| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: |
| Record Label: LightShine | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2018 | Artist Website: Sardonyx |
| Tracks: 9 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 57:13 |
A foundation of straightforward heavy metal, strong leanings towards classic US power metal and a decided emphasis on the progressive side of things- welcome to Sons Of The Kingdom, the spring of 2018 independently released (on LightShine Music Group) sophomore album of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania based Sardonyx. Musically, Sons Of The Kingdom does not stray far from the direction Sardonyx took on its 1992 debut full length Majestic Serenity and 2005 comeback EP Linear Progression, both of which also saw release via LightShine. Place both albums side by side, and the points of reference listed in the 80% Angelic Warlord review to the 2007 Retroactive re-issue of Majestic Serenity, encompassing but not limited to Metal Church, Sacred Warrior, Meliah Rage, Haven, Vicious Rumors, Jacobs Dream and Antithesis, apply equally to Sons Of The Kingdom.
That said the review also reinforced - and accept this as neutral observation and not critique - how Sardonyx does not imbue its songwriting with a great deal of melody. The same applies with Sons Of The Kingdom, which also did not grab my immediate attention, but rather several listens were required in order to fully embrace its material. In other words, Sardonyx is one of those bands to require a certain amount of patience, but in the end, results in a rewarding listening experience. I cannot help but be reminded of Barren Cross in this capacity, whose heavier cuts such as “In The Eye Of The Fire” and that more progressive in “Living Dead” and “Two Thousand Years” were not bursting at the seams with melody either but are considered essential all the same.
It deserves equal note how Sardonyx considers itself a ministry band. Beginning with its late eighties inception, the groups goal was to not only make good music, but use it to teach the Bible, make disciples of Jesus Christ and build up His Body (as noted in the Sardonyx press material). Considering itself missionaries to the metal world, Sardonyx has a dual goal to also introduce people to their creator, and show them His love, with the purpose (via its music) to change people’s minds and encourage those called by our King to do the same. It goes without saying Sardonyx composes some of the most emboldened prose you will find, with lyrics included as part of the Sons Of The Kingdom insert matched with multiple scripture verses as reference, with individual songs coming across as mini Bible studies as a result.
Sons Of The Kingdom opens ambitiously to its eight-minute progressive based title track. The song starts to a two-minute instrumental build up in which affable guitars backed by a thunderstorm give way to an assailing combination of rhythm guitar and symphonic keyboards. Double bass takes over as “Sons Of The Kingdom” battles through its at times combative and others abated verses, with momentum furthered for a resplendent refrain underlying of subtle catchiness. Instrumentally, slowly played but affecting lead guitar aligns with the regal scene.
Lending a theatrical quality - to all the albums tracks it deserves note - is the mostly mid-ranged qualities to front man Tom Denlinger, whom at times walks a fine line between Michael Lee, in terms of the upper end of things, and D.C. Cooper, that lower register. No, he might not bring the range of the two, but more than makes up for it with equal parts fortitude and charisma.
“Child Of The King” comes across in the form of a victorious power metal anthem. The song allays tempo but elevates heaviness in the process, with rhythm guitars playing an ascending role (courtesy of Rod Feltman) but backed by nimble bass of a vehement form (noting the awesome work of Chuck Turner). Am I out of line to suggest comparison to InnerSiege and Jacobs Dream?
“Greater Things” takes the faster and more upbeat heading. With narration from John 14:12 at the start setting the imposing tone, the song delivers the mega crunch goods with Bill Pagaran providing the technical drum roll and fill bedrock, as guitars that at times touch upon some eighties aspects and others mirror the thrash like lead the way. I particularly enjoy how “Great Things” builds at the end until exploding to a crescendo of bombastic riffs. Sole complaint is that guitar soloing could have been carried out a bit further.
I like to define “All That We Are” as a classic to traditional metal worship anthem. The song shines with its gallant mid-paced aura, galloping its distance to a rapid-fire if not funk-ish bass as Denlinger stretches and reveals the full breadth to his delivery, particularly for the eminent chorus: The Honor, the Glory, We praise You, Forever, You are Holy, You are Mighty, You are Worthy of all that we are. Of note is how it is exclusive to albums best stretch of elongated lead guitar. If I were to point out anything constructive, it would be that the opening with its shouted ‘Jesus!’ followed by a ‘Yeaaah!’ is a bit overdone.
Sardonyx delivers a varied sound on “Power And Love”. The song hits with the force of a sledgehammer from the get go, plundering through its opening verses and subsequent bridge to marauding guitars that approach thrash metal only to surprisingly lighten for a refrain also to touch upon the worshipful. An instrumental interlude to feature a bluesy guitar run gives way to chorus vocals.
“Perfected” ranks alongside the albums best. It takes an unflagging mid-tempo heading, thick and weighty with its momentous demeanor (low end makes a decisive statement) but not forsaking melody in the process as one of the albums stronger (and most memorable) choruses separates itself. Of all the albums tracks, this one best embodies the classic US power metal sound along the lines of Sacred Warrior and Recon.
Commanding, powerful and resonating of reverence, the seven-minute “Awake” indicates everything that works with Sardonyx. Interestingly, the song opens its first two minutes to narration from Job 3 over guitar feedback, with the pensive semblance carried over to the opening verses until seething rhythm guitar takes over to back the spoken word first bridge. Refrain that follows mirrors the exalted as guitars gradually build to a towering position. Once more, in featuring an instrumental stretch of abbreviated rhythm guitar, this one could also have found group further emphasizing its instrumental sound. Regardless, another great song in an album full of great songs.
Even though we are not quite halfway through 2018, “The Bride Beloved” is certain to challenge for song of the year. Another seven-minute progressive masterpiece, it can best be described as a ‘rock opera’ in joining Denlinger is symphonic guest female vocalist Kristen Anselmo Hertzog, whom carries the opening bridge with her contrasting ethereal delivery. Verses throughout “The Bride Beloved” highlight a verbal trade off between Satan and Jesus, with both handled by Denlinger but with former of a fitting extreme variety and latter on the cleaner side. A truncated chorus in comparison reveals a splendorous form. Instrumental break is better in featuring lead guitar to bounce between the left and right channels. Bringing “The Bride Beloved” to its awe-inspiring close is a vocal exchange between Hertzog and Denlinger.
“Angel Armies” closes the album in fine epic power metal fashion. Of course, Theocracy comes to mind from how “Angel Armies” makes elevated melody its focal point but also lends a needed blithely up-tempo facet to an album that all too often - and in no way do I insinuate this as a fault - trends towards the darker, mid-paced. Main difference in comparison is how Sardonyx blends its signature straightforward metal bearings to make the heavier statement.
Production stands out for a self-financed, independent release. As one might imagine, ample portion of rhythm guitar imbues the mix as does a strong bass presence and drums to match. Lone complaint is that at times keyboards struggle to rise above the instrumentation. Everything is fine in terms of packaging, as found in a multi-page insert with lyrics and corresponding scripture verses. That said song titles and band credits on the back of the CD are difficult to read due to being in too small of a font.
Lyrics as noted are bold and upfront but also very well written in focusing on edifying and uplifting the believer; hence, I am going to let them stand on their own in this regard (with corresponding scripture verses):
“Child Of The King” -
Faithfulness (Galatians 5:22 / Luke 16:10-11)
Persistent faithfulness (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Unswerving, fully blessed (1 Corinthians 15:58 / James 1:12, 5:11)
You are a child of the King (John 1:12 / Romans 8:16-17 / 1 John 3:1 / Revelation 17:14)
and you’ll live forever! (John 3:14-16, 6:48-51, 10:27-29)
Compromise, begins to blind your eyes
Distractions lead to lies
You’ve got to fight the fight now! (Ephesians 6:12 / 1 Timothy 6:12 / Psalm 18:39)
Father, I come to You (Psalm 32:5 / Hebrews 11:6),
Take away my wretched sin (Psalm 41:4 / Proverbs 28:13).
Mercy and grace adorns You (Hebrews 4:15-16 / Ephesians 2:4-7)
Your love for me will never end (Lamentations 3:22-23 / Psalm 23:6 / Romans 8:35-39).
“All That We Are” -
Red blood flowing freely (Colossians 1:19-20 / 1 Peter 1:18-19 / Revelation 5:9).
The earth drinks in Your Sacrifice (Ephesians 1:7-8a / Ephesians 5:2 / Hebrews 10:12).
Lamb of God, Propitiation (John 1:29 / Hebrews 2:17 / 1 John 4:10).
It is finished - Your Work is done (John 19:30 / Ephesians 2:13 / Colossians 2:13-14 / Hebrews 1:3).
The Honor, the Glory! (Ephesians 3:21 / 1 Timothy 1:17 / Hebrews 2:9 / 2 Peter 1:17-18)
We praise You, Forever! (Psalm 61:8; 35:18; 111:10c; 145:2-3)
You are Holy, You are Mighty (Psalm 22:3; 24:8; 93:4-5)
You are Worthy (Philippians 2:9-11), of all that we are! (Romans 12:1 / 1 Corinthians 6:20 / Colossians 1:10)
“Awake” -
What words will move Your Mighty Hand - unequalled healing power? (Deuteronomy 9:26 / Psalm 89:13 / Luke 6:19)
Why are You silent, LORD? (Psalm 28:1; 83:1-3; 109:1-3)
Have You cast me off to shame? (Psalm 44:9-10; 43:1-2; 88:14-15)
My heart has not turned back from You, (Psalm 44:18 / Acts 14:19-22 / Hebrews 11:35b-38).
Nor abandoned Your great Name (Psalm 44:8; 99:3 / Jeremiah10:6).
Yahweh is Your Name (Psalm 8:9; 135:13 / Isaiah 42:8).
There is no god like You (2 Samuel 7:22 / 1 Kings 8:23 / Psalm 86:8a).
You are the Great I AM (Exodus 3:13-14 / John 8:58 / Revelation 1:8).
Maker of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1 / 2 Kings 19:15 / Acts 14:15b / Colossians 1:16-17).
I rest in You (Psalm 37:7a; 116:7 / Matthew 11:28-30).
I will praise Your Name forever (Psalm 44:8b; 45:17; 52:9a).
Arise for my help and redeem me for Your mercies’ sake (Psalm 44:26).
“Angel Armies” -
When the dark ones come to haunt you (1 Peter 5:8 / Psalm 57:4; 143:3) to take you away,
Fix your eyes on the One Who made you (Hebrews 12:2a / Psalm 121:1-2; 123:1-2; 141:8-10)
He speaks and they will obey (Matthew 8:31-32 / Mark 1:34 / Luke 4:33-35).
Angel armies are (2 Kings 6:16-17 / Psalm 91:11).
Watching over you (Psalm 34:7 / Matthew 18:10 / Hebrews 1:13-14)
They protect you both (Exodus 23:20 / Daniel 3:28; 6:22) night and day (Isaiah 63:9 / Acts 5:19a).
Waiting on the word (Psalm 103:20-21 / Matthew 26:53 / 1 Peter 3:22).
Of the King of Kings (Revelation 17:14; 19:16)
Swords are drawn (Numbers 22:31-32 / Joshua 5:13-15 / Zephaniah 3:17)
Help is on the way! (Exodus 33:2 / Psalm 57:3 / Romans 16:20 / 1 John 3:8b)
As far as comeback albums go - is over 25 years between releases some type of record? - Sons Of The Kingdom delivers the goods in capturing the joining of heaviness and theatrical that is Sardonyx. Yes, at times straight on metal at others full on power metal and even progressive (or all three at once), the album proves the group has not lost its songwriting or musicianship touch. So many great songs in which to choose: “Sons Of The Kingdom”, “Perfected”, “Awake”, “Angel Armies and song of the year candidate “The Bride Beloved”. Sons Of The Kingdom is by no means a perfect album either in that I would like to have heard a cleaner mix of keyboards and the band exhibit more confidence in its instrumental sound. Latter might also have been by design from Sardonyx placing greater preference on vocals as opposed to extended guitar shredding.
Those already familiar with Sardonyx from Majestic Serenity (including this reviewer) understand a certain element of patience is potentially required when it comes to absorbing Sons Of The Kingdom, but as the 90% score indicates, is worth the time and effort. Moving forward, I hope Sardonyx is not in the habit of waiting 25 years between releasing new albums; if it is not I would encourage for any it might record in follow up to work with a label, whom might provide better direction in terms of fine details aspects such as production and packaging.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Sons Of The Kingdom” (8:02), “Child Of The King” (5:32), “Greater Things” (6:24), “All That We Are” (4:47), “Power And Love” (5:53), “Perfected” (5:24), “Awake” (7:25), “My Bride Beloved” (7:22), “Angel Armies” (6:08)
Musicians
Tom Denlinger - Lead Vocals
Rod Feltman - Guitars
Chuck Turner - Bass
Bill Pagaran - Drums
