For those needing to fill out one more spot on their shelf, Seven Kingdoms has come out with their latest album. After their debut in 2007, Seven Kingdoms has gone through several changes and if they continue the way they are now, they will be killer for many years to come. Power metal with aspects of thrash and synth, Zenith is great all around.

I must admit, I have never heard this band before, but once I plugged in my headphones, it was hard to pay attention to anything else. I really wanted to concentrate on the great combination of sounds. Alas, I couldn’t find any credit for the ones responsible for the keyboard, but whoever was in charge of putting the electric behind certain songs did a great job. It was pretty unique and it flowed well with the guitars.

Speaking of guitars, Kevin Byrd and Camden Cruz are fantastic. Good amount of rhythm and deeper bass work hand in hand with their solos and riffs. The intros to A Silent Remedy and Chasing The Mirage are both good examples of their abilities to get into the heavy style and easily able to transition into passionate solos.

1. “Diamond Handed”
2. “A Silent Remedy”
3. “Love Dagger”
4. “Chasing The Mirage”
5. “Valonqar”
6. “Empty Eyes”
7. “Magic In The Mist”
8. “Universal Terrestrial”
9. “The Water Dance”
10. “Life Signs”
11. “I Hate Myself For Loving You”

Keith Byrd effortlessly brings the timing and energy to a crux with his skills on the drums. His work in the ballads are perfect to keep things slow but then he just amps things up in the next song like a master. A great example is the song Valonqar.

The guitars are soulful and the need to bring things together with the drums are done with such ease. Empty Eyes is probably the best example of Byrd’s ability. Yes, I know people might expect a faster song to be his best, but what he does is just incredible with his fills. You’ll have to listen to get it.

Normally I talk about singers first, but I wanted to give Sabrina Valentine a special shout out. Her voice is a great fit for this band. It matches the tone for each song uniquely. The fact that she has multiple styles of vocals she can fall back on is one of the band’s greatest assets.

She can go from a melodic, almost semi operatic-range like in Valonqar, to a rock queen in Diamond Handed. Her ability to go between each note is something to behold. Even her rendition of I Hate Myself For Loving You, by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, is top notch.

Overall this album is a fantastic add to any discography. With the power aspects, down to the ballads, this band can do it all. Easily in my top 5 favorite female lead bands. I can’t wait to see where they go next.

Review by: John Cicotte

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