Breaking with the past and starting over is never easy, yet sometimes it is the only way forward. This is, in short, the story behind “Renatus,” the album that set DYNAZTY on a path to international acclaim and, most importantly, personal fulfillment regarding the music the Swedish quintet wanted to write and put out. This game-changer of an album came out on March 28, 2014, on Spinefarm Records, and well, the rest is history, as they say. Today we are revisiting the record not only to see how it holds up ten years after its release but also to look at how much the band has evolved in the meantime.
This fourth record in the band’s discography came on the heels of three fairly successful hard rock albums and saw the band taking control of their musical career and direction with fierce determination, but also with a certain amount of doubt as to their future. As such, on top of being the first album produced by the band members themselves (as well as the first with Jonathan Olsson on bass), it’s a complete 180° from what they did earlier. Musically, this is high-octane, heavy metal-infused power metal, with fast-paced guitar lines, thunderous drums, melodic/AOR parts, big arrangements, and soaring vocals. This soundscape translates into a dynamic and engaging album that is still perfectly suited for headbanging, air guitar practicing, and singing along to the vocal melodies.
Among the high-energy anthems that abound on the record, “Starlight” stands out as the clear album highlight (not to mention a fan favorite). It showcases both Nils Molin’s penchant for compelling narratives in the way he pens his lyrics and the band’s affinity for strong and catchy melodies. However, that’s not to say the rest are forgettable, because that is not the case – “Cross the Line” and “Run Amok” feature infectious choruses, while “The Northern End” and “A Divine Comedy” groove intensely. Additionally, “Unholy Deterrent” is one of the heaviest and most aggressive tunes they have written.
Then there’s “Salvation,” a power rock tune of the highest caliber with passionate vocal delivery and emotions aplenty, following the darker and more ominous “Sunrise in Hell.” Without exception, these are killer songs that flow together smoothly, and the main reason this album still kicks some serious ass a decade later. It may be a bit rough around the edges compared to the polished production of DYNAZTY’s latest material, but the quality in songwriting and delivery – which became a trademark of the band – makes it easier to overlook the minor imperfections.
If the music is rocking and grooving through the record’s 45 minutes of playtime, it’s the lyrics that tell the story of that crucial moment in time. “Dawn of Your Creation,” “Incarnation,” and “Cross the Line” are especially poignant in this respect, with the lyrics of these tracks running the gamut from uncertainty and skepticism all the way to determination and resolve to see this through, wherever it may lead.
When you take such a leap of faith and venture into uncharted waters, it is only natural to have mixed feelings about it. The fact that we get these candid lyrics and emotions on this album is not to be taken for granted. Verses like “Everything will be undone if / Our will won’t incarnate” (from “Incarnation”) or “The open road ahead will safely lead us through the storm / We are ascending to a higher form / A new life is born” (from “Cross the Line”) perfectly underscore the idea of rebirth and renewal that this album actually stands for.
Consequently, this album is not just a fresh start or a new phase for the band but also quite a powerful statement of intent backed up by ambition, drive, and skill. We saw in “The Dark Delight” (2020) and “Final Advent” (2022) where this combination of factors ultimately led to. So, the main merit of “Renatus” is that it showcased what a band with a vision and skillset to match can do when left to their own devices. At that pivotal moment in time, all they wanted to do was play power metal, and that is exactly what they did with spectacular results to boot. Sure, “Titanic Mass” (2016) took things to a whole new level with a more focused approach, and “Firesign” (2018) subtly pointed to another reinvention of sorts towards a more melodic direction, but none of that would have been possible without “Renatus.” This truly was the dawn of their creation.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
- Cross The Line
- Starlight
- Dawn of Your Creation
- The Northern End
- Incarnation
- Run Amok
- Unholy Deterrent
- Sunrise in Hell
- Salvation
- A Divine Comedy
Lineup
Nils Molin – lead vocals
Rob Love Magnusson – lead guitar
Mikael Lavér – lead guitar
George Egg – drums
Jonathan Olsson – bass
Label
Spinefarm Records
