From their EPK, “A unique blend of epic pagan metal and blackened traditional metal, “Citadel of Stars” is both a mournful dirge for a dying age, and a hopeful glimpse into a rebirth among the stars. Canadian one-man act SIG:AR:TYR is back with “Citadel of Stars.” Building from the early years of acoustic guitar and ambient sounds to a series of albums that seamlessly blend epic pagan metal with introspective instrumentals, “Citadel of Stars” is the culmination of two decades of musical evolution that takes you on a spiritual journey to the stars and back with an experience you have not heard before and will not easily forget. It is hard to pick songs or highlight them, because “Citadel of Stars” floats, it takes you on a journey and before you know it you realize you need to push “play” again: that is the strength of this great album.”

The album has nine songs, and “Awaiting the Last Dawn” is first. From the first drumbeat and riff, the sound is monumental, and ominous, like a last march of a dying monarch rallying his troops. The background is filled with atmosphere and the vocals are raging screams, but seem to tell a story. The lead guitar work is fantastic as well. “Beyond the Stars Unknown” carries with it another epic sound, as it transports the listener into the world that surrounds the album. There is also a lot of tension in the song, almost as if you are standing on the precipice of a cliff, inching further and further to the edge.

The title track is mellower instrumental that makes use of clean guitars with heavy backing atmosphere, and those ominous tones still hang thick in the air. For me, it signifies a turning point in the story. “Ascending the Stellar Throne” also still has those monumental tones running deeply through the song, almost like a thread of gold. The album is half-over now however, and they are losing some of their luster. As the saying goes, “too much of a good thing…” “I Sail On, Eternal” is more straightforward, and declarative. The vocalist makes statements with confidence, as he tells the story of eternal life. “Who Will Guide Me Now” takes a step back into deep emotions, and you can hear the question echoed in the somber music.

 “From the Land of the North” moves much faster. The riff, bass, and drums establish a strong backbone that the vocals can build on, and back comes that monumental sound again. It marches forward like an army of the dead, with its kills nestled in sacks at their sides. “Where the Sun Never Sets” closes the album, and it takes epic to another level altogether. For me, its sound is more on the “rebirth” side of the introduction of the album, with a promise of the future. Consider the fact that this album was done by the hands of one person, and that is impressive. He crafted a full spectrum of a tale here that takes the listened on a ride through the annals of time, and into the stars above.