DippoMagoo
Despite the misleading name, II is actually the third full length album by Danish power metal band Seven Thorns. Actually, the name does make sense because drummer Lars Borup is the only original member left in the band, while vocalist Gustav Blide is the only current member who wasn't also in the lineup for their 2010 album Return To The Past, so it really is the second album for most of this lineup. There was a self-released promotional edition in 2013, but the album was officially released in March 2014 by German label Sonic Revolution.
I had seen their previous work described as being similar to German band Freedom Call, though I honestly don't hear many similarities between the two, at least not on this album. True, this album definitely comes from the more epic side of the genre, and keyboards are certainly prominent throughout, but the guitars pack more of a punch than on anything the aforementioned band has done, and on a technical level the instrumental sections here are far more complicated and more impressive. There's a very strong neoclassical influence to the music, both from the guitars and especially the keyboards, and there are many extended solo sections which are all fantastic. In fact, the keyboard solos in particular often remind me of Stratovarius keyboardist Jens Johansson, which is certainly not a compliment to be taken lightly.
Aside from being very technically proficient for a power metal band, Seven Thorns are also very good at writing catchy songs. As much as I can praise the solo sections, fans of simple, straight-forward power metal are likely to love this album, as with one exception the songs are all very fast paced, with a focus on epic, catchy melodies above complex arrangements. In fact, there are times when I feel the band is capable of doing a little more and going a bit further with their instrumental sections, maybe even adding some progressive elements, but the choruses are all so memorable, and the performances so energetic that I can't fault them for sticking to a simple power metal sound. At the same time, even I have to admit the instrumental sections are often the highlights of the songs.
One thing that stands out about II is Gustav Blide's vocals. He has a very distinct low pitched voice, with just a slight growl to it at points. There are some occasions where he seems to be having a hard time hitting the notes, but for the most part he gives a very powerful and very energetic performance, plus his voice is so awesome that even if he isn't technically the greatest singer, he's still a lot of fun to listen to. Songs like Eye Of The Storm and Queen Of Swords do the best job of showing off his voice, without exposing any of his weaknesses.
Those two songs are probably my favorites, though Redemption has a fantastic chorus, and Night Of Temptation has some insane keyboard work at the beginning, in a section which especially reminds me of something Jens Johansson would do. Even the 82 second intro track has some impressive instrumental work. The only weak track here is the ballad You're Not Brave (If You Are Not Scared). I tend to like ballads more than most metal fans, but even I think this song is just way too cheesy, and some of the lyrics are downright cringe inducing, though Gustav does his best to make it work, and the guitar solo is of course excellent, so even though it's the weak link of the album, it still isn't too bad.
Aside from one misstep and a production job that feels a bit rough around the edges, II is an excellent power metal album, and Seven Thorns are certainly a band to watch out for, both for fans of catchy, melodic power metal and fans of great neoclassical instrumental sections. A high tier 4.0 rating is well deserved.
83/100
(Originally written for Heavy Metal Haven: http://metaltube.freeforums.org/seven-thorns-ii-t3406.html)