Seven Kingdoms – The Square

Seven Kingdoms
The Square
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Out: November 8^th, 2024
Playing time: 20:35

Seven Kingdoms recently signed a new record deal with Reigning Phoenix Music. And the next release is already in the pipeline. The EP ‘The Square’. The band’s last sign of life dates back to 2022, the album ‘Zenith’. Five studio albums have been released to date, some of them pre-financed through crowdfunding. This was also the case with ‘The Square’. In the meantime, the band has shrunk to a quartet. I was able to see the band live ten years ago.

The title track ‘The Square’ sounds exactly as expected from the band. Melodic Speed Metal in its purest form. Sabrina Cruz lets her powerful organ shine right from the start. I can just imagine her whirling around on stage. But the Florida-based band can also do things differently. ‘Through These Waves’ is a full-blown Metal anthem. The drums are booming, the guitars are frying. A huge guitar solo is the highlight of the song. Another epic anthem follows with ‘Wilted Pieces’. With ‘The Serpent And The Lotus’, the listener initially looks confused, as industrial sounds can be heard here at the beginning. But don’t worry, Seven Kingdoms quickly switch to High-Speed Metal. The last EP ‘Empty Eyes’ already featured a classic cover with ‘Barracuda’. This tradition is continued on the current EP. This time, the quartet opted for ‘Kyrie’ by the US Pop-Rock band Mr Mister. Damn close to the original, Sabrina’s clear and powerful voice is especially convincing. It also has a slightly rockier feel with a voluminous production.

On ‘The Square’ Seven Kingdoms show themselves from a very unusual side. In addition to the usual Speed Metal, you can also enjoy hymns here. And the cover of ‘Kyrie’ is probably the best version I’ve ever heard. It also surpasses the original.

Seven Kingdoms – The Square: https://youtu.be/o01M6Q3jyHE?si=vYha6ihuHDLv-QvK

Lineup:

Sabrina Cruz – Vocals
Camden Cruz – Guitars
Kevin Byrd – Guitars
Keith Byrd – Drums

Track list:

• The Squar
• Through These Waves
• Wilted Pieces
• The Serpent And The Lotus
• Kyrie