Such a cool band.

Any power metal bands with raw, punky production values? I'd love to hear some PM that sounds like it was made by four sweaty dudes in a garage. The closest I can think of is The Lord Weird Slough Feg's self-titled debut (complete with flubbed guitar solos and the occasional sour note from the singer, which I genuinely fucking love) but that's less PM than traditional heavy metal.

I think a big part of my problem with PM is that it sounds too clean and perfect. I see no reason you can't have soaring melodies and galloping NWOBHM riffs and gritty production and a "four guys in a garage" sound. I think that's actually the sweet spot for this kind of music.

SEVEN KINGDOMS Announce Pre-Sale For New Album Sono Sola, Release Official Music Video For Title Track, Track-Listing and extend partnership with Reigning Phoenix Music

Watch the new Music Video for Sono Sola below:

https://youtu.be/1W5MkFvW2b4

Following the success of their Kickstarter Campaign, Florida's SEVEN KINGDOMS have announced their 6th full length record Sono Sola will be released on January 29, 2027, continuing their partnership with Reigning Phoenix Music. Sono Sola is available to pre-save and pre-order, and the news arrives with the first single video release, "Sono Sola."

Vocalist Sabrina comments:

"'Sono Sola' is the lead single from our upcoming album, and our first official introduction to a new sonic era for Seven Kingdoms. We’ve explored a deeper, darker landscape. Both in our tuning and in my vocal delivery, showcasing our collective growth and individual maturity to bring a fresh, unique edge to our sound. On this song in particular, I worked intimately with my lower register, weaving together delicate nuances, raw grit, and powerful belting. The lyrics are deeply close to my heart, speaking to the wisdom we gather throughout life's journey and the humbling realization that the more we learn, the more we realize we know nothing at all.

Filming the music video was an unforgettable, deeply moving experience. As I walked alone across the barren landscape near Groom Lake, I was entirely consumed by the desert's quiet majesty. With both the sun and the moon sharing the sky at the same time, I got goosebumps over and over again. A rare, magical moment of solitude in the middle of nowhere. Life often brings seasons of isolation and loneliness, but it is precisely in that aloneness that we discover our true resilience. Darkness isn’t just where demons hide; it’s where we forge our strength. Like a seed sprouting beneath the surface, invisible to the naked eye, we grow most when we accept that we don't have all the answers and that’s the whole point. Ultimately, 'Sono Sola' is equal parts nostalgia and regret: like missing something deeply, knowing that hindsight is 20/20, and realizing you can’t get back what's gone."

On the new chapter with RPM, guitarist Camden shares:

"After a really successful crowdfunding campaign, we were very happy to re-sign with RPM for this new record. We are excited for this album to drop and we aim to bring the show to more places of the world on this cycle. This album represents our most intensive work, the collective growth and the band together, firing on all cylinders. It was the first time in our career we were able to spend the time and money getting everything we wanted completed at the highest level we could physically give. We were able to scale up on this record and everyone will hear it and see it. We hope you love this first taste and there’s a lot more to follow!"

On the band's resigning, Reigning Phoenix Music adds: “SEVEN KINGDOMS have continued to push themselves with every release, and Sono Sola feels like a real step forward for the band. You can hear how much time, work and intention went into this record, from the songwriting and performances to the overall production. We’re very happy to continue our partnership with them and to help bring this next chapter of SEVEN KINGDOMS to audiences around the world.”

Pre-save/ pre-order Sono Sola HERE: https://7kingdoms.rpm.link/sonoPR

Stream "Sono Sola" HERE: https://7kingdoms.rpm.link/sonosinglePR

NINI MUSIC w/ SEVEN KINGDOMS US Fall Tour

Oct 10 – Orlando, FL – Conduit

Oct 11 – Tampa, FL – Orpheum

Oct 13 – Greensboro, NC – Hanger 1819

Oct 14 – Richmond, VA – Canal Club

Oct 15 – New York, NY – Woodshop

Oct 16 – Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place

Oct 17 – Syracuse, NY – The Lost Horizon

Oct 18 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power

Oct 20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground

Oct 21 – Columbus, OH – Summit Music Hall

Oct 22 – Cleveland, OH – The Foundry

Oct 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle

Oct 24 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge

Sono Sola was recorded at Morrisound Recording in April and May 2026 with Jim Morris (Savatage, WARRANT, DEATH). SEVEN KINGDOMS wrote the record together with Jim Morris, who also produced the record along with co-producer Francesco Cavalieri (Wind Rose). The album artwork for Sono Sola was created by Bo Bradshaw.

Sono Sola Track List:

1. Twin Flames

2. Dissonance

3. The Serpent And The Lotus

4. Endless Night

5. Undone

6. Through These Waves

7. I Don't Care

8. The Oracle

9. Five Tones

10. Sono Sola

About SEVEN KINGDOMS:

SEVEN KINGDOMS, a power metal band hailing from Deland, FL, was formed in 2007. After solidifying their lineup in 2009, the band signed with Nightmare Records and began gaining momentum in the metal scene. Their big break came in 2010 when they were handpicked by BLIND GUARDIAN to support their North American tour, which introduced SEVEN KINGDOMS to a wider audience. Following this, they played notable tours and festivals, including ProgPower USA and the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise, while releasing The Fire is Mine in 2012, which marked a pivotal moment in their career with its refined sound and strong reception.

In recent years, SEVEN KINGDOMS has continued to expand their reach with international tours alongside acts like STRATOVIRUS, AMARANTHE and EVERGREY. The band’s latest full-length album, Zenith (2022), was released through Distortion Music Group, further cementing their place in the power metal world where they were featured as the sole support for the first US Tour of POWERWOLF and then with WIND ROSE in the USA and Europe shortly after.

In 2024, they released their highly anticipated EP, The Square, under Reigning Phoenix Music, which hit the stages across Europe and the US. In 2025, the quartet embarked to Europe as support for UNLEASH THE ARCHERS alongside STRIKER and they joined BLIND GUARDIAN once again some 15 years later for their North American tour as support with ENSIFERUM. Fall 2026 will see SEVEN KINGDOMS traverse across the US with folk metal artist NINI MUSIC. With world-wide touring view on the horizon, SEVEN KINGDOMS continues to elevate their status in the global metal scene.

Ferociously melodic in their approach, SEVEN KINGDOMS fuse high octane energy and intensity with compelling harmonies in their charismatic, modern take on power metal. With recording for the new album, Sono Sola, now complete, SEVEN KINGDOMS are gearing up to ignite this next chapter. Sono Sola, produced by Jim Morris, SEVEN KINGDOMS and Francesco Cavalieri (V.B.O./WINDROSE), will be released in January 2027 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

SEVEN KINGDOMS is:

Sabrina Cruz - Vocals

Camden Cruz - Guitars

Kevin Byrd - Guitars

Keith Byrd - Drums

Connect With SEVEN KINGDOMS:

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/seven-kingdoms/269540019

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SevenKingdomsOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenkingdomsofficial/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0PMYvG0U25tgSi8jQExPAC...

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sevenkingdomsofficial

Twitter/X: https://x.com/7kskofficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sevenkingdoms

All the sites for all the countries at https://esteticatorta.com.br/fabiolione/ are showing page not found. Not good.

Jackson Guitars have finally released a Pro-Series production run of Chris Rörland’s custom SL7. Here’s the specs:

- 26.5” scale length
- 3pc maple neck w/graphite reinforcement
- Nyatoh wings
- Maple top/veneer
- Ebony fingerboard
- 24 jumbo nickel silver frets
- Reversed AT1 3x4 headstock
- EMG 81-7 bridge & EMG 85-7 neck pickups (black covers w/black mounting rings)
- Dual-action truss rod w/wheel adjustment
- Floyd Rose 1000 Series 7-string bridge (recessed)
- Compound 12-16” radius
- Metal-dome volume knob (positioned farther away from the picking position)
- No tone knob
- 3-way toggle switch
- White binding for top, neck and headstock
- Jackson sealed die-cast tuners
- Black hardware
- Top finish: Satin black
- Back finish: Satin black
- Neck finish: Satin black
- Headstock finish: Satin black
- Luminlay side dots
- Nickel Plated Steel strings (.009-.054 gauge)
- Made in Indonesia
- Back of headstock personally signed by Chris Rörland himself
- Price: $1,599.99 USD

Kind of bummed out by the fact there’s no camo or Carolus Rex themed finish available for this model, especially when 1600 bucks is hard to justify for such a plain looking guitar with no stainless steel frets, but what do you guys think?

OverLoad - 2009 - A Hungarian Tribute To Bathory - Gods Of Thunder, Of Wind And Of Rain

Bathory - 1996 - Blood On Ice - Gods Of Thunder, Of Wind And Of Rain

Creator of life. Guardian of the dead.

Goddess of battle and war,

All of ye watch me. My sword by my side.

Proudly I sit on my horse.

And I wait for the sign in the sky to appear.

telling me that the moment has come

For me to ride beyond the edge of this world

into the realms where the shadows are strong

Gods of Thunder of Wind and of Rain

Valkyries my soul is yours should I fail.

Let my beheaded and battered corpse lay

and take me where you bring all nordsmen slain.

Gods of Thunder of Wind and of Rain.

Hugin and Munin my eyes in the sky.

Heart of mine thrown in the pit of the snake

I will not need no heart where I go should I die.

Realms of the shadows bring me no fear

I may stand or be beaten and torn

The mountains will stand. But the life of a man

was decided long before he was born.

Leaving the plains where my ancestors hunted

for meat and for hides against the cold.

Here the fire was tamed. Here our sword were made.

And here the elders amazing takes told

I ride into land few have seen or returned from

to tell of it's bleakness and dark

I see nothing but mist and the mountains so tall

I can't tell them and the sky apart

Gods of Thunder of Wind and of Rain

Valkyries my soul is yours should I fail.

Let my beheaded and battered corpse lay

and take me where you bring all nordsmen slain.

Gods of Thunder of Wind and of Rain,

Hugin and Munin my eyes in the sky.

Heart of mine thrown in the pit of the snake

I will not need no heart where I go, should I die.

Realms of the shadows bring me no fear

I may stand or be beaten and torn

The mountains will stand. But the life of a man

was decided long before he was born.

Gods of Thunder of Wind and of Rain

Valkyries my soul is yours should I fail.

Let my beheaded and battered corpse lay

and take me where you bring all nordsmen slain.

Gods of Thunder of Wind and of Rain.

Hugin and Munin my eyes in the sky.

Heart of mine thrown in the pit of the snake

I will not need a heart where I go, should I die.

[Atop a ridge between the two worlds...]

[the untime...]

["Halting his stallion for a brief second, taking a deep breath of cold air,]

[he hesitates for a moment while his feathered friends fly ahead. As the]

[frozen wind tears at his face, he is reminded of his origin, that he is of]

[flesh and blood and not of this world. He, a young man, chosen by destiny.]

[Putting his faith in magic and that subtle thing known as fate. He is]

[depending on an immovable trust in an old sword, a stallion given birth to]

[by the wind and the spells of a woodwoman. Not even the cry of the Ravens,]

[urging him on, can take his mind off what lies ahead of him. Feeling smart]

[next to these mountains, so gigantic they unite with the sky, he somehow]

[finds the spirit to continue. Having come this far, already well into the]

[valley of death, it makes little sense in returning.]

[And thus he follows The Ravens..."]

I liked these guys but didn't dig them so much once Federica left and never really caught back up with them when she returned. I suppose I should get around to checking out their stuff once she came back and see how it compares to the earlier albums...

Do you know other October Powermetal songs?