Album Details

• Artist: Seven Against Thebes
• Album: Seven Against Thebes
• Label: Katavi Arts
• Year of Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: carlito on 2011-06-02

On the back of the CD booklet inside the Seven Against Thebes' self-titled debut album, there was one sentence at the very bottom of the page that leaped out at me as strange: This music was written underwater.  I don't know why I thought that was so weird, considering the cover of the CD has the Ouroboros symbol (the snake-like serpent eating its own tail).  But for whatever reason, I just didn't get it.  That is, until I read the bio page of band founder Cyrus Rhodes, in which I discovered he was in the United States Navy and wrote all the songs for the album while stationed inside a submarine.  The lesson learned: sometimes people say what they mean and mean what they say.

So what exactly does music written underwater sound like? 

It opens up with "Serpens Caput", which is a very dark and dramatic sitar solo that becomes a sort of theme that gels the record together.  It eventually bleeds into "7AT" - a high-powered adrenaline rush of a song that sets the tone for the remainder of the album.

Their overall sound is hard and edgy alternative rock .  Personally, I heard influences ranging from Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden to Stone Temple Pilots, and even a little Marilyn Manson.  The music is top-notch with a nice range of instrumentation.  Lead singer Rusty is more than able to hold it down with such powerful sounds behind him.  The songs are well written and arranged.

I have a few favorites.  I love "Mask" for its awesome intro alone, "7^th Sign" for the unique middle-eastern vibe ballad that it is, "Ophiuchus" for its quiet beauty and distortion, and finally "Suicide Note" for being one of the best kick-ass tracks I've heard in a long time, with some sick guitar riffing to start it off.

All in all, it's an impressive debut effort.  Seven Against Thebes proves to be a band taking their music seriously as they build a nice foundation to build upon.  Can they write such good music above water?  Only time will tell.  Definitely a band to watch for.

User Reviews and Comments

Review:

on 2011-03-29 Michael_Morrison Said:

Seattle based 4 piece Alternative Metal Band Seven Against Thebes (7AT) releases their debut self titled CD in 2011. Band member include Luke Hoyle (vocals) Cyrus Rhodes (guitars) Bruce Burgess (Drums) & Mr. Black (bass).

This CD will take you back to the Seattle glory days when rock driven music was king of the hill. But if it's grunge your'e after you wont find it here. 7AT delivers full throttle rock reminiscent of classic Tool, Alice in Chains, STP & Deftones. Musicianship is rock solid. All songs deliver exactly what you would expect out of a hard rock 4 piece. Equally as impressive is the thought provoking lyrical content, amazing vocal intensity & melodic melodies. The CD doesnt come across as being overly corporate.

The debut CD from Seven Against Thebes is an impressive debut statement from start to finish. Favorite tracks : Mask, Swandiver, & the title track. CD Was produced by Cyrus RHodes. A Katavi ARts Production.


Rating: 9/10