Millennial Reign: World On Fire | Time for Confirmation
(2024 – Ulterium Records)
The history of Millennial Reign as a band could be an example of resilience, of how to take each step carefully and firmly. From its beginnings as a simple project by guitarist Dave Harvey to the present day, it is a group and formation that seems stronger than ever. World On Fire seems to confirm Millennial Reign’s current momentum as a band, especially since the addition of Tiffany Galchutt as vocalist and a combo that is solid and capable of delivering a great album.
World On Fire is an album that represents a significant and key step forward for Millennial Reign. It is clear that the band has put everything into this attractive and ambitious album, in a truly appealing venture.
Millennial Reign’s sound is melodic and symphonic power metal, more European in style, which is striking given that it is not such a popular genre in North America, where the band is based. Even so, there has been a noticeable evolution in both their sound and style. From the basic Power Metal of their early days, Millennial Reign shows a side to “World On Fire” that goes further, incorporating more melodic and modern elements, even with a more progressive tendency in their music, and a certain symphonic and even gothic air at times.
The band has a certain air focused on bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica, and others, but at the same time it has nothing to do with those bands. I’m sorry for those who are looking for Christian lookalikes of the bands they like. Millennial Reign has taken on its own personality, and while it has its influences (like all bands), what stands out most is its search for originality, and believe me, with “World On Fire” they are on the right track.
With 12 tracks (9 songs and three instrumentals), “World On Fire” appears to be Millennial Reign’s strongest offering to date. From the outset with “Bring Me To Life,” you can hear the evolution in the sound of the band we referred to, in a powerful song that was rightly chosen as the album’s single.
“Wandering” is Millennial Reign’s venture into unknown territory. Its martial air with influences from Eastern music sets it apart as the ‘different’ track on the album. If it’s not the best song on the album, it’s a close second. “Trust,” on the other hand, is a mid-tempo ballad with a solid foundation, and perhaps the track where Tiffany Galchutt best showcases her vocal range. Power metal makes its presence felt in “We Follow On,” with powerful riffs that are both fast and melodic. This track is clearly closer to the band’s classic sound.
Mid-tempo but steady, “Eternity” follows a more melodic hard rock style. Then we find an intermezzo like “Parousia,” lavish enough to serve as an introduction to “Crack The Eastern Sky,” another mid-tempo blast. “Tones Of Fire” follows in the footsteps of early Nightwish, with its own personality, of course. Power metal and speed are what come to mind when listening to this great song.
“World On Fire” not only gives the album its title. It is a song with an intricate composition and structure, but one that hits hard. Meanwhile, “Onward To Victory,” with its warrior anthem vibe, continues the line set out in this album, which closes with the interesting “Allied Forces,” which, with its much heavier riff and base, is the closest thing to traditional metal. Excellent!
The album cover and overall design are really good, although perhaps not entirely original. It generally maintains the concept that the band wants to convey, with fire as the protagonist. The inner sleeve, in addition to the lyrics, features several photographs of the band and its members.
Meanwhile, the sound achieved, without superlatives, is truly excellent. The mix was responsible for highlighting the keyboards at the forefront for most of the album and Tiffany Galchutt’s powerful voice. This gave the band’s sound a more “epic” feel than usual.
One minor detail is that we don’t know who contributed the keyboards to the album, as this is not indicated on the inner sleeve. Suspicion of technology use? Perhaps, or it may even be an oversight. Who knows? It should also be noted that the lyrics focus on spiritual themes with a Christian message for the most part.
Without a doubt, “World On Fire” is one of the best things Millennial Reign has done. Despite the modern trends in metal, the band has its own personality that allows it to go in the opposite direction, stay within metal, and prove that great things can be achieved with originality. The album has an interesting variety, and the songs included are never boring. The sound production helps a lot, it must be said, but what stands out most about “World On Fire” is its collection of good, powerful songs.
Millennial Reign’s career has gone from strength to strength, and this excellent state of health bodes well for the future and demonstrates a truly positive evolution in their music.
As usual, we leave you with a lyric video for one of the best songs on the album and the coordinates to follow the band on their social networks….
https://www.facebook.com/millennialreign
https://www.millennialreign.com
