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The world of symphonic metal faces formidable competition, and Seven Spires’ return with their fourth studio album, ‘A Fortress Called Home,’ has undeniably raised the bar. This musical journey is a tour-de-force that masterfully blends the grandeur of symphonic elements with the intensity of power and extreme metal. Following the critically acclaimed “Gods of Debauchery” (2021), this new musical journey, set for release Friday June 21st via Frontiers Music SRL, pushes the boundaries of their sonic landscape even further, delivering an emotionally charged and intricately composed work that solidifies their place at the forefront of the genre. This album sees the band fully diving into their roots, creating a rich tapestry of sound that demands an inward examination of one’s self rather than following a linear path that past albums have taken. With each album, Seven Spires has carved out a distinct niche for themselves, and “A Fortress Called Home” is no exception. It is a testament to their growth as artists, showcasing a more refined and ambitious approach to songwriting and production, both sonically and structurally. Jack Kosto’s work on mixing and mastering the album adds an extra layer of polish and depth, ensuring every element shines through with clarity and power. The band’s ability to seamlessly integrate complex musical arrangements with heartfelt lyrical content is truly remarkable, making this album a must-listen!
The album opens with the title track, “A Fortress Called Home,” an ethereal and ambient instrumental that sets an eerie atmospheric tone, creating an immersive experience and gently guiding the listener into the heart of what’s to come. The delicate orchestration and haunting melodies provide a perfect prelude to the more intense “Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues.” The use of ambient soundscapes and subtle instrumental layers establishes a sense of anticipation and intrigue, drawing the listener into the album’s narrative. It’s a bold choice to start with such a restrained and evocative piece, but it pays off by setting a contemplative mood that resonates throughout the entire album.
“Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues” follows, featuring guest vocals from Alessandro Conti of Twilight Force. This track immediately contrasts with the opener, yet the two blend seamlessly into each other launching into a riff-laden Power Metal anthem that showcases Seven Spires’ signature blend of power and symphonic metal. The interplay between Cowan’s and Conti’s voices is both compelling and harmonious, enhancing the song’s lyrical depth and melodic complexity with an absolutely stunning duet. Jack Kosto’s intricate guitar work and Peter de Reyna’s robust bass lines provide a rich musical backdrop, creating a lush, melancholic yet defiant tone. The dynamic shifts in intensity highlight the band’s technical side, while the emotionally charged lyrics delve into themes of regret and longing, offering a deeply personal touch. These two complement each other incredibly well, both on this track and throughout the entire album.
As the album progresses, “Almosttown,” the first single, offers a somewhat gentler introduction to the thematic and musical landscape, clearly delving into all that the band has been influenced by over the years. Reflecting on self-doubt and the pursuit of elusive dreams, the track is laden with riffs, hooks, and an earworm chorus that beckons for a massive crowd singing along in unison. The accompanying music video, filmed in a stunning castle, visually encapsulates the song’s introspective essence, making it a standout early in the album. The song’s relatable themes and catchy melody make it accessible to a wider audience, while still maintaining the band’s signature sound. The juxtaposition of reflective lyrics and upbeat musical elements creates a poignant contrast, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys and aspirations.
“Impossible Tower” exemplifies Seven Spires’ ability to merge narrative storytelling with musical intensity. This track builds like an epic tale, with dramatic crescendos and a doom-like atmosphere that evokes the struggle of overcoming insurmountable odds, while “Love’s Souvenir” takes a poignant turn, resembling what appears to be a dissonant jazz ballad, and features Temperance and Twilight Force’s Kristin Starkey and Lords of the Trident’s Ty Christian. The track is adorned with piano and stand-up bass, all creeping around a haunting jazz groove and dissonant strings that build an eerie, void-like atmosphere, accentuating Cowan’s emotive vocal delivery. This song is a focal point of lyrical expression and raw emotion, illustrating how despair and deep-seated depression can leave you feeling frozen with no escape. The early on minimalist arrangement allows Cowan’s softer and more intimate tone to shine, showcasing her ability to convey profound emotions with subtle nuance. However, midway through, the song takes a dramatic turn as it transitions, quite abruptly, into harsh vocals layered over melodic vocals and aggressive guitars and blast beats. This incredibly dynamic shift captures a moment of emotional eruption, reflecting the feeling of having nothing left to give and yearning for an end. The explosive second half adds depth and deep intensity to the track, embodying the release of pent-up emotions. Yet, Kosto’s breathtaking and emotive guitar solo over the intense blast beats and chaos brings an odd, yet beautiful, tranquility to it all.
“Architect of Creation” is an ambitious track featuring complex rhythms and intricate guitar solos. Kosto’s production skills continue to shine here, with each instrument meticulously balanced to create a cohesive yet expansive sound. This meticulous attention to detail continues in “Portrait of Us,” which delves into themes of identity and self-discovery through reflective lyrics and haunting, yet addictive melodies. The melody in the chorus sounds remarkably similar to a famous pop song, but I won’t spoil which one. This familiarity adds an intriguing layer to the track, illustrating the band’s musical versatility. The intricate interplay between the different instrumental layers creates a rich and textured soundscape, while the thought-provoking lyrics invite listeners to explore their own sense of self and place in the world. These tracks exemplify the band’s ability to blend technical proficiency with emotional resonance, creating a truly immersive listening experience.
“Emerald Necklace” introduces a unique blend of folk influences and metal, with lush orchestration and rhythmic diversity making it another standout track. The melody of this track seamlessly and beautifully intertwines with its lyrical content, painting vivid images of the narrative that flood the mind with the eloquently told story. This fresh sonic palette enhances the album’s overall narrative, leading into the deeply introspective and slow-burning “Where Sorrows Bear My Name.” This track explores themes of loss and grief, with haunting melodies and somber lyrics complemented by Cowan’s powerful vocal performance, marking yet another one of the album’s emotional peaks. The evocative lyrics and poignant melodies capture the raw pain and sorrow of loss, while the rich instrumental arrangements provide a sense of depth and complexity. These tracks demonstrate the band’s ability to tackle heavy themes with sensitivity and nuance, creating a powerful emotional impact.
“No Place for Us”, a track that digs deep into self-acceptance, injects yet another burst of energy with its fast-paced, aggressive tempo and melodies that ensnare the soul with their irresistible allure. Chris Dovas’ relentless drumming and Kosto’s opening solo and razor-sharp guitar riffs create a sense of urgency and defiance, which contrasts sharply with the dark, brooding atmosphere of “House of Lies.” This track’s intricate composition, dynamic shifts, and powerful choruses reflect the turmoil and deception described in the lyrics. The aggressive musical elements and intense lyrical themes create a sense of tension and conflict, driving the narrative forward with relentless momentum. The contrast between the high-energy instrumentation and the dark, introspective lyrics adds depth and complexity to the album’s overall story.
Closing the album on a reflective note, “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind” combines melancholic melodies and deep emotion filled with incredible vocal versatility and intensity. It beautifully yet hauntingly encapsulates the album’s overarching themes of pain and resilience, leaving the listener with a sense of both closure and longing. The haunting melodies and introspective lyrics create a poignant and evocative final chapter, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of loss and longing, deliberately creating a sense of space and contemplation, allowing the album’s emotional impact to resonate long after the final notes have faded.
“A Fortress Called Home” is a monumental achievement for Seven Spires. With its intricate compositions, powerful performances, and emotional depth, it’s an album that demands and rewards repeated listens. Many tears will be shed throughout this journey, but it’s worth it. The band has crafted a musical experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, ensuring their place as one of symphonic metal’s most innovative acts. The album features special guests Alessandro Conti on “Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues” and “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind,” Kristin Starkey and Ty Christian on “Love’s Souvenir,” David Åkesson on “Songs Upon Wine-Stained Tongues,” “Almosttown,” “Love’s Souvenir,” “Portrait of Us,” “Where Sorrows Bear My Name,” and “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind,” and Angelica Åkesson on “Almosttown,” “Where Sorrows Bear My Name,” and “The Old Hurt of Being Left Behind.” Their amazing contributions enhance the album’s emotional depth, adding even more richness and complexity to its sound. The varied soundscapes and introspective themes create a truly immersive experience, all of which make it a top contender for album of the year. Seven Spires have once again proven their ability to push genre boundaries and create a work that is both timeless and profoundly moving.
Verdict: 5/5
Ethereal Metal Webzine 
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