SEVEN KINGDOMS – The Square

Florida based thrash/power metal masters Seven Kingdoms are releasing their 3rd EP, following up to 2022’s Zenith. Seven Kingdoms – The Square comes out November 8th through Reigning Phoenix Music, and this 5 song EP packs a punch! The EP comes out just in time with their 2024 tour crossing America with Canadian powerhouse bands Striker and Lutharo supporting. The band has been fronted by Sabrina Valentine since 2009 and their third release The Fire is Mine, and Valentine’s vocals are powerful, and at times haunting.  The twin guitar attack of Camden Cruz (ex-This Solemn Vow) and Kevin Byrd (ex-BlackHelm) are heavy, precise, and blistering. The pure power drumming of brother to Kevin, Keith Byrd (ex-BlackHelm, ex-Maverick Hunter, ex-Cast Asunder) are phenomenal.

Lyrics

Through These Waves

Was there something I missed
On the pages I’ve read?
Not the fine print
There was something on my mind
Lost in time

I’m still alive
This much I know
Life has a way about it
Changing fast
Memories last
And the moments fade away

Fade away with me
There was something on my mind
Through the waves of isolation
I know I’m still alive!

Hollow voices carry shallow words
It’s not getting through to me
To an ocean overflowing
Depths I cannot see
Through these waves

Taking me higher than I could be
Carry my spirit out to sea
Through these waves
These waves

Hollow voices carry shallow words
It’s not getting through to me
To an ocean overflowing
Depths I cannot see

Hollow Voices
Depths I cannot see

This song has a haunting feeling musically, and the words match the music quite effectively. The lyrics evoke the feeling that in our lives, time goes by quickly, and did we lose something on the way? Did we lose the plot we envisioned when we were young? This we contemplate as the “moments fade away“. The line “Hollow voices carry shallow words, It’s not getting through to me, To an ocean overflowing, Depths I cannot see” gives the feeling of being overwhelmed by either one’s own reflections, or the voices of others who try to direct us on life’s path.

Production

Seven Kingdoms – The Square was another release that the band crowd sourced through Kickstarter, raising $30,000 with the help of hundreds of supporting fans. The money was well spent, as the album sounds full, and lush. The drum sound is what makes or breaks and album’s production values, and the work here is top notch. Every element sounds powerful, from the beautifully layered vocals, to the intricate and perfect guitars. The band has been using Kickstarter for several release, and have a system for creating excellent product, while retaining control of the music, which is what every artist wishes for. The album was expertly mixed by Jim Morris, with BJ Ramone doing the mastering.

Final Notes

Seven Kingdoms have made their own luck through a lot of hard work, a lot of touring, crowdfunding, and by creating some fantastic music. The Square is the newest chapter in their success story, with 4 new originals, and a cover of Mister Mister’s hit track “Kyrie”. All of the originals hit hard, and keep you coming back for more. The cover track is a strong metal version of the tune, though slightly out of place with the originals. Being that it’s an EP, the band has some freedom to throw in a tune that they all dig, without worrying too much. The overall product is great, and well worth the asking price for those who support their favorite bands by purchasing the CD/vinyl/ downloads. Be sure to catch Seven Kingdoms on their upcoming US tour, or on the European tour where they are supporting Unleash The Archers.

Lineup

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

The Square – Tracklist

1. The Square
2. Through These Waves
3. Wilted Pieces
4. The Serpent and the Lotus
5. Kyrie (Mr. Mister cover)

Check out the new video for “The Square” by Seven Kingdoms off of their new 5 song EP: The Square