Century – The Conquest of Time

To say this week has been incredible to be a traditional metal fan is an understatement. Whether it be the swords and sorcery stylings of Smoulder, heavy 70s romanticism of Tanith, or melodic mania of Blood Star, I’ve been absolutely spoiled by a crop of retro inspired albums that are guaranteed to make the 2023 best of list come December. Today’s band and album in review is no exception, keeping the hot streak rolling into the weekend. I swear, I’ve become so accustomed to soaring vocals, galloping riffs, and triumphant choruses that I might just recoil the next time I hear a blast beat!

Formed as an offshoot of Swedish speed metallers Tøronto (not to be confused with the early 80s AOR band of the same name who actually hailed from their namesake), Century consists of dynamic duo Leo Ekström Sollenmo on drums and bass and Staffan Tengnér on guitars, vocals, and also bass. Much like the aforementioned Blood Star, the band quickly caught the attention of headbangers with their freakishly authentic debut demo and a couple singles. I say “freakishly authentic”, because not only has this band tapped into the early 80s metal vein as musicians and songwriters; they’ve somehow captured the era’s atmosphere as well.

It’s all on display on their debut full length, The Conquest of Time. Raw and primal, yet with just enough polish, Conquest captures the spirit of early Swedish metal and the NWOBHM to a T (think a lost Heavy Load album with the lo-fi production and chops of Satan’s Court in the Act). “The Fighting Eagle” embodies this formula, opening the outing with an unrelenting slab of metal that’s fast, energetic, and powerful to the max. While the album is too concise and straightforward to be labelled epic or even power metal, cuts like “Black Revenant” and “Breakthrough” boast nods to pioneers like Warlord and Manowar within the riffs and melodies.

“Sinister Star” sizzles with swagger, boasting what might be the baddest lead guitar riff of the year, while the title track can fairly be branded epic melodic metal. The melodic vocals and hooks contrasting the valorous riffage shouldn’t make any sense, and yet it does. The upbeat “Victim in Chains” and vengeful “Master of Hell” border on speed metal, but with just enough class to stay on the purely heavy side of the spectrum. An outlier in the partially proggy “Distant Mirror” grabs the listener’s attention, while the lengthy “Servants of the Iron Mask” rounds it all out, twisting and turning into early 80s metal oblivion.

Yet again, here is another traditional metal album that, if you played it for me blindly, I’d believe came from the era it’s paying homage to. All of the aforementioned bands, and Century for that matter, have proven there is more to classic metal worship than rehashing Maiden and Priest for the two zillionth time. There are traditional stones left unturned on The Conquest of Time, and yet it all coalesces together with precision and perfection. In fact, I think I just grew bangs and am now wearing black and white spandex pants just from listening to it!

9 out of 10

Label: Electric Assault Records

Genre: Heavy Metal

For fans of: Heavy Load, Satan, Warlord