| Musical Style: Power Metal | Produced By: Jacob Hansen |
| Record Label: Ulterium | Country Of Origin: Slovakia |
| Year Released: 2023 | Artist Website: Signum Regis |
| Tracks: 11 | Rating: 95% |
| Running Time: 55:11 |
Senec, Slovakia based Signum Regis has always been about European power metal blended with neo-classical, melodic, traditional and progressive metal sensibilities. The groups November of 2023 Ulterium Records seventh full-length album Undivided stays true to similar musical aptitude but separates as what in my opinion is its final work to date. The album represents a reunion of sorts in that Signum Regis was part of the Ulterium roster for its third and fourth albums Exodus (85% Angelic Warlord review) and Chapter IV: The Reckoning (80% review) from 2013 and 2015, respectively. The group went independent for 2017 fourth album Decennium Primum (85%), while signing with Beyond The Storm Productions for 2019 sixth The Seal Of A New World (90%).
Undivided finds Signum Regis maintaining its proclivity for consummate double kick drum (courtesy of Jaro Jančula who has been with the group since Exodus), jazzy bass (noting the work of founding member Ronnie König), classical influenced soloing (referencing co-founding member Filip Koluš) and varied vocals. Latter attributes to Brazilian front man Jota Fortinho (Nine Circles), whom joined Signum Regis at the time of predecessor Seal Of A New World. He maintains his versatile approach on Undivided, capable of reaching for a high note not unlike Lance King (ex-Balance Of Power, ex-Pyramaze) but with a soaring bent akin to Mike Lee (Barren Cross) and Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden). Yet, when he reaches down low, he reveals some grit and gravel that brings to mind Les Carlsen (Bloodgood).
Great songs make for a great album, and such is the case with Undivided. Signum Regis outdid itself in this regard by composing eleven equally good songs with each bringing the unique melody, harmony, hook or riff to stand on its own and separate from the rest. Hence, opener “Daniel’s Prophecy”, which impresses as quintessential Signum Regis with its catchy melodies, anthem-like overtures, extended instrumental runs and time signatures ranging from calm and relaxed to those on the more excitable side. Albums immaculate production stands out in the process. Lyric snippet:
Praise the Lord for he have made known to me
What we asked about the dream of the king
He reveals hidden things that we cannot see
Or what lies in darkness because light dwells with him
As your majesty was lying there
Your mind saw the future that's not far ahead
There was a statue where you stood
The head was golden, but feet were partly of clay
“Ministry Of Truth” reveals the groups speed metal side. With blinding double bass leading the way, song ups heaviness as crunchy guitars and perseverant bass carry the verse section on the way to a vocal melody driven refrain impressing of the burnished. Fortinho reveals some fitting lower register aggression to his delivery.
“Salt Of The Earth” takes a melodic tone, emanating of the engaging as steady riffs and pristine harmonies propel its scintillating length. The polished feel carries over to the uplifting melodies to command the instrumental run. Upshot is one of albums most uplifting and spirited pieces. Lyric snippet:
Now come with me and shine for the world
You will be the salt of the earth
Let your light spread all through the darkest night
Don't let sorrow dim your sight
Let the flames of love burn bright
A city set on a mountain
Was built to be seen from far away
Just like a lamp on a stand in your house
It's meant to shed light onto all of us
Albums shortest at three and half minutes, “Interpreter Of Dreams” proves another barnburner. It maintains the catchy proclivity, refrain engages with the best of them, while reinforcing the symphonic, noting the understated keyboard work of Ján Tupý. Koluš turns the song into a shred fest from how he fills in the gaps with his blistering lead guitar.
“Pilgrim Road” combines the fast paced and melodic. Said divergences reveal from how the song can temper to a harmony driven melodic direction, but at moments notice picks up pace with a near speed metal demeanor. Rhythm section carries the instrumental run until a stretch of blinding lead guitar takes over (noting the work of Affector guest guitarist Daniel Fries!). Lyric snippet:
Quest for the Holy Land
Road to eternity
Led by the angels hand
Far beyond the realms of death
There is no amount of gold
That would make me do this
Not the spirit of the world
But the Spirit who’s from God
An injection of the eighties with “Servants Of The Fallen One”. It takes a slower, mid-paced but melodic form as König shines with his jazzy bass work and groups polished vocal melodies make a smooth Stryper like statement. That said an ominous turn reveals as songs takes a darker form for its instrumental interlude.
“Sea Of Galilee” ensues as a speed based ripper. Explosive with its hyperactive double kick drum and focused riffs but engaging in terms of the evening out that is its commercially tinctured refrain. Fortinho exhibits his vocal variances from reaching low for some thrash like growls but also lightening in mirroring a gentler side to his delivery. Lyric snippet:
On the Sea of Galilee
Dark clouds hang low, the storm is on its way
The fishermen exhausted and afraid
Preparing to take the last breath
You saw how I walked on the water
You saw how I drove out the demons
How I healed the blind man, who now sees again
Take courage and don’t be afraid
“Prepare For War” touches upon the progressive with its six-minute span. It delivers variety in the form of galloping Maiden like-rhythms, aggressive outbursts of high-octane energy and graceful signatures reaching for the gentler. Instrumental moments also reveal diversity as pristine harmonies give way to lighter tinctures carried over jazzy bass.
“Undivided” proves a perfect joining of heaviness and melody. In terms of former, darkly woven moments with upraised guitars and trenchant momentum to approach classic metal plays a front to back role. From standpoint of latter, one of albums most immediately gripping refrains reaches for the commercial. Topping off albums title track are neo-classical guitar leads (sort of like Carl Johan Grimmark).
“Shield Of My Soul” is my choice for song of the year with its seven-minute Theocracy epic style power/progressive metal basis. It starts to ominously played guitars ahead of launching at full force, gaining anthem like initiative through its verse sections but pointing to the sublime as the group’s engrossing vocal melodies uphold as boundless a refrain you will find. Quieter moments see König’s signature rise cleanly rising above the mix. Lyric snippet:
Hear me, my Lord, listen to my cry
Hear my prayer and may your eyes see what is right
There’s nothing I need to hide
You know, I’ve never planned any evil
You’ve probed my heart and found nothing wrong
Please lead me where I belong
Show me the wonders of Your greave love
Lift me up to the sky, show me what is above
The clouds and the distant sky
I call on You and I know You will answer
Show me Your endless love in wonderful ways
For the rest of my days
CD version closes to bonus track “Live Free Or Die”, another lengthy (six minute) cut to hint of the progressive - moments range from aggressive to epic to crystalline - while delivering a gritty heaviness of a hard rocking form. Versatility to the guitar work throughout is jaw dropping.
Undivided is more than deserving of its top five ranking in the Angelic Warlord countdown of the top 25 albums for 2023. The group puts it all together in all aspects of its gain, including songwriting, production, vocals, musicianship and inspired lyrics. You will encounter plenty of melody to go around for the musical variances at hand to keep the albums a fresh listen with repeat play. Fans of European power metal will do themselves a favor by making Undivided a priority purchase.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Daniel’s Prophecy” (4:28), “Ministry Of Truth” (4:48), “Salt Of The Earth” (4:46), Interpreter Of Dreams” (3:34), “Pilgrim Road” (4:18), “Servants Of The Fallen One” (5:14), “Sea Of Galilee” (3:47), “Prepare For War” (6:02), “Undivided” (4:50), “Shield My Soul” (7:09), “Live Free Or Die” (6:12)
Musicians
Jota Fortinho - Lead Vocals
Filip Koluš - Guitars
Ján Tupý - Keyboard
Ronnie König - Bass
Jaro Jančula - Drums
Additional Musicians
Jimi Cimbala - Lead Guitar
Daniel Fries - Lead Guitar
