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Signum Regis: Chapter IV - The Reckoning

Power Metal

3.5/5.0

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Ulterium Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 24.11.2015

According to the promise made with an EP in the Spring, Signum Regis returns with fourth album, appropriately titled Chapter IV - The Reckoning. Surprisingly, the album does not include any songs from that earlier recording. There are ten brand new songs here with new singer Mayo Petranin.

Signum Regis

Yet, perhaps what I said about that EP applies to this album as well. Mostly, this straight up power metal, only more hard charging and powerful than before. Three things are notable from the start: the speed, the heavy riffs, and shredding guitar solos. You could say these are key elements to every song. Melody and harmony are there, carried mostly by the same chord structure united with the vocal arrangements. Yet Petranin's voice seem muted throughout, beaten down as it were, by the sharp guitars and booming rhythm section. At the same time, I can't say I'm a real fan of his hoarse style, though he sings clean, remains melodic, and doesn't make too attempts to go screamo. Another thing I noticed is that the pacing of the entire album is relentless. There's little pause in Signum Regis's power metal execution. It comes at you hard and fast and doesn't stop. Now, admittedly, the second track The Secret of the Sea tones things down somewhat, making the melody more present. But it's still has ripping riffage and solos. The only calm you get comes with the last song, Bells Are Tolling, where vocals ride over piano and symphonic notes, until it rises in the middle with those brisk riffs. And, from this song, you might find you have a different opinion of Petranin's vocals. He sound pretty good. Fundamentally, Signum Regis's Chapter IV - The Reckoning is blunt force power metal, yet without being harsh or sacrificing melody. If you love lots of riffage and ripping solos, you might dig this album.

Signum Regis - Lost And Found

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Signum Regis's Chapter IV - The Reckoning is blunt force power metal, yet without being harsh or sacrificing melody. If you love lots of riffage and ripping solos, you might dig this album.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]