Review | Seventh Crystal – Entity

Frontiers Music srl

I have been looking forward to the third release of these Swedish rockers Seventh Crystal formed around vocalist extraordinaire Kristian Fyhr. Their albums ‘Delirium’ (2021) and ‘Wonderland’ (2023) are two melodic rock pearls with fine songs, luscious melodies, and crafted musicianship.

CHANGE IN THE BAND

Just after the release of ‘Wonderland’ keyboard player Johan Alvsang decided to call it a day. His role on ‘Wonderland’ was less than it was on ‘Delirium’ as the band had recruited a second guitarist, which made the sound a bit heavier. And after hearing ‘Entity’ several times I can understand the change in the band as on the thirteen (!) songs the band sounds heavier even again. Not that the keyboards are not there anymore but on this album the guitars rule the roost. The keys are there though, sometimes even with a solo spot as well, but now more than ever used as an extra colour in the total sound but not so much as a main or leading instrument. The guitarists Emil Dornerus and Gustav Linde have given ‘Entity’ a much more robust character although the band has certainly managed to keep the melodies flowing.

POP STRUCTURE

As was the case in the past Seventh Crystal sometimes uses a pop structure as a basic beginning before the instrumentalist start to fill in their parts. Largely responsible for that are the vocal lines and melodies by Kristian Fyhr. He gives Seventh Crystal something like a certain trade mark sound or style as you can hear in the beginning of the song ,,Thirteen To One’’, that easily could have been on one of the earlier albums. I like the development this band is making. Slightly becoming heavier and rockier without losing any of their earlier identity. It is a ‘silent’ (or loud’, whatever you prefer) transmission that you can discover if you are familiar with their music.

LEVEL OF COMPOSITIONS

When a band delivers some thirteen songs on one album you are quite often confronted with a few ‘fillers’, songs where a band just goes through the motions. But the level of the compositions on ‘Entity’ can be described as: all thrillers, no fillers. That is truly the case here. Take for instance ,,404’’. It starts quite ‘sophisticated’ but it turns into an eventful rocker with a great riff as one of the main ingredients, before gaining in tempo and heaviness. Also ,,Versus’’ (with a keyboard solo) and ,,Push Comes To Shove’’ are extremely impressive. But that goes for basically all songs if you ask me. I just find it hard to point out highlights. The level is very consistent!

SEVENTH CRYSTAL – THE CONCLUSION

It is a simple conclusion this time. ‘Entity’ will rock your socks off with its energy and class. Seventh Crystal have found their style and are clearly focussing on writing songs with a head and a tail and executing them to the maximum. This is one of the better melodic heavy rock albums of Swedish soil this year and these guys have a clear vision of where they musically want to go. So far, their journey has been breathtaking, as they have three albums on their sleeve that are all a must have release if you like this kind of genre!

Release date: 8 November 2024