Seventh Dimension – Of Hope And Ordeals
Reviewed by: Blake Mossey
Album score: 8.5
Seventh Dimension is poised to release their fifth studio album, ‘Of Hope And Ordeals,’ on June 21st on Corrupted Records. This Swedish progressive metal/rock quintet is presenting their most adventurous effort to date. Formed in 2009, their debut album was released in 2013. Of Hope And Ordeals marks the debut of vocalist Markus Tälth and is the band’s heaviest offering in their catalogue thus far.
Markus Tälth: Lead Vocals
Luca Delle Fave: Guitars & Backing Vocals
Erik Bauer: Keyboards
Rikard Wallström: Bass
Marcus Thorén: Drums & Percussion
The album begins with ‘The Great Unknown’ a nine-minute epic that embodies what one would anticipate from a progressive metal band at the peak of their game. The track initiates at a leisurely pace and progressively accelerates, featuring intense solos and the exceptional musicianship characteristic of the genre. The influence of Dream Theater is unmistakable, yet it’s a common thread among progressive metal bands. Influences from other groups like Symphony X and Opeth are also discernible.
‘Ghost Veil’ begins as a ballad and swiftly intensifies. The keyboards of Erik Bauer and the vocals of Markus Tälth are particularly notable in this piece. The third track, ‘V23,’ is a six-minute semi-ballad that briefly decelerates the album’s pace.
‘Underwater’ begins with a gentle introduction before escalating into a fast-paced, progressive piece featuring exceptional guitar play. Lasting just shy of eight minutes, it serves as yet another testament to their impressive musical prowess. The tempo decelerates in the middle, setting the stage for a powerful and enthralling conclusion.
‘Mind Flayer,’ the album’s second single, precedes the grand, epic finale. The 25-minute ‘Black Sky: Final Frontier’ is a segmented masterpiece, divided into six parts. This track echoes the influence of Dream Theater. Composing, writing, and performing a 25-minute piece while maintaining listener interest is a formidable challenge. I won’t delve into dissecting a song with numerous tempo changes. The shredding solos, lead sections, and the band’s musical interludes are highlights, creating a musical tour de force. Progressive metal enthusiasts will undoubtedly adore this album’s conclusion, which ranges from soft, quiet moments to intense, thrashy bursts, embodying the grandeur of an epic progressive metal track.
In conclusion, this album showcases incredible musicianship from each band member. They can rival or even surpass their contemporaries. If they haven’t already, this should catapult them into the ranks of progressive metal royalty.
Pre order album HERE