Seven Spires – Emerald Seas

“Musically, ‘Emerald Seas’ is influenced by our usual mix of melodic and extreme metal favorites and Hans Zimmer worship. We immersed ourselves deeply in 19th Century Romantic music and art while writing this record, and I like to think some traits from that era are present as a result. It's highly emotional; sweet and melodic at times, and quite dark and brutal at others, especially when dealing with themes like losing one's fear of death.”

When the band released “Succumb” as the first single from this album I was taken aback as I was expecting something heavier and harsher than what the song had to deliver, and that in turn got me wondering about the album. Was it going to be all sweet and jazzy like that or would it hold some surprises? Second single “Drowner of worlds” quenched some of my initial worries, but I was still a bit skeptical. Upon listening to “Emerald Seas” a few times I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised with what the band has accomplished here. Most of the music is in the veins of “Succumb”, that is (mostly) clean, melodic singing with wonderful backing orchestrations, with just “Drowner of worlds” and “Fearless” being full on death / black metal.

After the obligatory intro “Igne Defendit”, which sets the mood and transports you into another world with some vocalizing and pipes, “Ghost of a dream” brings you back into reality energetic guitars and oriental like rhythms. The beautiful “No words exchanged” is the first highlight of the album with (almost) whispered vocals that add intensity and drama to the guitar melody, and a very mysterious atmosphere. Power metal vibes are more than present on “Every crest” which has a very catchy chorus and soaring vocals, while “Unmapped darkness”, the second highlight of the album by my count, seduces the listener like a siren’s song both through the lyrics and through Adrienne’s delivery. The way she switches between beautiful clean singing and deep, grave growls on this track is a testament to her craft as a musician as well as a singer.

After the rather jazzy feel of “Succumb” and the turbulent symphonic-meets-death metal mash-up that is “Drowner of worlds”, the folky notes of “Silvery moon” are like a moment of respire, while the Jack Kosto’s heavy solo on this track is matched by the cello lines. Another highlight of the album for sure. “Bury you” again has some power metal vibes to it and beautiful piano melodies, while “Fearless” as stated before, is black metal to the core. The piano melodies and Adrienne’s delivery remind me of Devilment, it’s that heavy yet melodic. “With love from the other side” is a short but sweet vocal moment and “The trouble with eternal life” has another incredible solo that adds melody to the song. “Emerald seas overture” closes the album on a very cinematic and epic note.