The album art tells you everything about this album – slaughtering the evil forces that surround us with passionate force. The “Undivided” album art brings back the band’s mascot King Rex who stands for Signum Regis and all those undivided against the forces of evil. This impressive artwork was made by Uwe Jarling (Grave Digger, Mystic Prophecy) and was part of the band’s effort to kick the quality up a notch for the album, which is hard to do for the most celebrated metal band in Slovakia.
Some background first: Signum Regis has produced spirit-filled power metal since 2007. They have released seven full-length albums and three EPs to very positive acclaim, cementing themselves as one of the forefront power metal bands, particularly for Christian fans. SR have managed to retain their neoclassically-infused power metal style through the years. In addition to the art on “Undivided,” Jacob Hansen (Pyramaze, Evergrey, Kamelot) was at the helm as producer guiding SR to the best possible album. I can’t imagine a better pair of ears to help in that effort as he has been behind many of the releases for big name melodic bands.
And the result is spectacular! In my opinion, this is SR’s finest album and shines among a very crowded field of good power metal albums. Their music is the delivery of an uplifting message through solid riffing, neoclassical showmanship and wide-ranged, intense vocals supported by a talented rhythm section. Add in epic elements like backing choirs in the chorus and progressive song writing to make for an incredible listening experience from beginning to end.
The band mentioned that the songs on “Undivided” were cherry-picked as the best of many songs during the song-writing process. It definitely shows as there is not a weak song in the bunch. There are a variety of musical elements throughout the songs, but each of the songs has a high energy, melodic power metal identity. I was somewhat expecting a ballad as is typical for the genre and to my surprise there isn’t one. Instead, there are episodes of softer sections throughout the album, most notably on “Shield My Soul.” This progressive approach shifts the musical variety into each of the songs rather than having the songs be different “types.”
Starting with the opening track, they have a refreshingly uplifting Christian message. “Daniel’s Prophecy” tells the story of the interpreting of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Only the prophet Daniel knew the king’s dream and could interpret the meaning (See Daniel 2). “Salt of the Earth” also comes from scripture where Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and “Undivided” is a call for us to be undivided in Christ against evil. There is also the Orwellian “Ministry of Truth” speaking against the propaganda purported as truth through media. It mixes inspiration and application of what it means to be Christian in this world.
The performances of the musicians is nigh on flawless making it difficult to point to singular examples of excellence since they are throughout. Vocalist Jota Fortinho is front and center with a somewhat brash delivery that demonstrates great vocal control and range. But it is the heart, energy and intensity that he puts into every sung note that draws me in. The melodies are not super sweet, but fit perfectly with his vocal style and the heavy underlying riffs. As I write this in silence, “Daniel’s Prophecy” is stuck in my head, so they do have a hook to them. The straighter rhythms in some of the choruses have a slight hymnal style that fit in well with the spiritual focus of the album.
The lead and solo guitar work is absolutely spectacular. The songs are written to allow for lead guitar work to shine. Although there is a lot of excellent neoclassical playing, it doesn’t get tiring and is fresh as each episode brings something different, whether it is twin guitar work, scale and arpeggio work, or just old fashioned shredding. Even outside of the solo efforts, the interplay of the lead guitar with rhythm and vocals supports the song without detracting from the other instruments.
With this kind of vocal and lead guitar firepower, SR could just put in a mediocre rhythm performance and still have a decent album, but they didn’t do that. They bring out some excellent riffs to the party, solid bass playing with technical flourishes, and pounding drums that direct the band through complex changes on each and every song. As a fan of solid bass work, I particularly enjoyed the bass performance on “Prepare for War.”
“Shield My Soul” is the epic closing track for the album and clocks in at over seven minutes. The lyrics are inspired from the psalms, recalling how God is the shield of our souls. Clean guitars start the song with soft bass arpeggios setting a calm mood. Jota’s vocals come in soft, but like a tightly wound spring that pops, kicks up the intensity when the drums and heavy guitars come pounding in the second part of the verse. Not staying still for long, the pre-chorus rushes into a gallop toward the majestic chorus. The chorus adds an extra beat every couple of measures drawing the attention closer to the optimistic melody. In the development section, the rhythm guitar work shows off with some heavy riffs to set the lead guitar up for classic metal mode. The solos wash over the listener ending in a final reprise of the lead guitar licks. The epic final chorus resolves back to the calm atmosphere of bass and clean guitar closing the album like a soft close of a book.
I don’t always listen to power metal, but when I do, “Undivided” is what is should sound like! Each listen I hear something new, whether in the music or lyrics. This is exquisitely crafted melodic metal that lifts the soul and energizes the body to fight the evil hordes. If you have any appreciation for power metal, this album is a must have. You will not regret it! Even if power metal is not your preferred genre, this is an excellent album to diversify your listening. I cannot recommend this album strongly enough!
Rating: 10/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Daniel’s Prophecy
2 – Ministry of Truth
3 – Salt of the Earth
4 – Interpreter of Dreams
5 – Pilgrim Road
6 – Servants of the Fallen One
7 – Sea of Galilee
8 – Prepare for War
9 – Undivided
10 – Shield My Soul
Signum Regis is:
Filip Koluš – guitars
Ronnie König – bass
Jota Fortinho – vocal
Jaro Jančula – drums
Ján Tupý – keyboard, backing vocals
Guests:
Jimi Cimbala – solo guitar on tracks 6 and 10
Daniel J. Fries – solo guitar on tracks 5, 7 and 9
David Åkesson – solo guitar tracks 1, 4 and 10
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Record Label: Ulterium 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)
Links: Website | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Bandcamp | Spotify
Video for ‘Salt of the Earth’
Lyric video for Daniel’s Prophecy
Video (audio) for Ministry of Truth