anticipation causes the best fulfillment sometimes. Bring it on TLR! We impatiently await your masterpiece.