TIARA

It has been eight years since the last album from Seventh Wonder, but they are finally back with their fifth studio album with just one line-up change from 'The Great Escape'. I am not really sure why it has taken so long for them to release this, but I presume the blame should be placed squarely on the shoulders of singer Tommy Karevik who also joined Kamelot with whom he has released three albums. But they are back, and in many ways it is almost as if they have never been away. This is very polished melodic rock with symphonic overtones and great vocals (yes, I know they are often classed as prog metal, but while this is a great album, prog metal it isn't).

Tommy Karevik is recognised as being one of the best frontmen around, and here he is being given the perfect playground. Given that bass player Andreas Blomqvist, guitarist Johan Liefvendahl and drummer keyboard player Andreas 'Kyrt' S'derin have all been in the band since 2000 it should be no surprise they lock in well, while drummer Stefan Norgren (ex: Lion's Share) drives the music along with a much more powerful and dynamic approach to many in this field. This is melodic and powerful, and far heavier than would often be expected from bands on the Frontiers label. Let's hope it isn't quite so long until the next one.