LATTER REIGN – “II” (2022) *Exclusive*
This year Roxx Records remastered / reissued for the first time the 1991 debut of American melodic hard rockers LATTER REIGN, and now the label bring the band’s second full length album, aptly titled “II”.
“II” is a collection of songs that LATTER REIGN originally wrote and performed back in the day, around 1991-1993. These songs were just taking shape and were played live, but never officially released… until now.
Many of the tracks were never finished completely alas they rekindled their creative juices to finish recording and releasing them. With the band back together 2022, they managed to touch up, re-record and add to these tracks to get you what you will hear today on what is essentially a brand new album, with an early ’90s melodic hard songwriting.
Thanks to the record deal with 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 better arrangements, and all members augmented their skills.
All that aside, there is much for fans of melodic rock / hard rock to enjoy here. On “II” Latter Reign delivers a much more straight rocking sound, but the catchiness and melodic commercial appeal on songs like “Desire,” “Dreams” and the indeed “radio-friendly” “Radio Paradise” garners similarities with their 1991 era.
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 song because there is a nice bit of flair with both and a very positive uplifting vibe to the entire song.
“Rotten Johnny” has a little early Mötley Crüe attitude. 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 melodic 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 a bluesy 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 and danceable rhythm.
It’s very cool to see and hear these songs finally released / partially re-recorded as all are late ’80s / early 90s written US melodic hard rock songs – and at the same time Latter Reign reunited again.
Highly Recommended
You’ve seen it first at 0dayrox
01 – Latter Reign
02 – Desire
03 – Dreams
04 – Shine Your Light
05 – Radio Paradise
06 – Rotten Johnny
07 – Crazy World
08 – Day By Day
09 – Hardened Heart
10 – Won’t Go Down
11 – Why
12 – Writings on the Wall
Louis Cardenas (lead vocals, drums)
July Cardenas (bass, backing vocals)
Brad Smith (guitar, backing vocals)
BUY
roxxrecords.com/products/latter-reign-ii-2022-cd
