Seventh Seal
Under the moniker 'Revelation', the band formed back in 1985 in Kristiansand, Norway where they deliver up melodic Power Metal. After the release of two demos one in 1987 and one in 1988 Revelation garnered some exposure from a local radio station and ended up signing with Dutch label CNR. However, it was soon discovered that another band on the same label was already sporting the name Revelation so they changed their name to Seventh Seal. Then in 1988, they released their full-length debut titled 'Messengers Of Love' which was recorded at Loud Level Studios in Hamar, Norway. Then the unfavorable decision was made by CNR to sit on the record and not permit it to be released to the public. Picking up the pieces, the band continued to push forward playing gigs wherever there was an invitation up until the summer of '89. To the delight of fans, in 1990 Loud Level Records released the album on their own label. Unfortunately, by this time the group had already disbanded.
In 1990 Seventh Seal released their debut full-length album titled 'Messengers Of Love'. The album was first released in 1990 and then remastered and re-released in 2007. The band consists of Mark Bjorvant–Lead Vocals,
Geir T. Ugland-Guitars & Bass, Geir Knutson–Guitars & Bass,Trygve Hansen–Drums, and apearing as a guest musician Sjur Lundstein-Keyboards.
One could view the album's cover and immediately think that this is a band out of the 70's era Rock 'n Roll. However, Seventh Seal delivers the goods with their musical arrangements which would easily fit well with almost any modern day Power Metal outfit.
Geir T. Ugland-Guitars & Bass, Geir Knutson–Guitars & Bass,Trygve Hansen–Drums, and apearing as a guest musician Sjur Lundstein-Keyboards.
One could view the album's cover and immediately think that this is a band out of the 70's era Rock 'n Roll. However, Seventh Seal delivers the goods with their musical arrangements which would easily fit well with almost any modern day Power Metal outfit.
Frontman Mark Bjorvant is a strong Vocalist for Seventh Seal while mostly singing in a raspy falsetto delivery. Bjorvant can hit some very high notes similar to such Vocalists as Eli Prinsen(The Sacrificed) or Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior), and even Geoff Tate(Queensryche). The energy that Mark Bjorvant adds to this debut is very noticeable as it couples well with the power Metal genre.
The guitar work is handled by both Geir T. Ugland & Geir Knutson who both know their way around a fretboard. We're talking full on Power Metal the kind that will get you moving after it kicks you in the teeth. A good comparison to the guitar play by these two shredders can be found in Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. Some other Guitarist that draw comparison are David Zaffiro(Bloodgood) and Chris Impellitteri.
One thing that stands out and that I really like about this release is the solid full on for Jesus lyrics as seen here:
"Visions Of Tomorrow"
And in the last days it shall come to pass
That the Kingdom of God rules the earth
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares
Take head and behold! These are visions of tomorrow
The days when the Lord puts an end to all the sorrow
All has been foretold by God’s prophets for tomorrow
When Jesus will be King for a thousand years
"Born Again"
Born again, we’re meant to be born again
As children of God to belong to His family
Born again, we’re meant to be born again
In bodies of spirit we’ll be…
"Eternal Love"
You search for something real
Something you can feel
Something that will still your souls desire
And set your heart on fire
In front of God’s face, awaits a resting place
Take your chance tonight, and you won’t lose your fight
And in the last days it shall come to pass
That the Kingdom of God rules the earth
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares
Take head and behold! These are visions of tomorrow
The days when the Lord puts an end to all the sorrow
All has been foretold by God’s prophets for tomorrow
When Jesus will be King for a thousand years
"Born Again"
Born again, we’re meant to be born again
As children of God to belong to His family
Born again, we’re meant to be born again
In bodies of spirit we’ll be…
"Eternal Love"
You search for something real
Something you can feel
Something that will still your souls desire
And set your heart on fire
In front of God’s face, awaits a resting place
Take your chance tonight, and you won’t lose your fight
If you are looking for some new Power Metal to add to your collection that is similar to bands like Queensryche, Yngwie Malmsteen, or even Chris Impellitteri. then you might just find 'Messengers Of Love' to your liking.
Musicians:
Mark Bjorvant–Lead Vocals
Geir T. Ugland–Guitars & Bass
Geir Knutson–Guitars & Bass
Trygve Hansen–Drums
Guest Musicians
Sjur Lundstein-Keyboards
Mark Bjorvant–Lead Vocals
Geir T. Ugland–Guitars & Bass
Geir Knutson–Guitars & Bass
Trygve Hansen–Drums
Guest Musicians
Sjur Lundstein-Keyboards