SEVEN GATES - THE GOOD AND THE EVIL
ICE WARRIOR RECORDS / ROCK IT UP RECORDS
Metal To Infinity
From
Italy; Seven Gates! The beautiful front cover made me expect that some
Progressive Metal was heading my way but after the first spin I knew that
wasn’t exactly correct. Seven Gates is an Italian Power Metal band in vein of
Angra, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Helloween etc. In other words this is pure
European Power Metal! I am fanatic when we talk about US Power Metal, the
European Power Metal never pleased me the same way. Nevertheless I can mention
easily some outstanding European releases. Talking about Manticora’s
“Darkness With Tales To Tell”, Vision Divine’s “Stream Of
Consciousness” or both Lost Horizon albums. And yes, also the Brazilian Angra
released fantastic albums, talking about “Fireworks” as one of the gems in
my collection. Although I’m not the biggest fan I have to admit Helloween and
Blind Guardian released some ‘classic ones’ in this particular genre…
I
suppose you’re asking why I am mentioning this. It’s easy; Franko of Rock It
Up Records wondered if I would like European Power Metal because he knows I am
an US Metal fanatic. Yes, in some cases I do like this kind of bands but I admit
it takes more energy to get into this kind of CD’s. The opening track
“Message To The Stars” is a typical fast European Power Metal song which
means that you’ll hear fast riffs, lightning guitars and clean vocals. The
keyboards play easily along with the technical used guitars but even more
remarkable on this song are the fine acoustic guitars in the middle. It proves
that Seven Gates contains some great musicians. Also the solo is awesome, played
with a pure sense of emotions; Yes, this is a great song to start with although
you will have the feeling that it sounds already familiar. I am more into “Vengeance”,
the double bass drums and the up tempo rhythm is more the kind I like. Seven
Gates sounds a bit more aggressive at this point. In “I Don’t Believe”
Seven Gates starts with an extra emotional touch, followed by some great Heavy
Metal! Frederico Puleri owns a good voice for this kind of Metal and is easily
comparable with other singers from this particular genre.
“The
Dragon’s Kiss” is a bit too cliché for me, musical wise and if we mention
the lyrics. Especially the arrangements and the duets between keyboards and
guitars are typical, too typical if you would ask me. “Ride The Wild”
instead is a far much better song. Frederico Puleri proves once more being a
good singer, especially his higher notes are very enjoyable! The descriptions,
musical wise, I’ve mentioned before counts for the entire CD. I wouldn’t be
surprised these guys are actually classical schooled.
Fans of this kind of Metal shouldn’t doubt buying this one,
satisfaction guaranteed. Other songs that pleased me were “Freedom”, the
fantastic “Cry Of Efestus” and “17”. Also a bonus track (demo-version)
is added.
Well,
I suppose I can’t be more clear about this album. Fans of bands likes
Stratovarius, Labyrinth, Sonata Arctica can easily pick this second CD from
these Italians up. All ingredients for a good Euro-oriented Power Metal CD are
present and it’s up to you to purchase it or not. Check http://www.rockitup.org
My Points : 83 / 100 (Review by Officer Nice)