MERCY FALLS

This is a very nice discovery. In those times when prog metal acts grow in number at the speed of light, a band whose abilities to combine technicality with great vocal harmonies and killer melodies as in the early days of prog metal is a great welcome. Imagine Dream Theater at the time of their acclaimed 'Images and Words' crossed with the likes of Europe around 'final countdown'and you are not far from the picture one could draw from the music this band plays. Seventh Wonder don't venture in the most complex fields of progressive rock, instead they prefer to concentrate on catchy and easy-to-remember melodies where majestic choruses are interspersed with tasty layers of guitar and keyboards. The drums were mixed to sound as on 'Images and Words' and the overall mood of this album is very close to this milestone of prog metal, albeit the melodic factor is more highlighted. 'Mercy Falls' is a concept-album which, despite its length (74 mn), keeps the listener interested from beginning to end thanks to the quality of all its compositions. It's organic and dynamic music that stands out for its brilliant melodies and should not be overlooked neither by die-hard prog metal fans nor music lovers in general. Fans of Shadow Gallery, Queensryche, Dream Theater or more straightforward bands like Europe or Savatage should really dig this record. It is on a par with other concept-albums like Queensrÿche's 'Operation Mindcrime' or Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' and will transport you to a world of magic and brightness.