MERCY FALLS

The album that introduced me to SEVENTH WONDER, "Mercy Falls" is a progressive/power metal concept album that tells the story of a man who gets in a car accident and wakes up in a town called Mercy Falls, a made up world that he dreamt up in his comatose state.

It's a great concept album with an interesting story, though it may not be on par with other concept albums such as "Metropolis Pt. 2 - Scenes From a Memory". The story can be a little difficult to follow at times, but after a few spins you should really appreciate the album.

Musically "Mercy Falls" is superior to their previous album "Waiting in the Wings". The first SEVENTH WONDER song that I listened to was "Welcome to Mercy Falls" and I was blown away. The vocal melodies are much stronger and catchier, the rhythm is definitely more progressive, overall the musicianship has improved since "Waiting in the Wings". Everything seems to be much more refined than it was in their previous album, and it really shows as there is never a dull moment in "Mercy Falls". It's a fairly long album (73:57) but you'll be wondering where time went. Other notable songs from the album that I find really impressive are "Fall in Line", "Break the Silence", and "Hide and Seek"; those are some of the best power/progressive songs I've ever heard.

I strongly believe that this album is a masterpiece. "Waiting in the Wings" fell short because it had a few weaker, more mundane songs. "Mercy Falls" never has a dull moment, rather I should say that it's very exciting throughout. There is excellent progression and every song is strong in some way. If you're a fan of progressive/power metal or a fan of SEVENTH WONDER, this is the album for you.