Category Reviews

 Beyond the Storm Productions | CD, Digital | May 23, 2025

With their second full-length album getting a serious sonic facelift, Signum Regis have done far more than dust off a deep cut from their catalog. The Eyes of Power, originally released in 2010, now returns with a full-blown remixed and remastered edition—and the result is a bold reintroduction to one of their most ambitious and aggressive works.

Rooted in the rich and often brutal tapestry of the ancient Roman world, the album weaves historical storytelling into a high-powered metal framework. This isn’t just history—it’s history set on fire. Vocal legend Göran Edman (formerly of Yngwie Malmsteen’s band) is in top form here, bringing gravitas and grit to every track. His voice cuts like a sword, majestic one moment and raging the next. You’d be hard-pressed to find a heavier album in his discography.

The production upgrade is a game-changer. Guitarist Filip Koluš went back and re-recorded all the rhythm guitars, bringing the tone up to modern standards with sharp, saturated crunch. The mix is clean and thunderous—breathing new life into songs like “Dura Europos” and “Oathbreaker,” where speed and precision collide with dark melodic drama. Even longtime fans will be surprised by how fresh these tracks sound today.

Instrumental centerpiece “The Underground Temples of Mithras” still mystifies, creating an atmospheric pause in the chaos with eerie textures and epic build-ups. And the lyrics across the board? Rich with historical and spiritual resonance, appealing to both metalheads and ancient history buffs alike.

And then there’s that cover art—a wild, apocalyptic vision brought to life by Uwe Jarling, whose previous work has adorned albums by Grave Digger and Mystic Prophecy. A giant serpent slithers through the fray, Roman soldiers fall mid-battle, a war elephant crashes forward, and a king raises his sword in divine defiance. It doesn’t just set the stage—it tells the story. Every inch of it pulses with the same cinematic energy and mythic weight as the music itself.

With The Eyes of Power, Signum Regis have reclaimed one of their strongest records and reintroduced it with fire and finesse. This is power metal with purpose—crafted for listeners who love technical chops, historical storytelling, and spiritual intensity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the band, this re-release makes a convincing case for why this album still matters.

For fans of: Symphony X, Kamelot, Masterplan, Yngwie Malmsteen, and concept albums with brains and brawn.
Don’t miss: “Dura Europos,” “Mystical Majesty,” “The Underground Temples of Mithras”

Only One Records, November 11, 2024
Genre: Progressive Metal, Symphonic Rock, Christian Metal
Format: CD, Digital

There’s a certain boldness required to take the name Epic Bard. It implies storytelling, adventure, and something larger than life. With A Different View, Conroe, Texas-based multi-instrumentalist Jens Jorgensen fulfills that vision. His second full-length album under the Epic Bard name builds on the reflective tone of Falls Like Rain, delivering tighter songwriting, increased variety, and a distinct blend of intensity and sincerity.

The album flows as a personal and spiritual journey, each track exploring themes of doubt, insight, and renewal. It opens with Corinthians, a brief but high-energy track with a punk rhythm and punchy drum work.

Impossible Your Truth keeps the punk-influenced feel and adds fast metal riffs, creating a sharp edge and strong momentum early in the album. Deep Down Inside slows the tempo at first, gradually building into a layered composition with emotional pacing. Its structure reflects an inner tension that resolves as the song progresses.

Take A Moment moves quickly with bursts of energy and a slower breakdown that invites reflection. The track includes some of the album’s harsher background vocals, adding contrast and texture. Lyrically, it offers memorable wisdom: we cannot grow when we think we’re in control.

Chaff in the Wind delivers one of the standout lyrical moments with the line, “You are so close, Father, Son, Holy Ghost.” The song blends a reverent tone with melodic phrasing, supported by deliberate pacing and strong lead vocals.

Father of Lies brings the tempo up again with assertive riffing and a darker tone. The arrangement is punchy and driven, adding contrast to the album’s more contemplative sections.

We Can Make It follows with groove-oriented guitar work and layered melodies. The tone leans positive, and the vocal arrangement reinforces a message of persistence and encouragement.

Midnights to Mornings stands out musically with its groovy basslines and smooth transitions. The guitar work is tasteful and expressive, helping to carry the emotional weight of the track.

Dream of Deception raises the intensity with a faster pace and tight execution. It builds urgency and energy, fitting for its themes of disillusionment and inner conflict.

The album closes with Surfside Strut, a laid-back surf rock instrumental that ends the record on a playful and relaxed note. It provides a unique contrast to the rest of the album and leaves the listener with a sense of movement and clarity.

The production is clean and intentional. Jorgensen achieves strong balance across guitars, synths, bass, and drums. His vocal mix is clear and accessible throughout, allowing both lyrics and melodic lines to connect without distraction.

Visually, the album’s artwork supports the core message. Light breaking into a darkened room suggests that perspective can change everything. It is a visual cue to the listener that the album’s title is both an invitation and a challenge.

Epic Bard continues to evolve, and A Different View represents a confident step forward. It is musically diverse, lyrically thoughtful, and unafraid to blend grit with grace.

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Track Highlights:
Impossible Your Truth – punk energy with fast metal riffs
Take A Moment – powerful pacing with dynamic vocal textures
Chaff in the Wind – poetic worship anchored by melody
Midnights to Mornings – groovy basslines and expressive transitions
Surfside Strut – an instrumental closer with surf rock charm

RIYL: Neal Morse, Theocracy, Saviour Machine, Kerry Livgren, Glass HammerListen and Learn More:
Bandcamp: https://epicbard.bandcamp.com/album/a-different-view
YouTube (Full Album Playlist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYFOg-7Wor0&list=OLAK5uy_m-Con0oupvzFBpcc2diqTT4x