Seven Horizons is an Italian Progressive Metal band that was founded in May of 2007 by Percussionist-Giordano Thomas & Keyboardist-Riccardo Oneto. Giordano & Riccardo both formed the band with the intention of sharing a message of hope, encouragement, and edification while drawing their music style from bands that had inspired them over the years like Dream Theater, Petra, Neal Morse, Metallica, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Satriani etc...
In 2008, Just one year after the band's conception, Seven Horizons recorded an independent self-titled 4-track demo which included tracks - "Into The Sunshine", "Empty Jail", "Judgment Theory", and "In The Wilderness".
In 2008, Just one year after the band's conception, Seven Horizons recorded an independent self-titled 4-track demo which included tracks - "Into The Sunshine", "Empty Jail", "Judgment Theory", and "In The Wilderness".
In 2010 Seven Horizons released their debut full-length self-titled album. This Independent release was produced within house by the band - Seven Horizons.
Have you ever asked the question, "What would it sound like if one was to take Progressive Metal combined with Neo-Classical flavorings, throw in some broadway theatrical elements, add a fair share of Jam band sessions, and lightly season it all with Jazz infusions?" Seven Horizons has obviously asked this question and their arrangements quickly take one down the rabbit hole and into a different realm of music experience. However, Seven Horizons isn't the first band to attempt such a recipe for their musical arrangements as we have seen similar genre mixes with bands like Transatlantic, Dream Theater, and Slain. To create their package, such groups include a Metal style vocalist along with dreamy arrangements accompanied by piano driven Hard Rock music. They offer time changes mixed with progressive elements taking one down different bumps and twists along the way with plenty of surprises to make the listening experience more enjoyable.
On Seven Horizons' debut release, there are some tracks that are not on the same level as others which could use a little more work and polishing. However, there are some gems here that can not be ignored like "The System Is Dead", "Into The Sunshine", "Empty Jail", "War For The Earth", "In The Wilderness", "Goliath's Head", "Pathway To The Throne", and "Ancient Of Days". Hopefully, on any future releases by the band, we will see the entire album on the same level as these aforementioned tunes.
The album's artwork was done by Naomi Thomas who took inspiration from Rev 1:12-14 "And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle. And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;... Rev 1:20 the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches."
Vocalist-Celso De Freyn is not new on the Metal scene and has been quite active over the years fronting bands such as Maestah, Power Praise, Stauros, and Vox Heaven. With their 2010 release, at times vocalist-Celso De Freyn draws comparison to vocalist-Martin Klein(Within Silence) and at times, with his heavier deliver, Celso brings to mind vocalist-Herbie Langhans(Seventh Avenue).
The band's lyrics are solid without coming across as preachy as one can see in the following lyric excerpts:
"The System Is Dead"
The system: God is dead!" they say.
"We move on our way, way of liberty and prosperity.
We don't need a God,
We know who we are,
Rising to the sky we'll be God!"
Listening for the system's speaking,
All the lies humankind is eating
Poisoning everyone of us.
Making all believe in our hearts
There is no God.
If you wanna find the meaning of life,
The system is dead,
You'll find nothing else
tha ashes and dust,
More pain and more rust
But look to the sky
The meaning you'll find of life
God is alive, God is alive, even today
"Ancient Of Days" (Ron Kenoly cover)
Blessing and honor, glory and power
Be unto the Ancient of days
From every nation, all of the creation
Bow before the Ancient of days
Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare your glory
Every knee shall bow at your throne in worship
You will be exalted, oh God
And your kingdom shall not pass away
Oh Ancient of days
"Judgment Theory"
In the end, we will face our fate
Our lives, will they be all right?
When we are at the court
Of the judge of the earth
House of the rising King
When our names will be called
By the One
Who can give and take life
Will you be so skeptic?
And tell me my friend
Will science save your life
The system: God is dead!" they say.
"We move on our way, way of liberty and prosperity.
We don't need a God,
We know who we are,
Rising to the sky we'll be God!"
Listening for the system's speaking,
All the lies humankind is eating
Poisoning everyone of us.
Making all believe in our hearts
There is no God.
If you wanna find the meaning of life,
The system is dead,
You'll find nothing else
tha ashes and dust,
More pain and more rust
But look to the sky
The meaning you'll find of life
God is alive, God is alive, even today
"Ancient Of Days" (Ron Kenoly cover)
Blessing and honor, glory and power
Be unto the Ancient of days
From every nation, all of the creation
Bow before the Ancient of days
Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare your glory
Every knee shall bow at your throne in worship
You will be exalted, oh God
And your kingdom shall not pass away
Oh Ancient of days
"Judgment Theory"
In the end, we will face our fate
Our lives, will they be all right?
When we are at the court
Of the judge of the earth
House of the rising King
When our names will be called
By the One
Who can give and take life
Will you be so skeptic?
And tell me my friend
Will science save your life
There's definitely room for improvement with Seven Horizons' debut release. However, this album is not bad for a debut effort and definitely worth while for the Progressive Metal fan. Looking for some christian Progressive Metal in the veins of Dream Theater, Transatlantic, or even Slain then check out what Seven Horizons has offered up with their self-titled debut.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Celso De Freyn - Lead Vocals
Gianluca Russo - Guitars
Riccardo Oneto - Keyboards
Giordano Thomas - Drums
Additional Musicians:
Davide Canale – Bass (tracks: 1, 5, 6, and 11)
Giusto Agnello - Bass (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9)
Celso De Freyn - Lead Vocals
Gianluca Russo - Guitars
Riccardo Oneto - Keyboards
Giordano Thomas - Drums
Additional Musicians:
Davide Canale – Bass (tracks: 1, 5, 6, and 11)
Giusto Agnello - Bass (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9)