WAITING IN THE WINGS

Europe meets Dream Theater

Seventh Wonder is a swedish prog metal band with 3 albums in their pockets 'till now. Waiting in the wings is their second album from 2006 and was a big surprise for me, in a good way. Very talented band with a lot to offer in prog metal zone. As I said I was impressed by this release, not because they are original but because they play very tight and with great ideas. Taken their influences from the '80's hard and heavy zone like Europe or Iron Maiden, specialy the vocal parts and on some arrangements and aswell from the prog metal gods from the '90's Dream Theater= the combination is Seventh Wonder. The music is prog metal with very fine passages between the guitar of Johan Liefvendahl and the keys of Andreas Söderin, they are the cherry on the cake here. Also the voice of Tommy Karevik is brilliant , remind me the moments when Europe made history in the '80's, catchy and easy to remember,very strong vocal range , fits like a glove in this kind of music. The best pieces are all , not a wak moments, but with a plus on : the opening track Star Of David, the longest one from here Waiting In The Wings , excellent musicianship on this one, showing that they are meaning every note from this piece and Walking Tall. So a great band that desearve a wider recognition. Among the best in this field in prog metal. 4 star easy to give on this second album. Recommended, similar bands, Dreamscape, Dream Theater and even some bands from the '80's like Europe.

SEVENTH WONDER are yet another in the long line of excellent Prog-Metal bands from Sweden. Looking around the Net I didn't see one negative review of this album. Many feel this is a big step up from their debut, a lot of that owning to the fact they have a new vocalist. It's funny but I have tried and tried to get into this album without any luck. It's weird because i'm a big Prog-Metal fan and with all the positive reviews I figured this was a guarantee 4 star record for me.

"Star Of David" opens with keys and vocals with outbursts of drums before riffs come in quickly. Excellent instrumental section 3 1/2 minutes in that lasts a minute. "Taint The Sky" opens with keys and synths as heaviness comes in. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. The guitar lights it up before 5 minutes. This song is ok. "Waiting In The Wings" is my third favourite. It just sounds really good with some great bass. A really good instrumental section after 5 minutes. Vocals are back after 7 minutes as it settles. "Banish The Wicked" features reserved vocals a minute in. I like the guitar before 4 minutes.

"Not An Angel" has lots of synths after 4 minutes as drums pound.The drums are relentless in this uptempo track. "Devil's Inc." is a top two song for me. It's mellow to start but some power comes in quickly. I like the vocals on this one. Nice guitar after 2 minutes. Great sound 5 minutes in. "Walking Fall" is heavy with vocals. The tempo picks up before 3 minutes with some ripping guitar. "The Edge Of My Blade" is the other top two tune for me. Amazing bass intro with full sound to follow. "Pieces" opens with piano and reserved vocals. It's ok.

Keep in mind that this album has a lot of fans, but 3 stars is the most I can give.