| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: Shining Force |
| Record Label: Roxx Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2024 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 11 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 49:46 |
The words ‘now were talking’ come easily to the tongue when you first listen to the August of 2024 Roxx Records fourth full length album from Shining Force, Spiritual Warfare. Here we have the complete album that delivers the total package in the form of choice song selection, solid production and equally commendable band performance. Gist is the much stronger work compared to Angelic Warlord reviewed predecessors By The Blood (70%) and Shining Force (50%) from 2019 and 2003, respectively.
Previous to that the Pasadena, Texas based act might have put out its full length debut Holy Nation in 2001, but got its start in the mid-nineties when founding member and guitarist Billy Vaughn received a vision from God ‘to do outreaches primarily in parks in the poverty-stricken wards of Houston, TX’. Shining Force stays true to said vision when further factoring its ongoing goal ‘to see souls won to the Kingdom of God, set the captives free, minister to the sick, imprisoned, children, hungry, widow, orphans and single parent homes’.
The group’s musical roots remain every bit unchanged in that Spiritual Warfare draws upon the classic US power metal and traditional metal defining its previous material. Upshot is a work I see appealing to those whose tastes range from Sacred Warrior and Recon to Saint and Barren Cross and all things in-between.
Where Shining Force diverges, however, is in lineup in that departed are By The Blood era members vocalist Randy Dickey, guitarist Richard Navarro, keyboardist Dan McFarland and bassist David Lentz. Joining holdover Vaughn is newcomers in guitarist and lead vocalist Abel Molano, guitarist Chris Tooke, bassist Arnold Cantu and drummer Ernie Lopez.
Albums opening title track does a choice job embodying the Shining Force power metal side, with the trampling double bass and bounding guitar rhythms bringing to mind Oracle and its very fine 1992 debut EP Selah. Further clarifying the groups power metal aptitude is manner in which front man Molano brings a high end and classic tenor vocal style that hints of Rey Parra (Sacred Warrior). Interestingly, “Spiritual Warfare” opens to several seconds of Middle Eastern style harmonies ahead of transitioning to cinematic keyboards. Lyric snippet:
“Savior Of The World” follows in tempering to a melodic mid-paced albeit no less able sound. With steady double bass and galloping predilection, song reveals a European power metal bent not unlike Narnia. If anything, the proficiently done dual leads from Vaughn and Tooke are certain to catch the attention of Narnia guitarist Carl Johan Grimmark. Lyric snippet:
His love is endless
His grace so divine
He gave up His life so that we all could shine
He is the Saviour of the World
He is the Saviour of the World
He lived and died for us all
He brings us hope and love
He is the Saviour of the World
A re-recording to the bands signature track “Shining Force” ensues, noting how it appeared on Holy Nation and Shining Force. Song proves worthy of a third rendering with its immediately catchy hooks and riffs, albeit it takes an aggressive traditional metal borderline thrash heading. That said, a lighter side to “Shining Force” reveals in the mid-point break that settles down for several seconds of elegant guitar. Molano fittingly lowers his register with some gruff and gravelly mid-ranged flavorings.
“All For The One” takes form of a metal ballad. It initiates calmly with serene guitars carried over reticent bass, soon picking up in melancholic fashion to contemplative harmonies only to settle down for the layered vocal melodies to support the attentive refrains. Albums silky smooth production allows all instrumentation to separate in the process. Lyric snippet:
Gripping the key
Faith is the guide
Trust in the One
Who will provide
Holy to run
Bury the sin
We are all one
Aiming for heaven
“Angel Of Light” is an exciting track in which former Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens makes a guest appearance. Song allows Owens to reveal his multi-faceted vocal style, impressing as over the top with his high-pitched falsettos but also granulated in light of a snarling lower register bent. Song otherwise reflects upon a speed based power metal allure with a freight train rhythm section and non-stop energy founding in the lightning like duel leads.
“Alive” delivers straightforward power metal not unlike classic Sacred Warrior tracks “Temples On Fire” and “Fire From Heaven” (each off Obsessions from 1991). Consider in this capacity the breakneck minute long instrumental opening led by cast iron rhythm guitar, the brusque verse sections and equally gutsy refrain. The fast-fingered lead guitar reminding of Sacred Warrior’s Bruce Swift tops things off. Lyric snippet:
God give me the strength I need
To survive the battle of my life
Alive, stronger than steel
He stands by my side
And I shall not fear
Alive, can’t break my will
No longer a slave
His mercy is real
“Seven” also includes an extended (minute and half) instrumental opening, albeit taking a bleaker tone accented by direful feedback. Moving forward song realizes a blithe outlook, as guitars bring to mind Recon and Molano’s snarls a thrash-like borderline extreme resonance.
“Battle Hymn” is not so much albums best cut, as it is potentially song of the year. It embraces a European power metal form its six-minute span, with the classical guitar to start transitioning to the melodic tincturing of the gallant verse sections and prayerful escalation embodying the worshipful refrain. I detect a hint of Theocracy imbued with hints of Narnia and Majestic Vanguard. Lyric snippet:
Father, hear my prayer
Give me the strength I need
Father, can you hear me calling?
Please she Your grace on me
With faith as my armor
His sovereign Word my sword
In the distance I can see
That glory is calling me
The war is won, He gave us victory
“One Way In No Way Out” classified as a customary but very good speed metal piece. It might be truncated at just below three minutes but proves able all the same, as Cantu’s timely bass takes a lead role by underpinning storming rhythm guitar and sophisticated vocal melodies. Impression is brief but catchy.
I identify with “King Of Kings” as worshipful melodic metal. Yes, the song tones things down a bit in comparison to some, guitars assert a melodic hard rock form as opposed to metal, with effect a commercial essence found in the layered Stryper like vocal melodies to adorn the refrain. Song proves Shining Force is no less effective when taking a tempered approach. Lyric snippet:
Pain and fire
Just set me free
Burn away
The sin of this life
I’ve lost my way
Now I surrender to
The One who’s always there
The answer to my prayers
King of kings
“The Holy One” is the second cover of an older Shining Force song, which similar to “Shining Force” also appeared on Holy Nation and Shining Force. It proves every bit deserving of inclusion in taking a semi ballad form, interweaving its span between delicate moments promoted by supple guitar lacings and others in which emboldened rhythm guitar spills to the front of the mix. All the while, a plentiful melody draws in with repeat play.
Fourth Shining Force album Spiritual Warfare presents with a near perfect combining of song selection, production and band performance. All told, it finds the group putting it all together and recording its finest album to date. The focus on power and traditional metal continues to prove an apt fit for Shining Force, whom also merges in occasional (and quite flattering) melodic metal and hard rock moments. If a fan of previous Shining Force albums or any of the styles presented on Spiritual Warfare, I encourage making it a priority purchase.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Spiritual Warfare” (4:05), “Savior Of The World” (3:47), , “Shining Force” (5:26), “All For The One” (4:53), “Angel Of Light” (4:07), “Alive” (5:17), “Seven” (4:12), “Battle Hymn” (6:01), “One Way In No Way Out” (2:54), “King Of Kings” (4:32), “The Holy One” (4:33)
Musicians
Abel X. Molano - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Billy Vaughn - Guitar
Chris Tooke - Guitar
Arnold Cantu - Bass
Ernie Lopez - Drums
Additional Musicians
Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens - Lead Vocals
