The second album from progressive metal band Seventh Wonder, titled Waiting in the Wings, is one hot release, and will easily surprise those who thought that their debut from 2005 Become was one of the best the genre had to offer that year. With brand new singer in tow,Tommy Karevik (ex-Vindictiv), the band sounds refueled and retooled, and Waiting in the Wings is a monster of soaring melodies, instrumental virtuosity, and crunchy riffs. Produced by none other than Tommy Hansen (Helloween, TNT), this brand new opus sounds fantastic, and the listener gets swept into each of the CD's nine tracks quite easily.
Much like Symphony X have the ability to mix sweeping melodies with raging power metal and complex prog metal, so do Seventh Wonder. Tracks like "Banish the Wicked" and "Taint the Sky" are so damn memorable, while the killer guitar work from Johan Liefvendahl and nimble keyboard stylings of Andreas "Kyrt" Soderin never fail to impress. At times this Swedish ensemble dives into Dream Theater styled territory, like on "Not An Angel", complete with intricate bass lines from Andreas Blomqvist and some insane drum fills by the talented Johnny Sandin, as well as "Devil's Inc.", where guitarist Liefvendahl digs into some serious John Petrucci-influenced riffs and solos. As amazing as the instrumental work is here, the vocals of Karevik are really the main attraction, as his singing style perfectlly complements this symphonic metal style that the band has. Tommy has a very strong voice that occasionally rises into the upper register, but is always powerful and full of emotion.
Plain and simply, this is an astounding progressive metal release. Dripping with gorgeous melodies, stunning guitar and keyboard interplay, and a hungry attitude, Waiting in the Wings is another stellar album from the Lion Music roster, and one that will sit alongside recent releases from Sun Caged and Nightscape as pillars of the label in years to come.
Track Listing
1. Star Of David
2. Taint The Sky
3. Waiting In The Wings
4. Banish The Wicked
5. Not An Angel
6. Devil's Inc
7. Walking Tall
8. Edge Of My Blade
9. Pieces
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