One of the premier forces in melodic power metal, Slovakia’s Signum Regis, escape Earth’s gravitational pull with “Beyond Spacetime.”  Since their last studio album, lead vocalist duties have changed hands, which may be of concern from fans of their previous masterwork, “Undivided.”  Although lead vocalist Mayo Patranin returns to the band, the guest vocalist list for this album is quite lengthy, including previous lead vocalist Jota Fortinho and longtime friend of the band Matt Smith.  Maybe we’ll be okay.

However, I was more than a little perplexed with shipping their beloved mascot King Rex into space without a helmet.  Won’t he get the bends?  Metal bands really need to understand proper space safety equipment before launching folks into space.  Is there more to this space-stuff or is it a gimmick?

I really should have more faith in the SR boys.  This album has scarcely left my CD player since it landed, and I have concluded that their music connects with me at a mitochondrial level.  Although I loved “Undivided,” this album is different, trading longer progressive episodes for more songs with varied musical landscapes giving an almost equally enjoyable journey.  Although the music hits all the right notes, I try not to think too hard about the missed opportunities with King Rex in space instead of a demon-infested forest or some such ilk.

“Beyond Spacetime” shows a more focused songwriting from SR, cranking out 12 quality songs in roughly the same span of time as the previously more progressive “Undivided.”  The trimming of extraneous developments allows for their most excellent technical prowess to shine and the melodic vocals to hook.  Where there is focus in songwriting, there is more diversity in the styles at play with straight-up thrash in opener “Time to Pay,” hard rock in “Back to Zero,” a pair of ballads, some funky episodes in “Demon Lord,” and metrical play with “Morning Dawn.”  The track order optimizes the listening experience allowing for contrast in the right amount at the right time.

SR leaned on guest vocals to get this one across the line with only a couple of spots featuring the recently returned Mayo.  Based on YouTube music, a plurality of the songs is voiced by Tasos Lazaris (Steel Arctus, White Wizzard), who lends a powerful voice to the hard rocking “Back to Zero” and the album’s centerpiece “Beyond Spacetime,” but two of the most recognizable voices are Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest) and Matt Smith (Theocracy).  Ripper voices the opening thrash-tastic “Time to Pay” with his characteristic style, recalling Tourniquet’s “Gazing at Medusa.”  Matt leads a softer progressive majestic metal work “Throne of Gold” that has, in my opinion, a Christmasy character to it.  Much to my relief, the variety of vocalists add a level of fun to the songs.

Although SR has had many vocalists, their solid foundation in neoclassical stylings of bassist Ronnie König and Filip Koluš on guitar is their defining characteristic.  Super shreddy lead guitar work is rather common in this genre, but Filip’s execution feels quite precise and when his playing connects with the equally technically ebullient bass from Ronnie, it is musical ecstasy.  The title track is an excellent example.  And talking of bass, I scarcely can recall more thrilling bass playing, and it is all throughout the album.  Even in the filler track “Into the Rabbit Hole,” the bass work saves the day adding interest where other bands wouldn’t try.

With so much goodness, it is easy to forgive the less than stellar moments.  “Midnight Train” is a ballad that feels half-written where Lasos’ vocals beg to have more meat on the support.  In contrast, the other ballad, “Waterfall,” lands beautifully with Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) meeting the more ethereal instrumentation.  The other weakness is the album art and presentation.  I think in principle I get it, but the overt space imagery does not come through in the music and is a missed opportunity to make a more profound artistic statement.

Even so, I think that this is a very solid melodic power metal album that sounds like a celebration from the little band that could from Slovakia.  The focused writing and additional elements, while not forsaking their genetic identity in thrilling technical neoclassical flourishes, show SR continues to mature like a fine wine.  As a purist, I am looking forward to seeing what SR can do now with Mayo rocking the mic, but this is a solid SR release and worth getting your helmet on (very important) and exploring the stars.

Rating: 9.0/10

Written by Sean Bailey

Tracklist
1 – Time to Pay
2 – Back to Zero
3 – Free Again
4 – Throne of Gold
5 – Midnight Train
6 – Beyond Spacetime
7 – Into the Rabbit Hole
8 – Echoes of Glory
9 – Demon Lord
10 – Waterfall
11 – Morning Dawn
12 – A Dream or Two

Signum Regis is:
Ronnie König – bass
Filip Koluš – guitar
Mayo Petranin – vocal
Jaro Jančula – drums
Ján Tupý – keyboard, backing vocals

Guests:
Tim “Ripper” Owens – vocals on “Time To Pay”
Tasos Lazaris – vocals on “Back To Zero,” “Beyond Spacetime,” “Midnight Train,” “Demon Lord,” and “A Dream or Two.”
Matt Smith – vocals on “Throne of Gold”
Victor Smolski – guitar solo on “Throne of Gold”
Jota Fortinho – vocals on “Free Again” and “Echoes of Glory”
David Åkesson – vocals on “Into The Rabbit Hole”
Ralf Scheepers – vocals on “Waterfall,” “Morning Dawn”
Johnny Gioeli – vocals on “Tell Our Fears Goodbye” (CD Bonus Track)

Release Date: October 9, 2026

Record Label: Fireflash Records

Discography:
Signum Regis (2008)
The Eyes of Power (2010)
Exodus (2013) [review]
Through the Storm EP (2015) [review]
Chapter IV: The Reckoning (2015) [review]
Decennium Primum (2017) [review]
Addendum Primum EP (2017)
The Seal of New World (2019)
Flag of Hope EP (2021) [review]
Made in Switzerland Live album (2022)
Undivided (2023) [review]
Eyes Of Power (rerelease) (2025) [review]
Beyond Spacetime (2026)

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