Musical Style: Power Metal	Produced By:
Record Label: Roxx Records	Country Of Origin: USA
Year Released: 2026	Artist Website:
Tracks: 11	Rating: 85%
Running Time: 39:46

Glory Of Kings makes a bold statement with the August 28, 2026 release to its Roxx Records debut full length Roots Of The Past.  The group is the brainchild of guitarist Jonathan Johnson, whom gained initial renown as part of Sacred Warrior at the time of its 1991 Intense Records fourth album Obsessions but later worked with Sacred Warrior vocalist Rey Parra in Deny The Fallen to record the 2018 full length offering Symptoms Of Eternity and in 2023 the Echo Chamber EP.  Glory Of Kings further impresses as an ‘all-star’ project when factoring former Sacred Warrior members in bassist Steve Watkins and vocalist Erik Schilling but also acclaimed Whitecross timekeeper Michael Feighan.

As one might expect, Glory Of Kings delivers classic US power metal in similar vein of not just Sacred Warrior but also Recon, Queensrÿche, early Jacobs Dream, Crimson Glory, The Sacrificed, Oracle and Faith Factor.  Helping invite such comparison is manner in which several Roots Of The Past compositions were written by Johnson for a new Sacred Warrior album that never materialized and fact Schilling brings a high end classic tenor vocal style not far removed from that of Parra.  The Glory Of Kings press material best sums things up when suggesting Roots Of The Past is ‘a deeply immersive and thematic experience, blending the band’s signature intensity with a broadened musical scope’ while blending crushing instrumentation with cinematic storytelling’.

Roots Of The Past initiates to minute long introductory piece “Gathering Storm” integral to offbeat sound effects and Gregorian chanting.  “Mindwar” ensues as a quintessential example of quality power metal, soaring to Schilling’s Dickinson inspired vocals and raised tempo bordering on speed based but also convoluted in light of Feighan’s complex timekeeping and intricate song structuring of a semi progressive form.  I see this one fitting on any early Sacred Warrior album.

Likewise, follow up cut “Fairy Tales” with a similar elaborate proficiency.  Introduced to voice over effects and symphonic choirs, song backs from the incessant speed for an impactful mid-paced foundation to see guitar play an added role and swarthier register building upon the symphonic themes.  Johnson’s masterful lead guitar is on similar level as Sacred Warrior cohort Bruce Swift.  Lyric snippet:

A world of chaos laced in pain
Programs its thoughts into your brain
It feeds your every whim and vice
The spirit of the Antichrist

The Holy Lamb of God was slain
His blood was shed to make a way
He gave His life to pay the price
He took our place our sacrifice

“The Mystery” comes across in form of a classic ballad, launching to orchestration and bluesy feedback ahead of maintaining the easygoing resonance drifting ahead.  The heavy rocking guitars that power in at the mid-point allow for an eloquent statement.  When further factoring the distinguished melody and wistful vocals - Schilling invites comparison to Parra but sings in a slightly lower register - song rates with albums finest.

Back to upbeat power metal with “See You In Paradise”.  Song gallops with the best of them, reminding of classic Sacred Warrior “The Temples On Fire” (off Obsessions) with its rapid-fire vocal phrasing and rattling momentum bordering on classic metal.  Yet, “See You In Paradise” is its own song, pinpointing the immediate refrain (technical but catchy in terms of structuring) and meatier guitars realized in elevated levels of production refinement when placed alongside.  Lyric snippet:

This is not goodbye forever.
Though you've passed beyond this life
I know that I'll be seeing you again

Someday when this life is over
And we've crossed the great divide
Every moment etched in the book of life
We won't be apart forever
In heavenly glory we'll reunite
Someday soon I'll see you in Paradise

“Foreshadows” is a laid back and reserved but creative instrumental.  Song vitalizes its three minutes to Middle Eastern instrumentation and choral overtures as ominous rhythm guitar and fusion like soloing periodically adorn the mix.  Lone complaint is that I wish it had gone on a bit longer.

“Gods Of Men” returns to Sacred Warrior style power metal.  Song is powerful as anything here, not accessible in terms of forthright melody but rather arresting when factoring the brusquely woven hooks and too the point and no-nonsense mentality.  Regardless, an essential deep cut that is provoking as anything here.  Lyric snippet:

All humanity
Can be redeemed and be saved
The Lamb of God was slain for us
to make a way

Forever The King Will Reign
The angels of God proclaim
Every creature will bow before Him
The fate of both gods and men

“Transcendent”, one minute of narration mixed with classical orchestration and feedback, leads the way to “Occam’s Razor”.  Albums shortest at three and half minutes, the song captures the intensity of classic Sacred Warrior track “Children Of The Light” (off Rebellion from 1988) with its flaring temper and abundant double kick drum.  Aggression elevates from the harshly whispered (almost extreme) backend vocals.  Yet, melody does not suffer in light of the groups stressing of signature hooks.

Albums title track separates as an intricately woven power metal ballad.  It takes a time signature driven approach, emitting between lush and gentle moments ascending to acoustic guitar and orchestration and others in which enterprising rhythm guitar establishes in emboldened fashion.  Lending to the histrionic formula is how Schilling fittingly lowers his register.  Lyric snippet:

Thoughts come rushing through my head
Words spoken and unsaid
It all seemed like a flash
Who I am was cast
In the roots of the past

All that we become, is part of where we're from
Rooted in our history
Every face, every name, every heartbreak, every pain, every joy
Was leading me to You

Five minute closer “The Waiting Game” opens to angelic choirs and distorted narration prior to morphing into a power metal galloper: drums wallop with abandon, vocal wail to full on emotion and guitars cleave in upholding straight on metal affection.  That said, Glory Of Kings further succeeds from imbuing the song with accessible imprints to ensure it remains a fresh and melodic listen.

One cannot deny Glory Of Kings gets off to an exceedingly strong start on its full-length debut Roots Of The Past.  Yes, the group stays true to a power metal founding but is not afraid to branch out into ballad based, instrumental and even traditional metal territory.  Of course, strong band performance pulls it off in that Johnson proves a versatile performer, while the Watson and Feighan rhythm section is equally formidable.  Schilling proves an every bit perfect fit for the diverse styles at hand.  Lone constructive comment is that with two short instrumentals album could use one additional full-length track or at the very least, I would like to see the group better explore the progressive side to its songwriting.  Still, if a fan of power metal you can do no wrong with Roots Of The Past- thanks to Roxx Records for allowing it to happen.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Gathering Storm” (1:13), “Mindwar” (4:00), “Fair Tales” (4:26), “The Mystery” (4:33), “See You In Paradise” (4:25), “Foreshadows” (3:02), “Gods And Men” (4:28), “Transcendent” (1:14), “Occam’s Razor” (3:37), “Roots Of The Past” (4:02), “The Waiting Game” (4:46)

Musicians
Erik Schilling - Lead Vocals
Jonathan Johnson - Guitars
Steve Watson - Bass
Michael Feighan - Drums