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Bold words, but I don't choose them lightly! There's no controversial artwork/lyrics, no mascot, Century just plugs in & let's it rip, unleashing an infectious blast of twin guitar speed, yet retaining a strong sense of melody. Unfortunately, such traits are often overlooked, in favor of more headlining grabbing/social media baiting image/antics. The youngsters (on their maiden foray to North America), used an invite to the Hell's Heroes Festival, as a way to explore this foreign realm and ingratiate their speedy, traditionalist sounds to a metal starved continent. 

Manna from Sweden! Prior to appearing Stateside, there were just four demo tracks posted online (Bandcamp, none of which are repeated on record) and a two-song sampler, off The Conquest Of Time debut, available as a pre-release cassette single and/or via the Century social media pages. Not much of a repertoire to bravely strike out on a two week tour, yet that's precisely the path mainman/guitarist/vocalist Staffan Tengnér, and Co. chose.

The stop in Philly was at the Unitarian Church, actually playing in the sanctuary! Beneath the elaborate arched ceiling, stained glass windows and pipe organ, those not standing in front of the stage/altar were seated in the usual Sunday pews. It was BYOB (no glass bottles though) and a convenience (ultimate use of the word) store just a block away had 24 ounce Yuengling for $3.25. Drinking in church definitely increases attendance, at least on a Friday night. The four Swedes took the stage without fanfare, nor intro tape (even a few minutes early) and tore through the set they've used throughout the tour, opening with a ripping rendition of demo track, "Neon Warrior". Almost from jump, the band is a ball of energy, rarely in the same spot (apart from Staffan, who needs to periodically return to base, aka the mic). Lots of flailing hair, bodies thrown around like an auto crash, as they thrash about, especially the left-handed bassist, who never stops: a headbanging maniac! 

Is it just me, or is there a young John Sykes resemblance in the singer/guitarist leader? Occasional, he utilizes a near-falsetto yelp to punctuate the otherwise clean-voiced delivery. "Reflections In Fire", another demo cut, blazes by. Live, the studio renditions possess even for urgency/fire. Most of the attendees, there to support the local acts and/or headliner, had little idea of what lay in story, in terms of Century (even the name can't pigeon-hole the sub-genre). What a pleasant surprise to find youngsters blasting out Euro metal. Shuffle of drums from Leo Ekström Sollenmo (the only other recording member of the band) introduces "Stronghold", the non-album B-side of the current single. 

There's some classy twin leads amongst the screaming wall of guitars, on that one. "Master Of Hell", which the guys joked about (beforehand) playing in a house of worship, is the initial Conquest cut aired. Like its neighbors, in the running order, it's fast, catchy and fun. In addition to trading leads, the second guitarist also takes on partial vocal duties in "Streets In The Dark".

The final pair of the night were taken from the forthcoming CD, beginning with raucous "Servant Of The Iron Mask", which ends with a bit of falsetto. Closer, "The Fighting Eagle" is a heads down, race to the end number, the headstock of Tengnér's guitar often pointed due north, as he play. Exciting, seeing/hearing a newer band so skilled in the classic ways/sounds. With visa in hand (good for a year), anticipate a return engagement, on these shores, in the not too distant future. 

Now, do yourself a favor, add Century to your playlist and definitely see them live, whenever the opportunity arises.