Seventh Calling
Monuments

December 2007
Released: 2007, Melissa Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Simon Lukic

Seventh Calling is a new band from the States that is keen to join the ranks of the Metal elite. With influences that range from Priest, Maiden and Dio to fan favourites such as Iced Earth, Crimson Glory, Fates Warning and Fifth Angel it is easy to work out where Seventh Calling are coming from as a band and what MONUMENTS will sound like.



At the heart of the band are guitarists Lance C. Lange and Steve Handel who guide Seventh Calling and apart for the usual guitar duties, the duo share lead vocals as well. This sounded more than a little interesting and I should say that I was looking forward to hearing what they could do. Another interesting fact is that MONUMENTS is essentially split into two parts with the first seven tracks being stand alone compositions and the second half falling under the title of “The Damnation Creation” which is similar to what Iced Earth did with the “Something Wicked” trilogy on SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES – allowing the band to write with a concept in mind.



The album begins well with “Dark Angel”, a strong number in the vein of Metal Church - with dark rhythms and a number of very cool riffs leading the way. Elsewhere tracks such as “Insanity”, “Dead Mind’s Eye” and “The Process” impress with solid arrangements and catchy ideas. Letting the side down however is the singing. Lance and Steve both sing in that lower to mid range register which doesn’t allow for the diversity or contrast that I was hoping for. Lance does have a smoother voice that can reach some high notes, but it’s still something that needs to be developed. This is especially important for a band that is writing music in the vein of Traditional US Power Metal, a style that is reliant on a vocalist who can sing with charisma, conviction and range.



As a band Seventh Calling has a great deal of potential and while I haven’t been bowled over by MONUMENTS, I know that it will find favour with someone looking for some solid US Power Metal. I’ll give the band a few more years to develop and hope for a better effort next time around.