The Game of Thrones craze has swept across the world ever since the HBO TV show took off, but fans of the band Seven Kingdoms know that the band has been making music inspired by the works of George R. R. Martin for almost a decade now. This Floridian power metal band, active since 2007, has a few albums under their belt and after a long break the band is back with their first full length album since 2012. ‘Decennium’ is the band’s latest offering, an album that was fully funded by their fans through Kickstarter. Kickstarter projects are particularly stressful for a band because they have to deliver directly to the fans and there have been many projects that have failed. It is a testament to the fan following that this band has gained over the years that they were able to achieve 143% of their target. But the big question remains, has the band delivered a competent record that they promised?
Stylistically, the band has stuck to a tight mix of classic speed power metal with operatic vocals. This decision has its advantages; the band is able to do what they do best and do it well, which is important when it’s been 4 years between albums. You can clearly hear every penny that went into making this album sound as good as possible. The band has managed to strike a great balance between the bass and the treble, making the songs sound heavy and melodic at the same time. Compared to their previous efforts, this is leaps and bounds ahead in terms of sound quality and production.
Yes, the album sounds awesome and the band may have put out some of their best material yet with this album, but in the grander scheme of things how good is the album? I have an appreciation for good power metal and Seven Kingdoms is good power metal, but it is the same old power metal. The style of power metal being put out here is the same as the stuff that was coming out in the late 80s and mid 90s from bands like Helloween, Blind Guardian and Hammerfall. The genre cannot grow without innovation and I am afraid that power metal has stagnated with the bands sticking to the same formulaic style of execution. But I digress; the music on this album sounds like everything that has already come out in power metal and by playing it safe Seven Kingdoms has brought nothing new to the table; even though I enjoyed the album when I was listening to it, once I was done I realized that none of the songs were memorable because they all fade into each other and the general background of power metal.
Coming to the production side of things, the band has roped in some big names like Jim Morris and Phil Pluskota who have helped shape the sound of the album. The twin guitars have a much meatier punch to them as compared to previous albums, the vocals, drums and bass are all well mixed with none getting lost in the mix. Performances by the guitarists Camden Cruz and Kevin Byrd are commendable. The riffs sound good, however I felt some of the solos were a bit lack luster and boring. Keith Byrd on drums is a beast, I love is double bass work and the fills he has in some of the songs. Aaron Sluss on bass rumbles through these songs with amazing energy; keeping pace with the guitars but not playing the same notes as them. I was very impressed by Sabrina Valentine’s vocal range; it was sounds fresh and complements the heavy guitars. Her vocals float gently over all the heavy metal instrumentation making it easily distinguishable, understandable and memorable.
There is no doubt that Seven Kingdoms are extremely talented and care about the music that they make. They have poured everything they have into Decennium to create an album that fans will adore. Yes, it follows the tropes of generic power metal but there is definitely a market for this as is evident from the immense support they have received. They know their fan base well and have given them exactly what they want.