PAGAN REIGN is an Extreme Melodic Folk Metal band, formed in Russia in 1997. Following a twelve-year hiatus, the band released "Once Again" in 2018. Now they are back with "Art of the Time," which is the band's seventh full-length album, and contains seven new tracks. "In Gods we Trust" leads off the album.

"In Gods we Trust" leads off the album, with a folky swing. The vocals are harsh which adds a dimension to the sound. Suddenly it picks up with a Power Metal feeling to it and then it's back to the folky groove. I really like all of the instruments used...it gives the song a rich and full quality. "Art of the Time" opens with a soft breeze of clean guitars and some flute and other folk instruments. At first spoken words lead but then the harsh vocals come in, completely uncompromising. The guitars take the lead at some point, and this is very well-thought out music.

"Cult of Blizzard and Fire" is a near eight-minute beast. It opens slowly and with spoken word, before a Power Metal riff ensues. Speeding up quickly, the lead guitars take the melody and run with it. It picks up again with a multitude of instruments and some key and meter changes. "Rising Hearts" opens with a little more of a traditional, straightforward sound. The dual harmonies in the vocals give it an edge, and it has a pretty melody. "Eternal Saga of Glory" is another lengthy track. It opens with an easy-on-the-ears guitar riff, and a combination of clean and harsh vocals. As it moves along, it is rich with emotion, and ends on a poignant note.

"Path to the North" opens with what sound like a harp to me. This time, the instrumentation is kept to a minimum so that the vocals can take center stage. Suddenly the drums double time it and the vocals become more angry. "Voice of the Legend" closes the album. It builds nicely, starting off with a simple melody that leads to a more ominous and solemn song. The vocals don't come into play until close to the end, and the entire sound has a positive tone, as the title suggests. Overall, this was a fantastic album. The guys seemed to know when to turn it up, and when to let it breathe. What resulted was seven very distinct songs, some with might and power, and others with pretty subdued melodies. Great work here from the trio from Russia and I am glad they are back in the game again!