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SEVEN KINGDOMS
Decennium
2017 Independent Release

Florida-based power metal band SEVEN KINGDOMS will soon release their fourth album, Decennium, their first since 2012’s The Fire Is Mine. The band consists of Sabrina Valentine (vocals), Camden Cruz (guitar), Kevin Byrd (guitar), Aaron Sluss (bass) and Keith Byrd (drums).

SEVEN KINGDOMS released a four-song taste of this album with the In The Walls EP last year. In due time, fans will enjoy the appropriately named Decennium, which contains ten tracks and commemorates the band’s tenth anniversary. Opening track “Stargazer” is an epic power metal anthem; this is simply a fantastic lead track with a huge chorus and a blistering pace. A lyric video for this track can be viewed right HERE. “Undying” is based on Daenerys Targaryen and Game Of Thrones, genesis of the band’s name. This song features noteworthy vocals from Valentine and a welcome dual guitar solo.

“In The Walls” is another speedy power metal anthem featuring a wealth of double bass drumming from Keith Byrd. The track is based on the short story The Rats In The Walls by H.P. Lovecraft. A lyric video was released that can be viewed HERE. The next track, “The Tale Of Deathface Ginny”, like many SEVEN KINGDOMS songs, is based on fantasy literature. The song references western/horror/fairy tale comic book Pretty Deadly. “Castles In The Snow” is a mid-tempo track featuring nice melodic vocals. “Kingslayer”, the longest track on the album at nearly six minutes, returns to a faster tempo, and features fantastic riffs and solos from the guitarists. Valentine’s impassioned vocal adds considerable character to this song.

“The Faceless Hero” is another fantasy-based up-tempo track. The Kevin Byrd-penned “Neverending” is a solid tune dealing with regret and solitude. The song features a memorable riff and chorus and more dual guitar solos. The band filmed a trip inside the studio while recording this track, which can be viewed right HERE. “Hollow” gallops along at a high velocity, and provides plenty of double bass drums and guitar riffs, as does album closer “Awakened From Nothing”. The album’s 10 songs last about 52 minutes.

One concern is that many of these songs are so very close in tempo, and tend to blur together while listening to the album as a whole, but I could say that about a lot of bands. SEVEN KINGDOMS has consistently remained a band melodic and symphonic power metal fans should check out, particularly if they are fans of KAMELOT, DELAIN, BLIND GUARDIAN, EPICA and NIGHTWISH.

Decennium was produced via crowdfunding, and the album will see a limited release in February on CD and triple vinyl, featuring lush, colorful cover and inner artwork by Dusan Markovic. Be sure to catch SEVEN KINGDOMS live as they tour North America with EVERGREY, NEED and ASCENDIA in May and June to promote Decennium.

4.0 Out Of 5.0