CENTURY – Sign Of The Storm

(Electric Assault)

Rating: 9.0

Heard the demo/pre-release EP, their debut and saw a couple of US live appearances, then I knew Century were on to something! Couldn’t wait for the sophomore effort and Christmas came early this year, in the form of an advance copy (a full six weeks before street date)!

The Swedes had a trio of new songs online for a while, including kick-off “Sacrifice” (backed with non-album cut “Avenging Force”, on a limited edition cassette, that was only sold on the European tour) and mid-tempo “Children Of The Past”, which appears second in the album running order.

High energy, traditional metal (with a nod to the late ‘70s/early ‘80s English masters) there’s a shuffling pace to the music, with clean (occasionally high pitched) vocals. After a measured intro, the aforementioned “Sacrifice” is one of the fastest tracks in the Century canon and was a wise move (to be issued early, in order) to whet appetites for this (somewhat delayed) platter. Even when they don’t set earbuds/headphones ablaze, you can usually count on at least one slick guitar break to crop up, within the construct.

There’s a maturity, beyond the exuberance of the debut, without sacrificing the gritty and youthfulness that made the initial outing so endearing. At the same time, each cut exudes quality, with a strong sense of melody, tasty guitarwork, discernible vocals/lyrics and a vibe that just makes the listener want to “rock out!”

Up next, “Necromancer”, with a renewed sense of urgency, and a raw, early Night Demon sensibility, apart from the piercing, near falsetto shriek. Acoustic guitar intro (almost sounding like a harpsichord) greets wind swept, staccato delivery on “The Chains Of Hell”. In the final third, it briefly picks up speed, before falling back, come the end.

Guitars (of the electrified variety) jump right into action as “Fallen Hero” commences: a lively shuffle. The titular composition is a gentle gallop. Slowly strummed, flange guitars open “Fly Away”. A few pounds of the floor toms and everything’s OK once more.

As close as Century get to a complete sing-along, as the galloping pace is cut (once more) by a dirty sounding guitar run. Nearly as speedy as the lead-off (but lasting just 152 seconds), “No Time For Tomorrow” chugs down the rails and gives way to the like-minded (but faster) “Possessed By The Night”, while the concluding “Sorceress” is a full-blown, up tempo instrumental. Two-thirds into its 3:53 midst, things (temporarily) go ethereal/prog, before ending in a crashing crescendo. Wow!

This is metal music made to be played (witnessed) live. The band plans high profile gigs, like a return to Hell’s Heroes festival and 2 Minutes To Tulsa, as well as a string of North American club shows, this March. Don’t miss ’em, and pick up Sign Of The Storm.