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VII Gates
are a classic heavy metal band that could also be described as progressive
power metal with great direction, melodic riffs, and a tremendous
amount of feeling within their music. “Fire, Walk with Me”
is over fifty two minutes of fist pumping power, that should attract
anyone who likes music in the vane of Judas Priest, Dream Theater,
Manowar, Iron Maiden and host of others. For example, when the singer
belts out the chorus in the opening track “Bonded By Hate,”
it reminds me of Rob Halford back in the day. The album is splattered
with great songs, which includes the aforementioned, “Second
Left To Live” and “Under The Crossed Bones.” There
was something that I didn’t pick up the first few times I listened
to this CD, but every so often you could here a little bit of a folk
or Viking metal influence. This seemed most prevalent in “The
Saviour” and “ Under The Crossed Bones.” It’s
a majestic sound to power metal, and its grand! Not to take away from
the rest of the tracks, like “Second Left To Live” and
“Tormented” but that adds something to this band that
should make them stand out a little. And if that somehow doesn’t
work, a group of special guest appearances grace this ten-track album.
Kee Marcello of Europe, Chris Amott (Arch Enemy, Armageddon), Tommy
Denander (Radioactive), Janne Stark (Locomotive Breath, and Stefan
Ingelstrand & Apollo (Time Requiem) all put a little taste of
their music on this disc. So, if you don’t want to be left behind
the other power metal fanatics I suggest you take some time and check
out VII Gates. Rating: 87 |
