7days
Markus Sigfridsson ranks with the more prolific songwriters in today’s metal scene. If in doubt then check out his resume, which includes lead songwriting roles in his two full time bands, Harmony, debuting with Dreaming Awake in 2003 prior to putting out Chapter II: Aftermath five years later, and Darkwater, getting started with Calling The Earth To Witness from 2007 but following up with Where Stories End in 2010. He is also credited with two full length albums with his side project 7 Days, The Weight Of The World (2006) and Into Forever (2010).
Whereas Harmony strays towards melodic metal with power metal tendencies and Darkwater melodic progressive metal, 7 Days strikes a balance by combining the best elements of the two: Catchy melody structures and occasional elements of the epic and symphonic are merged with frequent instrumental excursions and a penchant for technical time changes. It all adds up to the hybrid of the power and progressive that is 7 Days.
Specifically, 7 Days can trace its beginnings to the material in Sigfridsson’s possession that did not fit the mold of either band. As a result, he recruited the rhythm section of Andreas Passmark (Narnia) and drummer Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye) prior to joining forces with vocalist Thomas Vikstrom (Mehida) and entering the studio to record The Weight Of The World. In order to maintain continuity, the same line up was used on Into Forever. The only difference this time around is the use of several guest co-lead vocalists, including Caroline Sigfridsson, Christian Liljegren (Golden Resurrection, Audiovision) and Erik Tordsson.
If you enjoy The Weight Of The World, or any band that combines aspects of power and progressive metal (not just Harmony and Darkwater but also Narnia, Balance Of Power, Majestic Vanguard, Theocracy and Sacred Warrior), then Into Forever comes with a strong recommendation. If anything, Into Forever features a bit more progressive elements when compared to the debut. This is best reflected in the albums two epics, “The Innocence In Me” (9:10) and “Final Wisdom” (19:40), in addition to the intricacies of “Into Forever” and “What Matters”. In between, you will find a couple of fast paced tracks in “You Hold The Key” (a real heavy hitter) and “Enter A Dream” (ton of double bass on this one) along with a couple more heading in a slower direction, “Scattered Mind” (almost a ballad feel here) and “We Cry No More” (quite the poignant piece).
Similar to The Weight Of The World, Into Forever plays to the 7 Days strength in the area of musicianship. It all starts with Markus Sigfridsson, who takes ample opportunity to display his technical and at times dramatic soloing abilities (the likes of “Into Forever” and “Final Wisdom”, with their extended instrumental passages, allow him to exhibit his talents best). I find the guy to be vastly underrated, and feel he deserves to be placed in the same category as fellow Swede Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia) in terms of ability (no, not quite as fast or flashy but bringing the same level of emotion and feeling in terms of his playing nonetheless).
Keyboards are done to perfection. While Sidgridsson handles things from an accenting standpoint - touching up and highlighting the backdrop - Kaspar Dalkvist, who also made his mark on The Weight Of The World, provides all keyboard solos- and very well at that! In particular, I enjoy the creative lead guitar and keyboard duels between the two throughout the projects numerous instrumental moments (check out the albums title track to understand my point).
The decision to employ four vocalists as opposed to one lends an extra diverse element to Into Forever. Continuing to stand out is Thomas Vikstrom, who brings a style I described in my The Weight Of The World review as “clean and smooth sounding but temperate at the same time”. The same holds true here, although Into Forever finds him singing with even greater confidence and emotion. Rounding things out, and lending a lighter – almost angelic –touch, is Caroline Sigfridsson. The duel male-female lead vocal approach works in that the majority of the songs here find the two trading off (one handles the verses and other the chorus, etc). 7 Days reminds me somewhat of Random Eyes on its first album, albeit done a bit better. Christian Liljegren (mid-ranged approach) and Erik Tordsson (smoother backing presence) lend their talents as well.
