Sardonyx - Sons Of The Kingdom download mp3 flac

Stunning return for Sardonyx

SONS OF THE KINGDOM is the second full-length album by Pennsylvania’s Sardonyx, who also have a debut demo EP (1990), as well as an EP from 2005. I had the demo REBEL OF REASON on cassette years ago, which was along the same style as Metal Church. I thought it showed a lot of potential and had moments of greatness, like “Don’t Chase the Rainbow,” but they still needed to work the kinks out in production and also maybe aspects of composition. That potential was reached in 1992’s MAJESTIC SERENITY, a hidden gem of independent US power/prog. Unfortunately, the opus was strapped with amateurish art for the cover, which was thankfully rectified by a 2007 rerelease with fantastic new art.

I saw the band play live on video from around this time (1994) and they blew me away with their jaw-dropping stage presence/performance. Unfortunately, except for the 2005 EP LINEAR PROGRESSION (which I’ve never heard because I generally don’t like EPs), they’ve been absent from the metal scene; until now, that is (2018).

SONS OF THE KINGDOM is an independent release, but it sounds professionally polished and is actually stunning from beginning to end (nine tracks clocking in at 57 minutes). I would honestly describe it as the most “anointed” metal album I’ve ever heard. If you favor expert US power metal with prog elements and perhaps hints of thrash, drop everything and pick up both MAJESTIC SERENITY and, especially, SONS OF THE KINGDOM. Singer Tom Denlinger is commanding, coming across as a mix of Matt Barlow and Bruce Dickinson, but with more diverse dynamics.

The opening title track clocks in at 8:00, but it’s all worthwhile. It features a catchy chorus and a potent close that fades out, which I wish played a little longer because it’s so good. Two other top tracks are the anointed “All That We Are,” with its moving prayer during the mid-break, and the closer “Angel Armies,” which starts with ominous heavy chords, moving on to heavy riffin’. “Child of the King” is another cut with a great hooky chorus, as well as pre-chorus (or whatever). Tom is reminiscent of Paul Stanley in the infectious “Power and Love,” which features a nice ‘whoa-oh-ohh’ mid-section. “Awake” is notable because it’s about the sufferings of Job (from the ancient book); the opening soliloquy/prayer is quite affecting. “My Bride Beloved” is about Solomon’s Song of Songs and fittingly features accompanying female vox. The two numbers I failed to mention – “Greater Things” and “Perfected” – are also quality tracks.

This is an amazing album chock full of audio riches in the labyrinthine arrangements, worthy of appreciation for decades to come.

GRADE: A