Artist: Seven Kingdoms
Album: The Square
Genre: Power Metal
Release Date: November 8, 2024
For longtime fans of Seven Kingdoms, myself included—who’ve been on this epic journey since The Fire Is Mine—it’s impossible to approach any new release without sky-high expectations. The band’s signature blend of power, precision, and technical brilliance has consistently placed them at the forefront of the power metal scene. Their latest offering, The Square, delivers on many fronts, though it does so with a different flavor than we’ve come to expect. With only five tracks, this EP packs a punch, albeit a measured one, showcasing the band’s range in ways that feel both familiar and surprising.
Make no mistake, this is an EP, and it feels like one—lean, direct, and intentionally compact. But this isn’t a bad thing. Every EP Seven Kingdoms has put out has been nothing short of explosive, and The Square continues that trend, albeit with a few calculated shifts in tone and pace. The band seems to be embracing a more introspective, emotionally nuanced approach, without sacrificing the elements that make them one of the genre’s most formidable forces.
The Title Track: “The Square”
The title track is, without a doubt, the EP’s shining centerpiece. Sabrina Cruz’s vocal performance is nothing short of astonishing, weaving a tapestry of pain, love, and emotional release in a way that feels both raw and cathartic. Lyrics like “Love me enough to finally let go” resonate deeply, and it’s Cruz’s ability to channel such intense emotion while maintaining her technical prowess that elevates the song into something extraordinary. Her voice, crystalline yet forceful, dances effortlessly between vulnerability and resolve, pulling listeners into the song’s emotional vortex. The tension between holding on and letting go is beautifully mirrored in the interplay of Camden Cruz’s and Kevin Byrd’s guitars, which manage to both soar and seethe throughout the track.
“Through These Waves”
“Through These Waves” stands as one of the EP’s most thematically introspective tracks, exploring survival and self-realization in the face of isolation. The lyrics, reflective and tinged with melancholy, are supported by an undercurrent of melodic precision. The track captures the overwhelming sensation of being adrift, both physically and emotionally, in a world that often feels hollow and distant. Musically, the band delivers a swirling, expansive sound that complements the oceanic metaphor of the lyrics—pushing and pulling, rising and crashing in perfectly executed waves of metal energy. Here, Seven Kingdoms demonstrates their ability to balance heaviness with emotional depth, a hallmark of their evolution as musicians.
“Wilted Pieces”
There’s a dark elegance to “Wilted Pieces” that harkens back to Seven Kingdoms’ earlier work, though with a more mature, atmospheric bent. The imagery of broken hearts and “wilted pieces of the past” blooming in the night is striking, drawing listeners into a world where loss and renewal intertwine. The guitars lead with a sharp, cutting edge, carving out space for Cruz’s voice to lament, plead, and ultimately rise above the darkness. The balance between the intricate guitar work and the lyrical poignancy makes this track feel like a melancholic anthem—a reminder that even in the face of inevitable loss, there is beauty to be found in the scars we carry.
“The Serpent and the Lotus”
“The Serpent and the Lotus” is a tour de force in storytelling, drenched in mythological and spiritual symbolism. In many ways, this track stands out as the EP’s most ambitious offering, not just lyrically, but in its intricate structure and layered composition. The duality evoked by the song’s title—between the serpent, symbolizing chaos and transformation, and the lotus, embodying purity and rebirth—carries listeners on a journey of personal metamorphosis. The lyrics, “Surrender to your higher self” and “See more than eyes can see,” unfold like a hero’s journey, with each verse escalating both in intensity and revelation.
Camden Cruz’s guitars intertwine seamlessly with Kevin Byrd’s to create a sonic landscape that is as expansive as the themes it explores. The song’s blend of aggression and serenity echoes the inner struggle to embrace one’s fate and rise above the chaos. Sabrina Cruz’s voice remains the steady guide through this philosophical journey, anchoring the track with an air of both ethereal beauty and human vulnerability. The instrumental bridge, with its hypnotic rhythm and soaring leads, takes the listener into a transcendent space, before bringing us back to the grounded yet haunting refrain.
“Kyrie” (Mr. Mister Cover)
If the EP had a wildcard track, it’s undoubtedly the cover of Mr. Mister’s “Kyrie.” At first glance, it might seem like an odd choice for a band with Seven Kingdoms’ pedigree, but their rendition is nothing short of electrifying. Sabrina Cruz breathes new life into this 80s classic, and in doing so, highlights the versatility of her voice. The band manages to honor the original while infusing it with their own metal flair, and the result is pure fun. Camden’s guitars, while restrained compared to their original compositions, retain just enough edge to remind you that this is, after all, a Seven Kingdoms track. It’s a testament to their confidence and musicianship that they can take a song so different from their usual style and make it sound unmistakably their own.
Final Thoughts
The Square is, without question, an impressive offering from Seven Kingdoms. While it may not deliver the relentless ferocity of albums like Decennium or The Fire Is Mine, this EP shines in its own right. The band feels freer here, perhaps less concerned with outdoing themselves in terms of sheer heaviness, and more focused on crafting songs that are emotionally resonant and thematically rich. The result is an EP that is a bit softer around the edges, but still filled with moments of brilliance—especially in the vocal performance of Sabrina Cruz, whose voice is as commanding and expressive as ever.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the crushing, more aggressive side of Seven Kingdoms on this release. However, that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of The Square. If anything, it shows that the band is unafraid to explore new territories, while still remaining rooted in the sound that has made them one of power metal’s most compelling acts. For longtime fans like myself, this EP is a welcome addition to their catalog, and while we might yearn for a heavier follow-up, there’s no doubt that The Square will remain on heavy rotation. After all, even when Seven Kingdoms dial things down a notch, they still manage to deliver nothing but fire.
And for those of us in San Diego, there’s even more to look forward to—Seven Kingdoms will be in town this November, bringing their electrifying live presence to the stage. If the energy from The Square is any indication, their performance is bound to be an unforgettable one.
ABOUT SEVEN KINGDOM
Formed in Deland, FL, in 2007, Seven Kingdoms quickly made their mark in the power metal scene with their fierce energy and technical precision. After solidifying their lineup in 2009 and signing with Nightmare Records, the band gained significant exposure opening for Blind Guardian on their 2010 North American tour. Their 2012 album The Fire is Mine, featuring the soaring vocals of Sabrina Cruz, solidified their sound, blending melodic power thrash with epic choirs. Seven Kingdoms has since toured with prominent metal acts like Stratovarius and Amaranthe, earning them a dedicated fanbase across the globe.
SEVEN KINGDOM ON TOUR
