7 Days - The Weight of the World

One read of the lineup of this band and you just can't help but get excited:  Markus Sigfridsson (Harmony, Darkwater), Andreas Olsson (Narnia, Harmony), Thomas Vikström (Stormwind), and Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye).  Yeah, see...I told you so.  You're chomping at the bit, right?  And what's more?  This album is being released by Rivel Records.  And if you know that label at all, you know that Christian Rivel doesn't stand for signing bands that sound like crap.  

So anyways, to describe this fantastic band...I'd have to label them as symphonic power metal with some nods to a progressive side from time to time and a bit of a gothic edge.  You can definitely hear some influences from the members bands, especially Harmony and a little Narnia.  I also hear big influences from Shadow Gallery at times as well.  Plus, if you're into other Rivel Records bands like Majestic Vanguard, Divinefire, Veni Domine, or Mirador, I'm sure that this band will definitely satisfy your taste in metal.

Musically, this band is TIGHT!  The guitars are heavy as snot and yet melodic and beautiful.  The drumming is powerful and hard-hitting.  The keyboards are many, but well-placed and a constant compliment to the songs.  And the vocals are dead on with just the right amount of passion and flare for this style of music.  Thomas Vikström even does a duet with Caroline Sigfridsson on the song "Fall Again" that is terrific!  The songwriting is fabulous as well.  Each song stands on it's own very well, and they always have you right in their hip pocket.  I just can't emphasize how much I'm digging this band!  To tell you the truth, I like this better than Markus Sigfridsson's main band Harmony.

And gosh darn it, check out the artwork on this disc!  It kicks some serious butt!  The production is flawless.  The lyrics are fantastically written and very bold for the band's faith.  And they even have a sweet website to boot!  Oh, and don't forget they do a cover of the Veni Domine classic, "Wisdom Calls."  But you know...that may be the band's biggest downfall.  There is no way ANY band could nail that song as well as Veni Domine.  That was one of my favorite songs when Fall, Babylon, Fall came out and despite the fine performance here, it just doesn't compare to the original.

Anyways...boys and girls...this band is really good.  You'll really like them.  I promise.

Rating: 95/100

Review By: Matt Morrow

Label: Rivel Records

Total Songs: 9

Total Time: 55:01

Tracklisting: 1. Redeemer, 2. Confession, 3. The Darkest Winter, 4. Fall Again, 5. Where are You, 6. The Weight of the World, 7. Save Me, 8. With You Forever, 9. Wisdom Calls.

Best Songs: Tracks 1, 2, & 6.

Band Lineup: Markus Sigfridsson - Guitars, Thomas Vikström - Vocals, Andreas Olsson - Bass, Daniel Flores - Drums.

Band Website: http://www.7-days.se