Signum Regis
The Eyes of Power (Remixed & Remastered 2025)
Label: Beyond the Storm Productions
Out: May 23rd, 2025
Playing time: 43:24
Some of the current Signum Regis band members recently released an album with Aeon Empire. Does this mean that Signum Regis is currently on hiatus? Anyway, the waiting time after ‘Undivided’ (2023) will be filled by the re-release of ‘The Eyes of Power’. The band’s second album was released in 2010 and has now been remixed and remastered fifteen years later. Back then, the album was sung by Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen). According to the press release, it is probably the heaviest album the singer has ever recorded. At the time, the recordings were probably not particularly convincing. I listened more closely to see if that has changed.
A short rhythmic introduction with bass and guitar – that’s how the instrumental ‘Renewal In The East’ starts. An overlong intro, which I can get used to but don’t consider necessary. Dura Europos’ is of a completely different calibre. It gets down to business fast and hard. Singer Göran Edman counters with a powerful voice. Despite some melodic and rhythmic changes, we don’t hear any progressive frills. However, there is a great guitar solo. Signum Regis also move into high-speed territory on ‘Purpleborn’, at least as far as the riffs and drums are concerned. The vocals have a calming effect in places. Plus, another guitar solo. ‘Mystical Majesty’ starts more calmly and later moves more in the mid-tempo range. Göran Edman’s vocals are a little harsher at times, but this fits in well with the anthemic sound. In ‘One Fatal Enterprise’, the guitarists’ fingers flit over the sides of their instruments again. Including the obligatory solo, of course. Another partly epic instrumental Metal anthem follows with ‘The Underground Temples Of Mithras’, with a drum solo in the middle section. ‘Oathbreaker’ starts with rhythmic guitars and some high Metal screams. Before the guitars stomp quietly along. OK, it doesn’t stay calm throughout, the refrain is a little faster. With ‘Roma Aeterna’, a ballad has also made it onto the album. At first, a calm piano melody can be heard. Later, the guitars kick in, occasionally leaving the ballad realm. The calm, sustained guitar solo is excellent. This is now the third instrumental song on the album. The final song ‘Destroyers Of The World’ starts epically with ‘ahahah’ vocalises and a beautiful guitar melody. But after a minute or so, things kick off for the last time.
‘The Eyes of Power’ is a strong album recorded by very good musicians. Only the musicians know why three of the nine songs are instrumental. There’s nothing wrong with the sound. But I don’t have anything to compare it to. The re-production can be described as well done.
Signum Regis – Dura Europos (lyric video): https://youtu.be/KeH6HafRagE?si=3k_hiN8Ed7ZgSZnQ
Lineup:
Ronnie König – Bass
Filip Koluš – Guitars
Ado Kaláber – Guitars
Ján Tupý – Keyboards
Göran Edman – Vocals
Adrián Ciel – Drums
Track list:
- Renewal In The East
- Dura Europos
- Purpleborn
- Mystical Majesty
- One Fatal Enterprise
- The Underground Temples Of Mithras
- Oathbreaker
- Roma Aeterna
- Destroyers Of The World
