Once in a while something different and pleasantly surprising makes your perspective towards the world change.at least just a bit, sometimes this also happen within the musical sphere and Seventh Wonder's sophomore album has a form and content I haven't really experienced before.
These guys draw on a multitude of different influences and musical expressions, when added together you have a most unique and vibrant Progressive-Power-Heavy-Rock-Symphonic-Thrash-Metal act. I have always enjoyed bands that dared to differ and these guys takes this to the limit, without ever crossing it.
Even though
Star Of David ticks in at 5-minutes there are enough rhythm changes and obscure diversions to make you head dizzy, but somehow they all fit right in and make sense in a rather chaotic sense.
One clear highlight is found in
Taint The Sky, the opening key melody is instantly memorable and when followed up by some thrilling riffing and super tight drum action I'm already thinking.this rocks.
Throw in a number of great drum fills and clever bass techniques and you have a sweet and highly dynamic creation.
Waiting In The Wings is nearly 10-minutes of progressive wonder, let me just tell you that these guys can play (being a huge understatement).
Advanced guitar lead wizardry and effusive key passages, spun into a rhythm section that's impossible to keep track of, spiced with a super melodic piano section towards the end just before the track comes full circle.
Singer Tommy Karevik has a distinct and uncomplicated voice with a special charm to it, lots of variation and feeling giving a special life to the whole thing.
Not An Angel is a good example and another favourite, that chorus line is so strangely catchy.
Overall this song is ear candy for anyone with a flair for detailed, melodic and technical impressive Metal.there is just so much to take notice of while the songs basic elements goes straight in.
Devil's Inc shows a softer side to the band, its atmospheric mid section is no less than amazing and the vocal line "
I'm sorry I turned my back on you I hope you do forgive me. tonight" indulged in sensitive piano notes and thick key layers is just as fantastic as the subsequently fascinating guitar solo.
The playing is immensely strong the entire record through, not quite the same can be said of all ideas and melodies though.there is still room for improvements in linking the different parts together in the most fluid way and stuffing even more memorable stuff in there.
For example
Walking Tall is tight but seems to lack a distinct binding element, anyway the talent and passion burns intensively and I have great expectations for the future of this band.
Lyrically the scene is one of magic, wonder and fantasy.but also a more personally perspective of doubt, forgiveness and love. All in all nicely fitting in with the diverse musical endeavour
Massive technical inventions and cunning layering pushes this album forth and makes it continually interesting. Production matters have been handled with emphasis on a groovy and solid rhythm base, giving room for all instruments without compromising the power factor.
Keep this intriguing thing evolving guys.
Written by
Tommy Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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