Seven Sisters

Album Reviews, Music Reviews, Seven Sisters

The Cauldron and the Cross” is Seven Sisters’ second full length album, released this year. Deeply reminiscent of Iron Maiden, it is dripping with old school rock/metal riffs and heavy metal bass. They cleverly master and interchange between a variety of paces and styles. They produce slow and mystical songs that draw you in but then flow into hard hitting rock melodies with electric sharp guitar riffs and fast drum action. They even interchange between slow and fast paces with ease during their first song, showcasing their musical talent. The fast pace and electric energy in the opening of “The Premonition” shakes you awake and gets you pumped. Setting the tone for a hell of a heavy metal album.

When I’m reviewing an album, I like to find a quiet place or time (which isn’t easy, and often only have the spare time on my long bus commutes!) and listen to the whole album. Preferably with my eyes closed, to be able to really focus on and listen to every element of each song. When I closed my eyes and listened to “The Cauldron and the Cross”, a vision, or a premonition if you will, came to me. To me, it told a story of suspense yet feverish excitement. As the Vikings set sail for new and foreign lands. So, I thought I would try and describe to you what I saw…

“Blood and Fire” has a different pace from “The Premonition”, starting with a mystical slower start, beginning the fantasy odyssey. Close your eyes and let the mists of time flood the darkness. You feel like you’re floating on a boat in the open ocean. The beat picks up, and through the mist you can see something emerging, the head of a dragon, carved into wood. Ahead a Viking Dragonship, as the heavy beats drop, they crash their axes against their shields, and call for blood and fire.

“Once and Future King” starts with a more electric and fast pace. The vocals take a stronger lead, echoing above the guitar riffs. One of the Vikings stands, at the prow of the ship, resting his hand on the dragon head. Addressing his warriors, he rallies their spirits and calls them to war. To fight for their once and future king.

The mists part, everyone holds their breath, as just the guitar plays slowly. Then as someone calls “land ahead” and the pace and excitement increase. Leading on to some incredible guitar riffs, in the second half of “Parting the Mists”.

“Turning of the Tide” brings back the heavy metal notes and rock’s faster pace and electric guitar sounds. As the Viking’s boats crash through the tide, onto foreign shore, they praise their Gods. The lyrics call out of the sound of Thor’s thunder and the clash of steel on shield once more. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of the battle, and perils they will soon face.

“Oathbreaker” has a more sober tone and pace. The leader once again stand before his people, to call them to arms, he raises his own sword above his head. In the moonlight you can read the name “oathbreaker” carved into the blade.

With yet another twist in pace, “A Land in Darkness” has a powerful start, blasting out after the very slow and mystical end of “Oathbreaker”. Loftin, on drums, coming crashing in with razor sharp guitar riffs in the final chapter of this Viking tale. Which sets the scene perfectly for the title song “The Cauldron and the Cross”.

Their final song is a sixteen minute spectacular featuring elements from across heavy rock and metal genres. With the galloping rhythms, reminiscent of Maiden, you can imagine the hoard of Vikings charging across the battlefield. The powerful vocal chorus tells a story and builds the anticipation. The commanding, formidable and fast arpeggios and guitar solo grabs your focus. The Iron Maiden influence seeps into the solo, with melodic harmonies reminiscent of neoclassical metal. The fully embody old school rock and metal, yet give it a modern edge by breaking out of standard rock. The occasional use of changing time signatures hint at a progressive rock influence. Somehow, they bring it all together, acuminating in a harmonious ensemble.

Seven Sisters cleverly bring together elements from power metal, neoclassical, early thrash and progressive rock. To create a unique modern twist on classic hard rock and heavy metal sounds. I really enjoyed listening to this album, and the story it created for me. I grew up on the old school hard rock & heavy metal of bands like Iron Maiden. So, having that undertone with modern influences brought the glory days to life.

Artists / Bands, Concert Reviews, Music Reviews, Seven Sisters

Read the full article at grande-rock.com

 

Born in our very own city, here in London, performing a stone’s throw away from Seven Sister road. They’re a heavy metal band with strong influences from early Iron Maiden with a hint of Metallica. Bringing to life the NWOBHM movement of the 70s and 80s. With their new album released just a few months ago, the excitement for the fans was at fever pitch.

As I walked up to this pub, surrounded by townhouses in the backstreets of Camden, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of groups of metal heads on the picnic benches outside. As I stepped through the door, the place seemed relatively quiet. Then as I headed toward the bar, of course, I could hear a low rumble from the next room. As soon as I opened the door the music hit me and had me grinning. Then after just a last winding corridor I discovered an amazing little back room, with the energy and sound of any big concert hall.

Seven Sisters cleverly combined influences from the past and the present. They encapsulated the emotional resonance of NWOBHM and brought the 80s metal scene to Camden. The 80s influences in their music was mimicked in the almost 80s style of their clothes and hair, completing the transition. Although their main influence Iron Maiden, they are also reminiscent of 80s thrash metal and early Metallica, especially Hetfield. Seven Sisters combine not only elements across the 80s and 90s metal NWOBHM movement, but also with a modern twist. Which was reflected in the varied fan base attending.

The galloping rhythms are reminiscent of Maiden, building up tension and excitement from the crowd. The powerful lyrics and vocals create strong imagery of riding into battle. When the guitar riffs hit you’re taken straight into the battlefield, completing their epic Viking saga. Their obvious passion and love for their music coupled with their bouncing about stage created an infectious energy. That filled every inch of the room and every person in it. They really brought that little backstage room to life.

The crowd erupted when they announced they were about to play “The Cauldron and the Cross”, the main song, and namesake, of their new album. They started facing with their backs to us, playing the slow and light beginning facing the drummer. Building the tension and anticipation. As they turned around and launched fully into their 16 minute epic Viking “power ballad”, you could feel the excitement in the room.

The structure and harmonies carried the Iron Maiden influences through their music. The powerful vocals assembled the crowd into a roaring mass, ready for battle, who fed off their energy and attitude. The chorus was backed with melodic guitar solos, accompanied with rampant arpeggios. A hint of progressive rock sneaks in with the occasional time signature change. The solo was in a similar style to Maiden with melodic harmonies reminiscent to neoclassical metal. Despite the range of influences, their music culminates in a harmonious ensemble.

They played with real attitude and showmanship, that really made the show. They cleverly used the space on the stage and their choreography to compliment and accentuate the music. Their long hair made for epic headbanging, completing the Viking-esque imagery. The crowd roared and headbanged in response… (It was hard to get photos without hair flying everywhere!)

Seven Sisters are reminiscent of early Maiden, with hints of power metal, neoclassical, early thrash and progressive rock. They carried the sound of the 80s heavy metal into the modern era, shown by the varied audience. All who were singing, jumping and head banging along with the band, caught up in their infectious energy and passion for the music. Set to push forward to reignite the scene and to put Britain back to the forefront of heavy metal.