Decennium
A large chorus has little value if the music around it offers nothing. Seven Kingdoms understand that on Decennium. The singing is clear and catchy, but the guitars keep the songs moving throughout. Fast riffs, melodic solos and firm drums give this power metal plenty of force beneath its bright surface.
Stargazer makes a strong start. Its chorus is easy to recognise, and the backing maintains tension when the voice leaves some space. Sabrina Valentine has a notably clear tone. She can reach high without losing the shape of a melody. Her approach sometimes sounds sweet beside the heavy guitars, although that contrast also gives the band character.
In The Walls makes the combination especially effective. The singing has more drama and gives the track an identity of its own. The instruments maintain their weight while the melody has room to stick. Story, performance and chorus come together convincingly here.
The Tale Of Deathface Ginny adds interesting bass work beneath the busy guitars. It is a useful reminder that the band offer more than speed and high singing. The production helps: the individual instruments are easy to follow, and the riffs stay clearly present alongside the voice.
Decennium makes few changes to Seven Kingdoms' basic approach. The band use a familiar power metal style, and the later tracks do not all make the same impression as the strongest early songs. Anyone seeking something radically new will need to look elsewhere. The appeal mainly comes from the playing and melodies. There is enough of both to keep these fifty-odd minutes interesting. Seven Kingdoms play with conviction, write strong choruses and make sure the guitars contribute just as much.
