J-Man
Signum Regis (essentially a spin-off of heavy metal band Vindex) is a power metal band from Slovakia - not a place usually associated with metal music. The Eyes of Power is their second album, and one that I certainly have mixed feelings about. Although I have an infinite respect for the band and their skills as musicians, the music itself is mediocre compositionally and it won't exactly win any originality awards. The Eyes of Power is a competent release for sure, but I wonder if that's really enough nowadays. There's a lot of great modern power metal out there, so average releases like this aren't necessarily worth a listen. Nonetheless, people who've given a listen to the top-notch power metal albums from 2010 may want to give this a spin. Just don't go into it expecting to be blown away by a strikingly original and breathtaking masterpiece.
Aside from the interesting concept about the Roman/Persian relations during the late antiquity, The Eyes of Power is a standard European power metal album from beginning to end. There are memorable choruses, neo-classical solos, symphonic keyboards, but a very small sense of adventure that ultimately leaves the latest Signum Regis effort as a decent, but not outstanding, release. I've had a fun time listening to The Eyes of Power, but I seldom find anything to set this album apart as anything other than a standard power metal outing. This is a good album, no doubt, but I can't find enough jaw-dropping moments or originality to consider it above-average. Compositionally, the album seems a bit dull to me. There are a few Middle-Eastern touches, though they are too sparingly used to be considered anything too special. The best thing, by far, about Signum Regis is the impeccable musicianship. The vocals from ex-Yngwie J. Malmsteen vocalist Göran Edman will probably catch the interest of many; and with good reason. He has an excellent voice, and the rest of the band isn't too shabby when it comes to musicianship either. The guitar work from Ado Kaláber and Filip Koluš is also very impressive. The production from Ronald König is also another highlight about The Eyes of Power - I really like the sound here.
The Eyes of Power is a competent power metal album from Signum Regis, but I can't find anything that really sets it apart from the steep competition. In terms of 2010 power metal releases, the latest efforts from 7days, Firewind, Soulspell, and Magic Kingdom (to name a few) are worth tracking down before this one. It may sound like I'm being harsh, but the reality is that The Eyes of Power is a very good album. I'm just not sure if that's enough in the crowded power metal genre. I'm hesitant in rating this one, so I'll settle in the middle with 2.5-3 stars. This album could've been more original and distinct, but it certainly could've been worse; hence, my "middle-of-the-road" rating. With such great musicians and a terrific production, it's hard to settle for anything less.