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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.