“As it was, it will be
As you wait for the Sign of the Storm“
I don’t recall writing a heavy metal review on this page. Not that I don’t like this genre, I love it, I grew up with it and it’s in my blood. It’s just that until now I did not find the band to write about. But things have changed when I discovered Century on Instagram, from an acquaintance. I did not know anything about this band prior to that, but after I played their 1st full length “The Conquest of Time” I was left in awe. And to my surprise I recently discovered in my mail the EPK for their sophomore album, “Sign of the Storm” which has just been released today by the US Electric Assault Records (LP version) and the German label Dying Victims (CD).
Hailing from Stockholm, Century is actually a duo, comprised of Staffan Tegnér (guitars, vocals and bass) and Leo Ekström Sollenmo (drums, guitars and bass). So far the band has released a demo, some singles, a split with the country mates Tyrann and the debut album, “The Conquest of Time“, which came out in 2023. It looks like Century‘s music is highly appreciated, if we judge by the positive response their previous materials have received.
In all honesty, before checking out Century’s music, I was expecting some sort of tribute to the old gods, like it’s been the case with many of the bands who jumped onto the retro heavy metal bandwagon since this current has been heavily revamped some 10-15 years ago. Preparing for this review I listened a lot to the band’s music and not only was I pleasantly surprised, I actually loved it. Despite the obvious influences which cannot be hidden, Century try to be original and follow their own path and I truly think they succeed in being as sincere and authentic as one can be in 2025.
That being said, let’s put on the leather jackets, crack open a cold one and dive into the “Sign of the Storm“.
For their sophomore album Century has decided to use the same recipe they did before (keep it short, keep it simple, keep it true), so this new record is also a heavy metal banger from start to finish. The 10 tracks are full of pure adrenaline, great riffs and catchy rhythms, all wrapped in a vintage sound, reminiscing the golden years of heavy metal. There’s fast songs, with speed metal vibe, (Sacrifice, Necromancer, No Time for Tomorrow, Possessed by the Night), there’s some sing a long ones (The Chains of Hell, Fallen Hero or the title track) and there are even some atmospheric ones (Fly Away or the instrumental Sorceress).
I absolutely love Staffan‘s vocals, they are perfect for this style of heavy metal. Thanks the gods of thunder that he’s not trying some vocals à la King Diamond, as I am fed up with that and it would have ruined everything. Instead his voice is perfect for what Century wants to offer, it’s melodic as fuck and powerful at the same time, with some high pitched tones that come exactly at the right place (Sacrifice , Necromancer, Sign or the ending of Possessed by the Night, for ex). The guitars are absolutely fantastic, every song is a collection of amazing riffs by itself. No true heavy metal record cannot miss the cavalcade of riffs, so this album makes no exception. They are so addictive that you’ll feel the need to play the air guitar along with the band. Last but not least, Leo‘s drums are the backbone of this album, they pound through each track with sheer energy and make you wanna raise your fist and yell. They have that power and epic vibe Scott Columbus used to once have on the classic Manowar records from the 80’s, they awake the hidden passion and pound hard in your brains.
What makes this record great in the 1st place is its simplicty. The band has a way of sticking to the point, without adding useless elements to sound more “interesting”. The songs are short and concise (the longest track is “only” 4.36 mins long), they catch your attention from the very first riff and keep you focused all the way through. They flow perfectly one into the other and believe me, you don’t even realize when and where the 38 minutes have gone.
Century may sound like coming directly from the early 80s but the band is not living in the past, instead they try to open new paths and pave them with their own vision of heavy metal music. Unlike other releases, this album grabs you from the very first listen and never lets you go. You’ll want to listen to it on repeat and you’ll like it more each time. If you want to experience really good quality devil’s music, look no further and go buy Century‘s albums. You won’t be disappointed.
In 1984 we had “Sign of the Hammer“, 41 years later we have “Sign of the Storm“. It’s pretty clear to me that true heavy metal will never die. Death to False Metal!!
CENTURY – “Sign of the Storm” Track List:
1. Sacrifice
2.Children of the Past
3.Necromancer
4.The Chains of Hell
5.Fallen Hero
6.Sign of the Storm
7.Fly Away
8.No Time for Tomorrow
9.Possessed by the Night
10.Sorceress
Band contact:
https://centuryswe.bandcamp.com/album/sign-of-the-storm
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