Forged in the pandemic fires of 2020, Swedish metal warriors CENTURY have rapidly carved a bloody path through the true-metal underground, fueled by the raw power of their 2023 debut, “The Conquest of Time” – a perfect work of pure heavy metal glory.
It didn’t take long for fans of true steel to rally behind the band, their hearts captured by CENTURY’s undeniable craftsmanship. Now, the wait is nearly over; the ferocious storm of CENTURY’s highly anticipated second album, “Sign of the Storm”, will burst out in late January, so get ready for some true old-school metal vibes!
The duo of LETHAL STEEL’s drummer, Leo Ekström Sollenmo (drums and bass), and Staffan Tengnér (guitars, vocals, bass), also bandmates in speed metal act TORONTO, channels uniquely the unrelenting essence of Sweden’s heavy metal forebears, their music being a roaring tribute to legends like HEAVY LOAD, OVERDRIVE, GOTHAM CITY, MINDLESS SINNER, and AXEWITCH. They as well bring to mind iconic groups such as JUDAS PRIEST and SATAN but also new bands that revive NWBHM spirit like VENATOR and AMETHYST. With their sophomore opus, “Sign of the Storm”, they ascend beyond their breakout, delivering a record destined to crush expectations.
“Sacrifice” and “Children of the Past” have already been brought out for the fans as singles and also been played live in several band’s gigs, staples of their recent setlists. Packed with eight more thunderous tracks, this album proves CENTURY’s passion for heavy metal’s raw force.
But let me make myself perfectly clear; CENTURY don’t just revisit the glory days of heavy metal – they catapult straight to the early ’80s! “Sign of the Storm” is a time-warp of sound and fury, drenched in the unpolished grandeur of the era, a roaring testament to the enduring power of classic heavy metal, infused with unrelenting speed and raw aggression. It’s a thunderous celebration of the old-school ethos, capturing the untamed spirit of times bygone while refusing to bow to modern polish or overproduction. Each riff tears through the speakers like a battle cry, unyielding in its ferocity, yet layered with a complexity that reveals itself with each listen.
The production amplifies its charm, giving the album an edge that feels alive, almost dangerous. It’s a sound forged in the fires of tradition yet burns brighter with a sense of urgency, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The songs carry a timeless weight, echoing the glory of the genre’s golden years while carving out their own legacy.
This isn’t just another homage to heavy metal’s past – it’s a blazing reminder of why the genre remains immortal. Dynamic, raw, and thrillingly unpolished, this is the kind of record that feels more intriguing and vital with every spin. “Sign of the Storm” is TRUE HEAVY METAL, and it demands your attention!
“Sacrifice” kicks off with blistering speed and an unrelenting rhythm, its merciless riffs slicing through the air like a sonic blade. Following close behind, “Children of the Past” keeps the charge constant, offering a slightly more melodic progression without losing its momentum. Then comes “Necromancer”, a fiery throwback to the raw grit of classic IRON MAIDEN and the primal energy of the early British metal scene.
After three relentless tracks, the stunning acoustic intro of “The Chains of Hell” teases a slower, calmer moment—only to erupt into another mighty metallic assault. The song brings to mind the haunting melodies of SUMERLANDS and ETERNAL CHAMPION, blending power and atmosphere seamlessly. The intensity doesn’t waver with “Fallen Hero”, which storms through like a juggernaut. Meanwhile, the self-titled “Sign of the Storm” delivers exactly what its name promises: a literal storm of guitar mastery, thunderous choruses, and a jaw-dropping final two minutes that leave you breathless.
The mid-tempo “Fly Away” shifts gears slightly, presenting a more polished, commercial edge. Even so, it’s sharp and well-crafted, maintaining its metallic edge. This vibe carries into “No Time for Tomorrow”, though the track eventually reignites CENTURY’s signature ferocity with a powerhouse performance.
As the album nears its finale, “Possessed by the Night” crashes in like a whirlwind of darkness and speed, setting the stage for the epic curtain-closer. “Sorceress” is a galloping instrumental anthem of unrelenting force – epic, ruthless, and utterly devastating. With its soaring melodic mid-section and a grand finale that echoes the majesty of early MANOWAR, it’s the perfect exclamation mark to a storming album.
CENTURY’s songwriting surges with electric vitality, brimming with gallant riffs that blaze hot but carry a touch of somber elegance. Every note feels steeped in heroism, whether roaring triumphantly or brooding in shadow. The production, clean yet steeped in grit, captures a perfect balance between spiraling castle heights and cavernous dungeon depths, a truly underground triumph.
Far from an imitation, “Sign of the Storm” cements CENTURY as torchbearers of a sacred tradition. The album’s authenticity and craftsmanship make it worthy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their iconic influences. From the blazing battle cries to every soaring solo and lamenting wail, CENTURY prove the old-school flame burns hotter than ever!
The past lives, and it conquers, with “Sign of the Storm” – if “The Conquest of Time” had you hooked, its follow-up is a must-have! Few bands today wield this much fire and conviction; this is heavy metal in its purest, most unyielding form and I strongly advise you to surrender to its glory!
“Sign of the Storm” will be released on January 24th on LP by Electric Assault Records and on CD by Dying Victims Productions.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can order both the CD and the LP here.
