By Phil Cooper
Power Metal. It’s a divisive genre with some people regarding it with some disdain claiming that it is overblown and cheesy. Others enjoy it immensely, partly for the reasons that others dislike it but also because it provides an enourmous sense of fun. I fully place myself into the latter category. There are some downsides with it, notably there is a lot of overdubbing and triggers used in studio recordings that don’t always translate live and can let the music down. However, Signum Regis have stated that with ‘The Seal of a New World’ they proudly recorded everything organically, just natural instruments played by the guys in the band enjoying what they write.
This is the seventh release from the power metal five-piece following their inception in 2007. Since that time, they’ve had a few line-up changes, however, they’ve now settled on a permanent singer. ‘The Seal of a New World’ showcases twelve new tracks that feature all the hallmarks of power metal. Soaring harmonies, big, catchy melodies matched with chunky riffs. There’s a little something throughout the album that should please old and new fans alike.
From the chopped opening call and response of ‘King’s of the Underground’ which then transitions into a soaring epic, the listener is hooked right in and the album doesn’t let up from then onwards. ‘Prisoner’s Elegy’ and the aptly titled ‘I Always Go All In’ continue to deliver the intense tempo and catchy melodies supported by a band that are clearly firing on all cylinders. The technical musicianship is laced throughout the music and as the album progresses through to the title track and the epic ‘Let Freedom Ring’, new comers to the Signum Regis sound will certainly get a feel for the power and talent of the band clearly highlighted with the intricate guitar interplay on the latter track.
For someone looking to criticise the offering they may look to say that there is not a great deal of diversity within the album. Certainly, the band are capable of offering a hard-hitting metal edge as well as dialling back the intensity and providing a dynamic shift with the likes of the anthemic ‘Shalom’. However, the shifts and changes are not regular and there is a sense of playing it safe with some of the tracks. To counter that, it can be argued that Signum Regis are providing the groundwork for power metal with every track and then building from there. They execute the stylistic specifics of the genre to a high level while incorporating their own flourishes. The reason for any perceived lack of diversity within the music is that they are playing within a set genre that they know and because they nail it, why deviate. The acoustic/organic recording should be seen as a big plus as it further highlights the musicianship on offer. Other bands within the genre rely on drum samples and triggers to achieve what these guys are laying down. The sense of playing it safe comes only from the genre and personal taste therein not with the approach of the musicians.
Overall this is a solid instalment to the Signum Regis back catalogue and should please their pre-existing fan base. Likewise, if you’re already a fan of the genre then this will definitely serve as a good addition to your record collection. However, I see it as unlikely to draw in power metal sceptics. The fact that there is excellent musicianship is undeniable and that there are no triggers or sampling is an added bonus, however it’s an unashamed slice of power metal and makes no pretence to be anything else. Therefore, if one is already against the genre it’s always going to be a struggle to turn that around. Can’t please everyone. ‘The Seal of a New World’ isn’t trying to please everyone; it’s a cracking album and for those that get it, it leaves a big grin on the listener’s face.
- ‘The Seal of a New World’ is released on 22 November. You can get your copy HERE.
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