By Luis Fernando Ribeiro and Leandro Abrantes
Emissaries of a powerful and necessary message of good omen in a time when the transformative power of art is more necessary than ever, the Slovakian power metal band Signum Regis literally raised a flag of hope in their new EP through their splendid and contagious title track, "Flag of Hope," which received a music video with very special guests.
Founded in 2007, Signum Regis currently consists of Brazilian vocalist Jota Fortinho ( Capella , ex- Before Eden , ex- Fortress) , bassist Ronnie König , guitarists Filip Koluš and Majo Suchan , drummer Jaro Jančula , and Ján Tupý on keyboards and backing vocals. For the music video of “Flag of Hope,” the band featured the very special participation of their two former vocalists, Göran Edman ( Yngwie Malmsteen Signum Regis ' first two albums , and Mayo Petranin ( Castaway , Symphonity ), who was in the band between 2014 and 2018, in addition to musicians André “Zaza” Hernandes ( Capella , ex- André Matos band , ex- Angra ), Matt Smith ( Theocracy ), Samuel Nyman ( Manimal ), and David Åkesson ( Qantice ).
In times of social isolation like the one we are experiencing worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic, seeing a team of big names in heavy metal "come together" around a great composition brings a tremendous sense of comfort to the soul, something that might seem intentional given the proposed theme, but which, in the highly competent hands of the band and their guests, sounds absolutely natural.
"It's already quite clear that 2020 wasn't a great year, we all know that. That's why we believe that a song about hope and not giving up is exactly what we all need to hear," the band highlighted on their official profile.
In addition to the title track, the digital EP released in December 2020 also features the previously unreleased tracks "Given Up For Lost" and "Voyage to the Distant Shores," a beautiful version of Angra and an instrumental version of "Ave Maria." The physical version, expected to be released later in 2021, will include a bonus track yet to be revealed by the band.
The band has already begun the process of composing a new full-length album and is expected to release new material throughout 2021 via their social media, streaming platforms, and YouTube channel. According to vocalist Jota Fortinho, the new album will be the biggest and most ambitious project of Signum Regis' career. Check out the music video for "Flag of Hope" and the other songs available on the eponymous EP below.
