Valiant Sentinel – Neverealm

Valiant Sentinel
Neverealm
Label: Theogonia Records
Out: 16^th January 2026
Playing time: 46:25

Valiant Sentinel were founded in 2018 by Greek guitarist and songwriter Dimitris Skodras. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2022. It featured illustrious guest vocalists – Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) and Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth). ‘Neveralm’ also features high-calibre guests such as Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle) and Laura Guldemond (Burning Witches). Valiant Sentinel play in the tradition of classic Power Metal bands. This constellation should actually guarantee a great listening experience.

Without introduction, the album kicks off with ‘War In Heaven’. Singer Veandok switches between a slightly raspy and clean Rock voice. The one or other scream can also be heard. He and his fellow musicians are driven by drummer Frederik Ehmke. The guitar solo is also played very fast. On the title track ‘Neverealm’, Veandok is supported by Burning Witches frontwoman Laura Guldemond. And she shows that she has no problem with the hectic speed. She literally screams her heart out. And once again we hear a fast-played solo from guitar wizard Dimitris Skodras. After so much musical force, Valiant Sentinel take it down a notch with ‘Mirkwood Forest’. Later, the sound is still restrained, but hardly any less hard-hitting. ‘The Underdark’ starts off as a contemplative ballad. But the Greeks obviously know how to be really quiet. Later, this Metal anthem is driven by drums every now and then. But there are also contemplative passages throughout. These constant changes in melody and rhythm create a strong progressive impact. But there is actually an acoustic ballad, even if ‘To Mend The Ring’ is only one and a quarter minute long. Immediately afterwards, ‘Elden Lord’ is another great metal anthem. Enriched with the occasional foray into Speed Metal. On the second ballad, ‘Come What May’, singer Veandok is accompanied solely by acoustic guitars. Then Zak Stevens is his duet partner on ‘Arch Nemesis’. Rhythmic drums and melodic hook lines dominate this Power Metal anthem. The finale, ‘The Battle Of Hornburg’, once again has a slight progressive slant (as did ‘The Underdark’).

At first, you might think that ‘Neverealm’ is a Speed Metal album. But then Valiant Sentinel prove that they are capable of much more. Anthems, Hard Rock songs, ballads and Progressive Rock alternate. An album that you can listen to over and over again.

Valiant Sentinel – “War In Heaven”: https://youtu.be/Z8sR_Pe0ivM?si=1FVxDWhh6XN-qSFA

Lineup:

Veandok aka Giannis Georganos – Vocals
Dimitris Skodras – Guitars, Keys
Panos Manikas – Bass
Frederik Ehmke – Drums

Track list:

• War In Heaven
• Neverealm (feat. Laura Guldemond)
• Mirkwood Forest
• The Underdark
• To Mend The Ring
• Elden Lord
• Come What May
• Arch Nemesis (feat. Zak Stevens)
• The Battle Of Hornburg