My review in Dutch magazine Aardschok:
http://www.aardschok.nl/
Band: Seventh Wonder
Album: Mercy Falls
Label/Distribution: Lion Music/Bertus
Myspace:
http://www. myspace. com/officialsw
Reviewer: Henri Serton
Result: 92/100
The Swedish band Seventh Wonder is active since the
year 2000. Their first album 'Become" did not gain any spectacular reviews but that changed with the release of their second album 'Waiting in The Wings". It was in 2006 that I heard 'Waiting in The Wings' and was very positively surprised. We had to wait for two years but now finally there is at last the third album called 'Mercy Falls'.
Seventh Wonder has accepted the challenge to write a concept album with this new releases. Just like on the previous album singer Tommy Karevik shines with his incredible vocals. At some moment his voice gives me goosebumps. I have earlier compared Seventh Wonder as a mix of Journey, Dream Theater and Symphony X. A comparison that's a bit too easy, I admit. Because Seventh Wonder really does have their own sound.
The band alternates between great prog-metal passages and wonderful melodic vocal lines that are layered in a impressive way. This gives Seventh Wonder a unique sound. Since the last album the music has become a bit more complex. Still the bands has never loses sight of their intention to write good and memorable songs. Songs like 'Unbreakable', 'Tears From A Son' and 'Hide And Seek' are true jewels that despite their sometimes complicated structure still are songs that you can sing along to.
While the mystery in the story unfolds you feel yourself drawn more and more into the story. In short I can only take off my cap in respect for the achievement that is 'Mercy Falls'. As far as I am concerned you can put this album next to 'Operation: Mindcrime from Queensryche and 'Metropolis Pt 2- Scenes From A Memory' from Dream Theater. It's that good. A must for those who love prog-metal, prog-rock, AOR or just anyone who likes good music. The release date of this album is the 12th of September. If you are planning to buy an album on that day, let it be this one.
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