For a US band, Floridian female-fronted SEVEN KINGDOMS exude a distinct Euro-power metal flavor on its third full-length release, The Fire Is Mine. Music wise, being compared to ICED EARTH, HELLOWEEN and BLIND GUARDIAN is not far off-base. The powerful and crystalline vocals of Sabrina Valentine, plus the twin axe attack of Camden Cruz and Kevin Byrd is the band’s specialty. Originally, Seven Kingdoms began with a male vocalist complete with growling vocals, but the band’s sound slowly started to define itself after Valentine joined. Produced by the legendary Jim Morris at Morrisound Studios, the album has a punchy sound with the guitars up front, but not overpowering. The power/thrash riffs, epic choirs, soaring melodies and dual guitar harmonies all blend well with Valentine’s vocals and the fantasy-themed songs are well-composed. Fans who tend to shun away from female-fronted metal acts will probably not be swayed into thinking otherwise from listening to The Fire is Mine. As good as Valentine’s voice fits the band’s overall sound, it is an acquired taste and sounds a bit nasally. The music is mostly standard Euro power metal fare and becomes a little bit too predictable. Unless you’re already a fan of this style, then Seven Kingdoms probably won’t lure any new recruits.
