GLORY OF KINGS – Roots of the Past

Glory of Kings are a Christian metal band formed by guitarist Jonathan Johnson, formerly of Sacred Warrior. He is joined by former Sacred Warrior bandmates Erik Schilling on lead vocals and Steve Watkins on bass guitar. Completing the lineup are Gary Michael Wilson on guitars and Michael Feighan on drums. Their debut album, Roots of the Past, will be released on August 28, 2026 through Roxx Records. The band’s sound consists of massive riffs with cinematic storytelling. Roots of the Past has a cool concept. As described in the press release, “This album represents where we come from and what shaped us. It’s about confronting history and understanding how it echoes into everything we create today.” The album’s cinematic score elevates the dramatic feel that Glory of Kings were aiming for with Roots of the Past. However, it’s not a perfect record by any means.

Nowhere Near a Perfect Record

There are a few decent tracks, one of them being “The Mystery,” which is a gorgeous acoustic / semi-electric ballad with bluesy undertones and orchestral instrumentation. There are also hints of Iron Maiden with Schilling’s vocals. “See You in Paradise” is a fast-paced number with elements of speed metal. “Foreshadows” is an exotic instrumental with enchanting guitar work. It wouldn’t feel out of place in say, Egypt or Morocco. It just has the ability to transport listeners to somewhere far away, making it the mosting unique and intriguing composition on the album. The guitar solo in “Gods and Men” is freaking fantastic and the instrumentation for the title track lives up to the name, incorporating both electric and acoustic guitars for what should’ve been the album’s grand finale.

The number one thing holding the album back, however, is the production. The drums, which have a raw and almost compressed feel, are way too loud, taking the spotlight away from the guitars and bass guitar. The guitars are soft for the majority of the time until the guitar solo. Examples include “Mindwar,” “Gods and Men,” and “Occam’s Razor.” The production sounds off, which hinders the listening experience greatly. Also, the intros, “Gathering Storm” and “Transcendent,” don’t transition nicely into their respective songs, “Mindwar” and “Occam’s Razor.” They work better without the intros, creating less of a jarring reaction.

Final Assessment

There are certain albums that have the ability to hold listeners’ attention, but Roots of the Past isn’t one of them. The album sounds like a film score, which unintentionally sidelines it as background music. Whether it’s that or the songs not being worthy of attention, Roots of the Past doesn’t do enough to keep listeners interested. As mentioned earlier, the title track should’ve closed the album, especially since it has that cinematic feel the band takes great pride in. “The Waiting Game” is just a typical metal track with a chugging guitar riff and Schilling’s vocals sound off. Not even the wah-wah guitar could save the song, which is a shame because the guitar solo is excellent. There are elements to like about Roots of the Past and everyone has different tastes, so if interested, give Glory of Kings’ Roots of the Past a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Gathering Storm
2. Mindwar
3. Fairy Tales
4. The Mystery
5. See You in Paradise
6. Foreshadows
7. Gods and Men
8. Transcendent
9. Occam’s Razor
10. Roots of the Past
11. The Waiting Game

Band Lineup

Erik Schilling – lead vocals
Jonathan Johnson – guitars
Gary Michael Wilson – guitars
Steve Watkins – bass guitar
Michael Feighan – drums

Check out the lyric video for “See You in Paradise” from Glory of Kings’ Roots of the Past album!