SEVEN

I've been waiting for a long time with this review and the main reason was my mixed feelings about it which also made me reluctant to do the job. And even now I'm not really eager to express my opinion. Seven is supposed to be a near masterpiece but to me it has quite some flaws besides of course great music as well. The album handles the seven deadly sins which should give enough food for the lyrics I guess.

Gluttony is a very fine opener with a good mix between vocals and instrumental parts with the highlight coming up at about seven minutes when Robert Reed shows a substantial part of his talents. Really good song this, also compositionally 4*.

Envy is a very vocal track with Christina shining brightly here. I can't say that of all songs to be honest but her performance on this Envy as well as on Sloth are impeccable. The instrumental bits are also of very high standard, in the middle part suddenly a high Genesis resemblance but still really great resulting in a 4,25*. Probably the best song overall on the album.

Lust is the track with the largest contribution by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Not that the band itself doesn't participate, on the contrary. First few minutes are instrumental with many instruments used. First bit of vocals resemble Yes big time but after that it's Magenta for the rest of the song. Inventive track this showing the compositional talents of Robert Reed. 4,25*.

Greed is my least favorite track of the album and that's mainly because of the lyrics that don't seem to flow for some reason. Each time I hear this one it annoys me and I also fail to see the connection between a glamorous woman and greed but maybe that's due to my lack of imagination. Anyway, something is not right about it, lyrically and it degrades the song. But to be honest, neither the composition nor the instrumental parts impress me either. 3*.

Anger is the most ballad like track prominently shown by the presence of harp sounds amongst the quiet vocals by Christina. Not a highlight to me. 3,25*

With Pride the album gets back on track with more energy than the previous two and some interesting instrumental contributions by mr. Reed himself occasionally. 3,75*.

Sloth initially tends to become another disappointing effort until a great guitar solo by Martin Shellard finally saves the song from a low rating. 4*.

I'm sorry to say I'm not going overboard as much as my "soulmates" here on PA who gave the album 5 stars and call it a masterpiece but in the end it's a well deserved four star effort nevertheless (though somewhat rounded up). Personally I believe the latest Metamorphosis is better.