WAITING IN THE WINGS

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.