WAITING IN THE WINGS

SEVENTH WONDERS's "Waiting in the Wings" is their second studio album that really defined their sound. From their 2005 release "Become", which was definitely more power than progressive metal, they have developed a more modernized progressive metal sound.

"Waiting in the Wings" is SEVENTH WONDERS's first album to feature new singer Tommy Karevik and his very well crafted vocal melodies. On top of the powerful vocals, "Waiting in the Wings" features complex guitar solos and riffs by Johan Liefvendahl and smooth synth leads by Andreas Söderin. The bass is audible throughout, which is rare in progressive metal as the loud guitar-driven sound and pounding drums typically drown out the bass. Not to mention that Andreas Blomqvist absolutely shreds the bass. The drums are methodical and varied; they aren't overblown in any way and do a good job of accenting the riffs and solos. All in all, instrumentation is very high quality.

"Star of David", while not the best song on the album, is a good beginning track. It introduces what "Waiting in the Wings" is all about and showcases SEVENTH WONDER's talents. At 3:27 Blomqvist starts shredding the bass and from then on it's an awesome 1-minute solo.

"Taint the Sky" has a great synth intro that combines well with the guitar riff. The vocal melody is powerful and catchy. This song features an interesting instrumental part that uses strings that lead into the solos nicely. "Taint the Sky" is one of the stronger songs on this album.

"Waiting in the Wings", the title track, is probably the best track on the album. Clocking in at 9:18, it's the longest song on the album. This song has a sort of melancholic/eerie feel as it builds up to the choruses, which are contrastingly uplifting and relaxing; so the mood progression is neat.

"Banish the Wicked" has a heavy intro with decent riffs. This song features female backing vocals for a couple parts and it adds a nice touch. "Banish the Wicked" has a very nice melodic solo that proceeds into an impressive frenzy.

"Not an Angel" arguably has the best vocal melodies on the entire album. Not only that, but it has some of the most impressive instrumental parts woven into the mix. Overall it's a very close second to the title track.

"Devil's Inc" features an interesting vocal/harmonic counterpoint of sorts and the typical SEVENTH WONDER instrumental prowess. The solo at 4:24 is one of their best and altogether makes this one of the top tracks of the album.

"Walking Tall" is a bit mundane in the choruses and riffs, though there is a very nice bass solo at the end.

"The Edge of My Blade" I find just a little bit cheesy, though it's an average song.

"Pieces" is a pretty ballad that is a good ending to the album. The piano and strings on top of Karevik's soaring vocals creates an interesting mood that closes the album. Of course they could have done more with the ballad, but it's a nice end nonetheless.

All in all, "Waiting in the Wings" is a great album, but it falls short from being considered a masterpiece. I highly recommend this to fans of power/progressive metal, it's definitely worth a spin or two.