When you think of powerhouse drummers in the metal world, Jeff Plate should immediately come to mind. Known for his work with Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Metal Church, Jeff is now leading his own project: Alta Reign. We had the chance to sit down with him and discuss the origins of the band, the meaning behind their debut album Mother’s Day, and the evolving landscape of the music industry.
The Roots of Alta Reign: A 30-Year Journey
The seeds of Alta Reign were planted decades ago in the early ’90s, when Jeff was living in the Boston area and playing in a band called Wicked Witch with guitarist Matt Leff and vocalist Zachary Stevens (later of Savatage and Circle II Circle).
“I recorded everything we played back then—riffs, songs, jams—on cassette,” Jeff recalled. “I still have over 20 tapes full of ideas.”
Years later, as those tapes began to physically deteriorate, Jeff began digitizing them and rediscovered a treasure trove of unused material. With Matt’s blessing (and after Matt was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer), Jeff used some of those early riffs as the building blocks for what would become Alta Reign.
“Some of the riffs on Mother’s Day go back 30 years. This project wouldn’t exist without Matt,” Jeff shared. “And ironically, the day of this interview was his birthday. We lost him in 2019, but his spirit lives on in this music.”
What Kind of Metal Is Alta Reign?
So what does Alta Reign sound like? According to Jeff, it’s a blend of progressive metal, power metal, and melodic hard rock.
“There are some really commercial-friendly songs like Always and Immortal, but tracks like Mother’s Day and Rise lean into the progressive side,” he explained. “The vocals really set us apart. The harmonies are rich, melodic, and powerful.”
The band features a strong lineup of both veteran and younger musicians: Tommy Cook (vocals/guitar), Colin Holloway (vocals/guitar), Kevin McCarthy (bass/vocals), Zach Hamilton (keyboards/vocals), and Jane Mangini (keyboards), known for her two-decade tenure with Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The Meaning Behind Mother’s Day and the Band Name
Though the title might evoke thoughts of family, Mother’s Day is actually a song about Mother Earth and the consequences of environmental abuse.
“The Earth is a living thing. You can’t poison it forever without it pushing back,” Jeff said. “The title’s been in my mind for 20 years, based on an old riff from those early tapes.”
Interestingly, the band’s name—Alta Reign—is a tribute to Jeff’s own mother. Her name is Alta, which means “elevated” or “higher.” Jeff combined it with the word “reign,” partially inspired by his sister’s name, Terry.
The Album Art: Mythic, Personal, and Powerful
The cover art for Mother’s Day is as symbolic as the music. Designed by Russian artist Oleg (of Voodoo Dark Art), the artwork features a masked female warrior set against an earth-tone backdrop.
“She’s not wearing a mask because of COVID,” Jeff clarified. “It’s about mystery and strength. I wanted to incorporate elements from my hometown—Horseheads, NY—and my sister’s love of horses. Oleg did an incredible job capturing it all.”
Oleg also designed the band’s logo and will be working with Jeff again on their upcoming second album, which is already in the writing phase.
Music Then vs. Now: The Pros and Cons
Jeff is no stranger to the shifting tides of the music industry. He’s lived through the pre-digital, record label–dominated years and now sees both the good and bad in today’s streaming world.
“You don’t make much money selling records anymore. Once it’s out digitally, it’s out forever. But the flip side is creative freedom,” he explained. “When I made this record for Rat Pak Records, Joe O’Brien let me do my thing with no interference. That never would’ve happened back in the ’90s.”
Still, Jeff admits the lack of artist compensation in the streaming era is a tough pill to swallow.
“It’d be nice to see artists get a better handle on where their music is going and what they’re actually earning from it.”
The Drummer Who Inspired It All
When asked who influenced him the most as a drummer, Jeff doesn’t hesitate:
“Neil Peart. No question. I grew up with KISS, but Neil came along right when I was really learning the drums. His playing, his lyrics, his presence—he inspired my entire career.”
Looking Ahead: Touring and the Next Chapter
While Alta Reign's live performances are still in the works, Jeff is optimistic about hitting the road soon.
“This band is going to be a fantastic live act. Once things settle down, I’d love to take Alta Reign on tour—hopefully we’ll be in California next year.”
Before signing off, Jeff offered a heartfelt message to fans and listeners:
“Thanks for supporting Alta Reign and giving our music a chance. Mother’s Day is a record I’m incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.”
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow Alta Reign on their Labelsite, Spotify, Facebook and catch them when they come to your town.
No comments:
Post a Comment