THE SEVENTH POWER "DOMINION & POWER"
Band Name: The Seventh Power
Album Title: Dominion & Power
Style: Classic Metal
Product ID: RAR7859
Release Date: May 13, 2008
Record Label: Retroactive Records (www.retroactiverecords.net)
Distribution: Brutal Planet Distribution (brutalplanet@gmail.com), Plastic Head (U.K.), Music Buy Mail (Euro/Japan)
Band Contact: bill@theseveventhpower.com
Barcode: 184799000486
Insert: 6 panel with lyrics, full color
Tracks: 10
ABOUT THE ALBUM
www.myspace.com/theseventhpower
Las Vegas, Nevada based The Seventh Power's critically acclaimed self titled debut released in 2006, and with the follow up release expect more quasi-doomy brilliance from the Masters of Heavy Metal. With Dominion & Power, fans are once again treated to another colossal collaboration between axe-shredder extraordinaire Bill Menchen (Titanic / Final Axe) and world-class drummer Robert Sweet of Stryper. Menchen exceeds his lofty reputation with addictive riffs throughout; laced with fast, fluid, and emotion-filled guitar solos ala Randy Roades. Efficient and flashy as a guitar virtuoso, not a single note is wasted!
Sweet proves that his tribal beats and precision drumming are perfect for the massive heavy riffs shelled forth by The Seventh Power! Filled with monster riff after monster riff, Dominion & Power comes together to create a cohesive slab of dark metal with perfect flow, and an escalating sense of creepiness powered along by Menchen's Ozzy-styled brooding vocals – both monotonous and hypnotic! Lyrically, the album gallops forth with doom n' gloom, book of Revelation vintage apocalyptic themes countered with both salvation and redemption.
Brilliant artwork by Finnish artist Jan Yrlund only rounds out the thick, beefy production and unabashed heaviness unleashed by The Seventh Power. This is New Wave of British Heavy Metal at it's finest. And Dominion & Power proves to be an essential building block in putting together the perfect heavy metal collection.
KEY SELLING POINTS
-Full Radio / Magazine campaign
-Art work by mainstream metal artist Jan Yrlund
-Myspace page active and gaining friends rapidly and regularly
-For fans of classic Ozzy and Black Sabbath, Titanic, Trouble
-Pre-release promo garnered an 8.5 out of 10 rating from AngelicWarlord.com
-Previous Menchen and Sweet releases (Titanic, Final Axe) are top sellers in the Retroactive Records catalog!
-Features the drummer of Stryper, the most popular Christian hard music band to date!
-HM Magazine feature spot, Heaven's Metal subscribers sampler cd
-Featured on Headbangin' 201 Retroactive Records budget sampler Cd.
Track Listing: "Dominion & Power" (4:14), "Everlasting Fire" (3:42), "Hailstones" (3:35), "Heavy Laden" (4:03), "King Of All Kings" (4:34), "Raise 'M High" (3:58), "Sacrificial Blood" (3:47), "Sea Of Galilee" (4:34), "The Clouds" (4:12), "Under The Altar" (3:46)
www.angelicwarlord.com review
The past couple years have been quite busy for guitarist Bill Menchen. In 2006 he completed work on the sophomore album of Final Axe, Axe Of The Apostles (a project he started in the early 90’s with vocalist Keith Miles), in addition to releasing the self-titled debut of his new group, The Seventh Power. He followed up in 2007 by putting out the third Titanic CD, Full Steam Ahead, and re-recording much of the material from two of his older bands in Redeemer (Double Edged Sword and Anno Domini) and Rev Seven (Heavy Laden Volume I and Volume II). A very well done Titanic compilation entitled Wreckage also hit the shelves in 2007 before the artist delivered the second full length album from The Seventh Power the spring of the following year, the aptly entitled Dominion & Power.
Dominion & Power finds The Seventh Power continuing to draw upon the influences of straightforward heavy metal and hard rock. The main difference this time around is that Menchen pursues a more stripped down and back to the basics musical direction- at least in comparison to the self-titled debut. Keyboards, for example, now make their presence felt less while gone are many of the previous symphonic and power touches. The trade off in the process is a heavier and more guitar driven effort that brings to mind Menchen’s earlier work with Rev Seven (although fans of Redeemer, Titanic and Final Axe are certain to find a lot to like here). Otherwise, Dominion & Power should appeal to those into Saint, Armageddon, Barren Cross and post Weapons… era Deliverance and perhaps even Ozzy and Black Sabbath as well.
The Seventh Power puts its best foot forward on the muscle-laden metal of the albums driving title track and relentless “Everlasting Fire”. “Hailstone” and “Heavy Laden”, two tracks that can best be described as heavy AND melodic, prove equally notable as does the bottom heavy sounds of “Raise ‘M High” and “Under The Altar”. Keyboards add a highlighting touch to “King Of All Kings” while the slow and driving “Clouds” almost gives rise to a doom-like feel. “Sea Of Galilee”, a composition drawing its lyrics from Matthew 14, approaches doom metal territory as well.
The one area in which The Seventh Power breaks from Titanic and Final Axe – and invites a comparison to Rev Seven in the process – is that Menchen takes on lead vocal duties. The best way to describe his vocal approach would be smooth sounding and mid-octave while hinting at an occasional touch of Ozzy. Lead guitar wise, this might be one of his finer efforts. “Everlasting Fire” and “Dominion & Power” find him cutting loose in fiery fashion while “Hailstone” and “Clouds” reflect a more blues based side to his playing. As with the self-titled debut, Robert Sweet (Stryper) lends his talents on drums and delivers his trademark tight as a nail – and equally creative – performance.
From a production standpoint, Dominion & Power backs away from some of the gloss and polish characteristic to The Seventh Power. Not that DAP is an unrefined effort- its production values prove quite complementary in reflecting the crisper – and, again, heavier – sound. It is worth pointing out, nevertheless, that gone are the “vocal effects” occasionally found throughout the debut, a particular some people made an issue with (I was not one of them).
The albums title track begins to an instrumental introduction carried by several seconds of slower, almost blues based riffing. Gaining momentum for its first verse, the song powers ahead prior to culminating for a driving chorus sustained by a settled deluge of rhythm guitar. Menchen makes his mark with a stretch of blistering lead guitar. “Dominion & Power” touches upon the second coming:
Alleluia, glory, honor and power
The great God brings salvation
Righteous and true is everything that He’ll do
Coming to judge the nations
Dominion & power
This is His hour
Dominion & power
He comes in power and might
“Everlasting Fire” starts to a frenzied – almost militant – amalgamation of rhythm guitar and powering drums. The song tapers to a smooth vestige of piano for its first verse, initiative not building until the rhythm guitar returns prior to a chorus that starts in an even manner only to transition to a more strident direction at its end. Menchen decorates the unflinching scene with more of his fiery soloing.
“Hailstone” can best be described as heavy and melodic, standing out with its domineering rhythm guitar sound and a chorus that comes across near gripping in capacity. An instrumental section that makes a changeover from some thrash-like riffs to a bluesy lead guitar helps “Hailstone” rank with the albums better material. Mid-tempo but ardently delivered, “Hailstone” focuses on apocalyptic themes:
Feeling the wrath of plagues exceeding
The cities of nations fell
Hundred pound falling hailstones
Men blaspheme
Noises
Thunderings
Lightnings
Earthquake
Great quake
One voice
The aptly entitled “Heavy Laden” gets underway to several seconds of open air rhythm guitar prior to kicking into high gear. Sustaining the steadfast impetus, the song impels itself ahead only to break out for a chorus delivered twice in hook-filled fashion. Some tasteful drum rolls from Robert Sweet precede an instrumental section highlighted by a guitar solo of the fluid variety.
“King Of All Kings”, the albums longest track at 4:34, comes across in the form of a metal worship anthem. The song slowly fades in to a keyboard solo that gives way to a vibrant rhythm guitar. A forceful scene is established as “King Of All Kings” drives through its first verse, keyboards adding a highlighting touch for the second prior to a fleeting chorus that gives rise to a worshipful feel:
He is God. King of all Kings. He is God
A gritty guitar solo brings out the best in a song bases around Revelation 19:
His eyes like a flame of fire
On His head many crowns
Has a name that no one knew
Treading the wine press almighty God
He wore a robe dipped in blood
His name is called the Word of God
Armies of heaven in white robes
Follow Him on white horses
“Raise ‘M High” puts in place a bottom heavy low end and joins it with a literal ton of groove. The end result is a weighty composition that dominates its full length, aligning a sublimely delivered chorus with just the right amount of tastefully done time changes. This one is appropriately entitled:
He came down here just to die
He was raised and help up high
How His name is lifted high
And we were raised with Him to die
My God has saved me
Condemned I should have died
O God can save you
Righteous He’s got the right
“Sacrificial Blood” is the only track here I am not completely comfortable with. Perhaps it is the disjointed feel to its verse portions or a chorus I find to not always stand out (at least in comparison to the albums better material), but the overall feeling I get is non-descript. Still, the song IS heavy and showcases the group’s trademark instrumental prowess.
“Sea Of Galilee” can best be described as a “metal” discourse on Matthew 14, portraying the feeding of the five thousand in addition to Christ walking on the water:
Brake and blesses bread – blessed bread was broken
Give to the twelve – twelve give to all
All ate bread – bread filled all
Twelve baskets full – five thousand men
Walking on the waves – calmed the sea
Jesus saves on the sea of Galilee
Lame walk – blind can see
Calm the waves on Galilee
Musically, this one proves classic Seventh Power with another resounding low and strapping guitar sound- all the while delivering quite the pronounced melody. Some passages here even slow to an almost doom-like tinge.
“The Clouds” might be one of the albums slower compositions but proves no less able. The song opens in a laid back manner to a quietly played guitar, the tranquil setting upheld as things gradually flow forward. Once initiative builds, however, the rhythm guitar slices in and leads the way to a profound chorus in which an ethereal lyrical direction is taken:
Clouds of glory in the sky
Clouds around the bread unleavened
Clouds of angels that can fly
Clouds coming down from heaven
A riveting run of lead guitar perfectly complements the exalted scene.
Closing things out is “Under The Altar”, another example of driving and down tuned metal at its finest. This one creates an apocalyptic environs – both musically and lyrically – as it transitions between its subtly delivered verse portions and a sweeping chorus in which a slamming rhythm guitar makes its presence felt. “Under The Altar” is another number drawing its lyrical themes from the book of Revelation:
Under the altar the souls
Those who had been slain
For the Word of God
And they cried with a loud voice
A loud voice
A raised voice
Heavens rolled away
Mountains moved out of place
Can’t hide from the Lamb
In the day who is able to stand?
Review by: Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Dominion & Power” (4:14), “Everlasting Fire” (3:42), “Hailstones” (3:35), “Heavy Laden” (4:03), “King Of All Kings” (4:34), “Raise ‘M High” (3:58), “Sacrificial Blood” (3:47), “Sea Of Galilee” (4:34), “The Clouds” (4:12), “Under The Altar” (3:46)
Musicians
Bill Menchen – Lead Vocals & Guitars
Rod Reasner – Bass
Robert Sweet - Drums
METAL TO INFINITY
Released through US based Retroactive Records, the continuator of Los Angeles Classic Metal band The Seventh Power is a fact - entitled ''Dominion & Power'' seems to be a present of God again. Almost to good to be true, this newborn baby shines like a burning son flickering on a steel horse! Maybe, you're unfamiliar with The Seventh Power but to keep it real tight - this is the band around multi instrumentalist Bill Menchen. Also (or was) active in other outfits like Titanic , Redeemer, Rev Seven and Final Axe - it's a man with a lot of potential deep within his soul. An indispensable talent to the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music.
Once again, also drummer Robert Sweet from White Metal gods Stryper is in charge to give away the best of the best. Rod Reasner delivers pure heaviness while riddling his bass guitar, check that out for sure! What has this new album ''Dominion & Power'' to offer is quite the same as previously released effort ''The Seventh Power''. Ultra heavy riff-laden guitar works, pure and full of technical shreds - done by Bill Menchen himself. He takes also care of the keyboards parts but the most unique element is definitely the way Bill uses his voice. Critically acclaimed by a few fellow reviewers but I can understand that completely.
You won't find one particular vocalist that sings in the vein of Bill Menchen, no way! His vocal use is so special or unique... don't even try to compare with other ones. Some give a shot to compare with the mentioning of Ozzy Osbourne but I have seriously my own doubts about that. It seems like Bill sings in some kind of a 'trance-esque, hypnotic' situation. Certified, monotonous or whatever - call it the way you like but I'll rather stay neutral. The Seventh Power has a unique 'piece de resistance' in its ranks - a world class musician taking Metal music by surprise.
His vocal use might be the most controversial element in TSP ranks, when I hear this guy moving up and down the fretboard of his guitar - he leaves me behind with an open mouth! His guitar moves to drive me to insanity - I'm a fan of real good, technical axe wielding stuff, that probably why! You wanna hear some real heavy loaded guitar riffs and explosive solo's, you better be clear up your mind for songs like: 'Everlasting Fire', 'Hailstone' or 'Heavy Laden', 'Raise 'M High' and 'Under The Altar'... a song called ‘Clouds’ appears like a thief in the night, armed with a bluesy vibe.
Containing out of only three members, The Seventh Power's new album ''Dominion & Power'' can be described as a valuable continuator to ''TSP''. Point for sure is that the new one has even more power on board and that means a lot people. This is a Classic Hard Rock / Heavy Metal effort for the heavy souls among us. If you like bands such as Barren Cross, late Deliverance or Saint, Armageddon, Titanic... this is the one you're looking for. Order possibilities at: MY POINTS: 85 / 100
Doom-metal.com REVIEW
These are the kinds of reviews that are hard to do. When there are things that are clearly very good about an album coupled with things that seem to hold it back from becoming essential, it can be confusing trying to write them. If the good is over-praised, you run the risk of disappointing people. If the not-so-good is overly ridiculed, you run the risk of someone with different taste missing something they might be into. This is the case, for me, with The Seventh Power’s Dominion & Power.
Let’s start with the music itself. Guitarist Bill Menchen has crafted some strong, solid Heavy Metal calling to mind early Ozzy Osbourne, Dio-era Sabbath, Armored Saint, etc. with occasional swipes at early, traditional Doom. The riffs are heavy, the tempos are mid-paced and driving and the solos are very good. Drummer Robert Sweet of Stryper (insert bumblebee joke here, but this dude can play) guests here providing some heavy handed, spot-on rhythms with just the right amount of flash…imagine Cozy Powell with a bit more ‘80s spice. Yep, musically, Dominion & Power is ten songs of pure Heavy Metal both well crafted and well played. Vocally, however, it’s another story.
I get what Menchen (who handles lead vocals as well) is attempting here. It’s the tried and true Ozzy-styled vocal…stay in key & stick to the tempo. What’s missing is a sense of urgency. There’s no “oomph” in the vocal performance. While in key and in time, the vocals sound more like they’re the placeholder for the real singer, so he’ll to know where to sing when he gets to the studio…the “demo vocal”, if I may. Were a bit more fire added to the vocals, they could have pushed this album over the top.
Again, the songs here are strong…”Everlasting Fire”, “Sacrificial Blood”, “Raise ‘M High”…old school head-bangers every one. Also, if you haven’t guessed by the song titles or the players, the lyrical themes are unapologetically Christian. If I’ve intrigued you at all, give it a shot. For fans of the riff & strong playing, there’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into.
* Shawn Pelata
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