It was the year 2021, and a vision was put together: a trio of some of the best metal singers coming together to create brand new supergroup THE 7TH GUILD. It consists of members of bands that are considered household names: these include FREEDOM CALL, GAMMA RAY, and RHAPSODY OF FIRE – yes, you read that correctly. They only released their debut album Triumviro recently, and while it’s exciting to see such names as part of a new band, it always creates the same anticipation as to whether it will deliver.
The album gets off to a start that will please most avid power metal fans, with the track Holy Land; it’s a great tune containing slick guitar solos and a catchy chorus that will bring out everyone’s inner air musician, and fans will be lip-syncing every word of the track. It’s a given cliché to say that the opening track sets the tone for the rest of the album but in this case, this has proven to be true: this album is full of everything that makes a good power metal release.
Glorious is a triumphant track from start to finish. From the bombastic atmosphere created by the majestic musical arrangements to the powerful vocals, this track will make you feel like you can conquer anything. The track certainly lives up to its name. Ever wondered what Yannis Papadopoulos from BEAST IN BLACK would sound like if his vocals featured on a song from Final Fantasy or Kingdom Hearts? Neither did I until I heard this track, but this is what it would sound like.
Time is a beautiful track for many reasons. Its stunningly simple melody is instantly memorable within the first few seconds, so when you go to listen to it again, an “aha!” moment comes up. The lyrics are also wonderfully reflective; it reinforces the message of not taking things for granted and appreciating the here-and-now. If AVANTASIA were to invite Marco Pastorino to collaborate, this track gives you a rough idea of what that would sound like.
Guardians of Eternity is an exciting track. This is brought on by the majestic musical arrangements that wouldn’t be out of place in a fantasy epic film. This would be playing either during a scene where the protagonist has an epiphany, or the montage where they are preparing for a final battle. As this track has quite a few twists and turns, it could easily be both scenarios. Ultimately, this track can make the most mediocre of tasks feel like an epic quest.
I have heard many great closers, but Fairy Tale is easily the best I have heard so far. It contains a beautiful, sweeping melody that you can immerse yourself into. It gives the listener one last uplift before coming to an end.
Triumviro is a great listen; avid power metal fans will rejoice at this release, and there are more than enough symphonic elements that will please symphonic metal fans as well. It’s a solid debut that will ensure THE 7TH GUILD will start to gather warriors to their clan.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Triumviro is out now.
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