Although not a household name, Texas prog/power metal band Millennial Reign is the perfect band for fans of Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche, Judas Priest and Crimson Glory. On Its sophomore full-length release, Carry The Fire, it’s an exercise in what a talented modern metal band can create these days with old school influences greatly on display, yet executed with a flair all of their own. Millennial Reign is a band who aren’t afraid to wear their influences on its sleeve, and it’s a heck of a sleeve, too. Their influences are so diverse and varied that the mixture is a splendid blend of varying genres of metal on its ten flavorful tracks.

Millennial Reign’s Queensrÿche influences shine through immediately on opener “Forever Changed,” especially when James Guest’s vocals kick in, which are very Geoff Tate-like. The track also possesses some galloping, harmonized Maiden-ish guitar harmonies. “Way Up High” is also a vibrant blend of Queensrÿche and Maiden flavors decorated with soaring vocal harmonies on the uplifting chorus. Although there are many Christian lyrical themes throughout the album, especially on “Men Stand Alone,” “Save Me” and “Forever Changed,” I wouldn’t consider them a Christian metal band. With a huge production, stunning artwork created by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rhapsody Of Fire, Theocracy) and splendid songwriting, make Carry The Fire a strong release.