DYNASTY: Motus Perpetuus

Dynasty (originally Dynasty of Metal) is a Brazilian power metal band that has been in action for almost 20 years. Anchored by original members Nahor Andrade (vocals) and Cesar Martins (guitars) their music has evaded international attention for all these years … until now! Girder Records secured the rights to press their first three albums for the first time ever outside of their native nation.

Stylistically they wave the power metal/heavy metal banner with the more Euro power metal/neo-classical metal subgenre in mind, especially on their debut where there is more of a keyboard/synth presence ala Stratovarius.

Motus Perpetuus, originally released in 2004, was Dynasty’s debut album and features almost 60 minutes of relentless upbeat and up-tempo power metal. While an easy comparison for reference musically would be early Angra, Dynasty has a decisively Christian approach from the lyrical perspective. The song execution, though, is very good throughout

While the first 3 tracks are flawlessly executed, the song structure and sound is quite similar. However, “The Word that Remains” showcases a more complex and dynamic presentation as the first few minutes slow things down with blissful melody, and then as the song progresses the intensity builds nicely, yet without sacrificing the melodic guitar lead. The song crescendos into a beautifully articulated guitar solo and then fades to exit with the perfect touch.

“Following the Sign” is a 6-minute burner – the guitar solo breakout section mid-song showcases the credibility – which represents Dynasty full throttle melodically, musically and lyrically.

“He gave His Son for us/To believe in His love/Forever we’ll stay with Him/Forever we’ll never cry”

No metal album would be complete without a ballad, and in that regard “Just for Loving You” fills the bill. While this one never reaches the intensity of power ballad status, its heartfelt sincerity is still very refreshing.

“Goldenland” is a definite Maiden gallop with scathing words much akin to Maiden’s “Run to the Hills.” The keys of Gustavo Ivon are all over this album really shining on this song along with the bass guitar of Ivan Almeida. And I don’t know who is trading lead guitars on this album but this song once again features some great individual work from Martins and Tuta on guitar.

While Motus Perpetuus features a band in their early phase of development, I would rate this music as very good, and if pressed to rate would score a 75/100.

This lush reissue includes a 16-page booklet and includes Silver Foil Trading Card Series #108. No reference to remastering on this one but really no need as the sound quality is quite good throughout.

Dynasty’s Following the Sign EP (2002) has been included here as well as the 3 bonus tracks. The raw, bass heavy nature of the recording on these tracks lends itself to a live performance, but every voice – especially that Steve Harris-like bass guitar – is well-articulated.

Girder Records

Track Listing:

1. Not in Vain (4:58)

2. Eternity (3:34)

3. Against All Evil (4:20)

4. The Word that Remains (6:11)

5. Mitzvoth (5:55)

6. Following the Sign (6:57)

7. Another Chance (5:48)

8. Salvation (Overcome) (4:37)

9. Just for Loving You (4:45)

10. The Time is Over (4:23)

11. Goldenland (5:53)

Following the Sign EP

12. The Word that Remains

13. Still Unknown

14. Overcome (Salvation)

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