Storming the Scene: Century’s Latest Album is a Must-Hear

One of the most anticipated underground metal releases of 2025 is finally here! Century has returned with their second full-length album, Sign of the Storm, unleashed on January 24th via Electric Assault Records. And for vinyl enthusiasts like me, it’s also out on Dying Victims Productions and Headsplit Records. I’ve been lucky enough to see Century live twice – once at Keep It True Warmup 2024 and later with Riot City and High Warden in Oberhausen. Both shows were absolutely electrifying and had me even more hyped for what the band had in store. Fun side story: before those gigs, I actually saw Tøronto live, got a photo with both Leo and Staffan, and even had my cassette inlay signed by them. Moments like these make being a fan so rewarding. Fast forward two years after their highly praised debut, The Conquest of Time, and Century has outdone themselves, delivering not just another musical masterpiece but also another stunning album cover.

For Those New to Century

Century was born in 2020, the brainchild of Leo Ekström Sollenmo and Staffan Tegnér, who are also part of the Dying Victims-signed speed metal act Tøronto. The duo began their journey with the Demo MMXX, setting the tone for what was to come. In the studio, Staffan handles guitar, vocals, and bass duties, while Leo takes on drums, guitar, and bass. Their live lineup, though, features Edvin Aftonfalk (bass) and Isak Koskinen Rosemarin (guitars), rounding out the band for their epic onstage performances.

A Journey Back to the 80s

The moment the album kicks off, you’re hit with that classic Century sound: rapid-fire melodic twin-guitar harmonies, hauntingly reverb-drenched vocals, and that perfect analog production. If you didn’t know better, you’d swear this was a hidden gem from Sweden’s early 80s scene alongside Heavy Load or Overdrive. What sets Century apart is their ability to immerse you in this sound without it feeling forced or gimmicky. It’s not just 80s worship; it’s 80s revival. They live and breathe this era, and Sign of the Storm feels like an artifact transported through time.

What makes this album shine is its cohesion and diversity. Every track stands on its own, with distinct tempos and moods that make each song memorable. The eerie mid-tempo track “The Chains of Hell” adds a dark, atmospheric layer to the album’s dynamic flow, while “Fallen Hero” is an instant earworm with its soaring, melodic chorus that begs for singalongs. And as a surprising twist, the album closes with an instrumental track featuring synths, giving you the sensation of drifting through space—a perfect, melodic outro to ease you back to reality.

The beauty of Century being a two-man project lies in their creative freedom. Leo and Staffan have full control, allowing their vision to remain sharp and uncompromised. While there are clear parallels to their debut, the evolution in sound is evident, showing growth without losing their core essence.

A Glimpse into the Lyrics

Century’s lyrics have always been compelling, and Sign of the Storm is no exception. Here’s a closer look at three standout tracks:

1. Fly Away
Themes: Freedom, perseverance, and self-discovery.
The song reflects a deeply personal journey of breaking free from constraints and illusions. The protagonist yearns for liberation, both physical and spiritual and battles sleepless nights and mental turmoil. "Fly Away" is an anthem of resilience, highlighting a relentless pursuit of purpose and the hope of transcending challenges to reach something greater.

2. Fallen Hero
Themes: Fate, moral ambiguity, and the hero’s downfall.
This song delves into the archetype of a hero corrupted or overtaken by darkness. It blends mythic imagery with introspective tones, showing how the line between good and evil can blur. The "hero" is both an ancient figure and a mirror to the listener, suggesting that anyone can face similar struggles. The repeated imagery of mirrors and the phrase "watch from the other side" hint at duality - light and shadow within us all. Ultimately, the song conveys the inevitability of fate and the fragile nature of heroism.

3. Necromancer
Themes: Power, vengeance, and forbidden forces.
"Necromancer" portrays a figure wielding dark, supernatural powers. The lyrics focus on the unstoppable nature of the necromancer, who is consumed by vengeance and driven by a force beyond human comprehension. The imagery of fire, shadows and lightning paints a vivid picture of destruction and transformation. The repeated assertion that "there is no escape" reinforces the ominous and inevitable consequences of unleashing such forbidden power.

Final Thoughts

The fact that most special-edition vinyls sold out within hours of preorders opening speaks volumes about Century’s growing reputation in the scene. My only gripe? The quality control on the pressing could’ve been better—my vinyl’s label looked a bit rough, as if someone had tried peeling it off. But hey, that’s probably just my bad luck.

All in all, Sign of the Storm has firmly secured its place as one of 2025’s top releases. I can’t wait to catch Century live again and see how these tracks translate to the stage. As always, support the bands you love by grabbing their merch and attending their gigs.

Get your copy here:

• Vinyl: Dying Victims Productions

• More Vinyl: Electric Assault Records