The Power Metal seems to be eroded by the use by countless bands during the time of success between the second half of the 90s and the first half of the 2000s. Of course look one must try to have success, but not overloading a genre in a way that becomes so full that the competition is far greater than the needed. But having in mind that HELLOWEEN, BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE and many others will not last for eternity, some bands shows the will to carry the torch into the future. And it’s not a sin to say that “Undivided”, of the Slovakian quintet SIGNUM REGIS, shows a band with potential to be great.

The band depicts many different facets into the album, but always in a Progressive/Power Metal way. Sometimes they can use a bit more heavier and aggressive outfit (as heard on “Ministry of Truth”), on other follows the natural ways of the genre with its elements, some Neoclassic arrangements on the guitars (as on “Salt of the Earth” that is filled with shreds), but always elegant and arranged with wisdom and heart. The band shows an amazing talent to arrange its songs in a different way, what means that they have potential to grow. By now, they’re really very good, with songs filled with very good melodies and charming choruses.

“Undivided” was produced, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (the same one who already worked with VOLBEAT, EVERGREY, KAMELOT and others), and the work on the sonority is amazing: clean and defined in a way that fits on Power/Heavy Metal models, but allowing the band to have a better weighty approach. The artwork of Uwe Jarling is excellent, a fine piece of art. And as guests, here are Jimi Cimbala on the guitar solos on “Servants of the Fallen One” and “Shield My Soul”; Daniel J. Fries also play guitar solos on “Pilgrim Road”, “Sea of Galilee” and “Undivided”, and David Åkesson does some additional backing vocals on “Daniel’s Prophecy”, “Interpreter of Dreams” and “Shield My Soul”.

Musically, what the band delivers on “Undivided” is an excellent work, and it is in the right way to be great in the future. For now, songs as “Daniel’s Prophecy” (a song with traits between Heavy/Power Metal and Progressive Metal, with excellent technical parts, a charming chorus where vocals and backing vocals are in great shape), “Ministry of Truth” (this one is into a more traditional Power Metal in terms of weighty and technique, with excellent guitar riffs and solos), “Salt of the Earth” (this one has reminiscences of German Power Metal and Neoclassic Hard Rock in some moments, with fine keyboards parts), “Pilgrim Road” (some abrasive guitars increases the weight, but the vocals are working in a excellent way, fitting on silk moments and heavier parts), “Sea of Gallilee” (the energy of this one is amazing, with excellent fast parts demanding a lot from bass guitar and drums), “Undivided” (wow, what lovely and simple melodies that hooks people by the ears), and the contrasts of “Shield My Soul” are depicting an excellent band with a strong personality.

“Undivided” is really great release, but as mentioned above, SIGNUM REGIS still left some potential to be transformed into music.