Interviews: The Last Reign

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Melodic Death Metal band The Last Reign from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The Last Reign was derived from a few different ideas, but came out quite naturally. First and foremost is our way of fighting to bring back the classic era of melodic death metal. The second is more personal and comes from my own ‘last reign’ so to speak as a person that is willing to put 100% into an original act one last time.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

There is something special about the melodic death metal albums that came out in the mid to late-90s. The genre has definitely evolved in many ways since then, but I keep coming back to those classic albums from In Flames, Soilwork and At the Gates, amongst others. Very few bands today have been able to recreate that sound and that’s what I am trying to accomplish. I feel it has something for everyone.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We were all were general acquaintances within the Buffalo metal scene, but not much beyond that.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Brian: My favorite band tends to waver here and there but Circus Maximus has been on the top of my list for quite a while now.

Adam: Too many to list but if I had to choose one it would probably be Dark Tranquillity.

Vince: Right now, I’d say Persefone.

Seth: I’m on a big Thank you Scientist kick lately, thanks Vince.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Brian: Stevie Ray Vaughan was probably my first big influence when it comes to playing guitar. My love for melodic death metal is definitely what drives me to write these songs in the hopes that people will enjoy them as much as I’ve enjoyed the genre that inspired me.

Adam: I don't write the songs, but I do write the vocal patterns. The inspiration/influence comes from the endless list of melodic death metal bands that came before me. Also, screaming vocals is very therapeutic for me!

Vince: I’ve always loved those “hero moments” in a song, be it a memorable drum fill or guitar lick that grabs people’s attention and want to provide that for our fans! My dad was a lifelong musician as well and the best tribute to his memory I can imagine is to keep playing.

Seth: Generally I like to pull from the environment around me, be it weather, location or mood. I like to modify the basslines to coincide with particular drum fills and off patterns as well so it’s a gradual progression in writing as the song develops. I’d say you can expect a lot more of that from the rhythm section in future material.

6. Where was your last gig?

McStew’s in Levittown, PA (Just outside of Philadelphia)

7. Where would you like to act?

Europe

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Mors Principium Est, Nightrage, At the Gates

9. Whom not?

In Flames (unless you had a time machine)

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Adam: I have struggled with stage fright and still do to a lesser extent. The best tip I can give for beginners is to simply push through it, don't overthink it, and just get up there and do your thing. You are your own worst enemy when struggling with this type of thing. Don't defeat yourself.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

In Flames (circa ‘94-’00) 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Just this past weekend we had a fan reach out and tell us that his friend with autism really wanted to have a singer from a band sing him happy birthday! We did a big death metal happy birthday with the crowd at our Pittsburgh show and sent it over, only to find out that he didn’t like the yelling and just wanted us to sing it. We did send a second video singing him Happy Birthday and he was absolutely thrilled! Was a proud moment for us.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are a big part of why we do what we do. It’s fun to create music in its own right, but anyone can do that with a laptop these days. The real experience is hanging out at the shows, debating gear, and feeding off each others energy while on stage. Very often in our set, everyone that isn’t the drummer will head out into the crowd mid-song and rock out together!

14. What do you think of our site?

I really like the site! There is a ton of content, I love how everything is broken down by country or sub genre. I can see myself spending half a day discovering new bands and checking back often. I will say I had some problems with the page on mobile, lot of 404-Not Founds, but that’s just tech stuff and doesn’t reflect the quality of the content!