Seven Sisters – Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt.2
An album with only four songs: that’s right it’s time to get ready from something progressive but with this, the latest album from UK progressive/heavy metal band, Seven Sisters, it’s way more than that.
Formed back in 2013 the band are returning with their fourth album, Shadows Of A Fallen Star Pt.2, and what would appear to be the follow up to SOAFS Pt.1 which they released in 2021. Opening track, Astral Prophecies, begins with a haunting, atmospheric feel; the twisting, discordant riff builds before quickly kicking into driving heavy metal with classic twin guitar harmonies swirling over atmospheric keyboards and we’re instantly put in mind of classic 80s and 90s melodic metal, but with a leaning much more towards European power metal than towards the NWOBHM. Five minutes in and we’re treated to a brooding, melancholic breakdown before it’s quickly back to the twin guitar harmonies, frantic metal soloing and the almost, ubiquitous for power metal, classic double kick drums. This song is long, but the band move through each section like an orchestra moving through a sonata: it never feels laboured or loses its way and the arrangement is excellent. Solar Winds opens up with more twin harmonies and a sweeping lead line before an immediate early breakdown and then back to the metal, and with fewer progressive elements to this track it’s essentially well crafted but straightforward uplifting power metal. Heart Of The Sun wears its influence on its sleeve; with a great melodic catchy chorus, “Smith/Murray” sounding harmonies and classic two part guitar solo this one is very reminiscent of Iron Maiden, yet it always manages to sound more power metal than straight up heavy metal.
Then its time for the twenty minute and thirty-three second epic, Andromeda Descending (A Fallen Star Rises). Opening up with a great riff, utilising tasteful delay to create atmosphere which then kicks into driving metal, the progressive elements are heavy here; playful time signature fluctuation and rhythmic displacement provides a great energetic build into the song but with a good use of drum breakdowns to add contrast. Two minutes in and the intro is over, the time signature straightens up and we kick into the song proper with double kicks and some great guitar work powering us through this first movement. Then comes a lush atmospheric section with great sounding 80s lead tones soaring over clean ambient guitars and subtle synths before a very Steve Harris sounding bass line powers us back into driving heavy metal pushing us to the mid point of the song. Thirteen minutes, and the ambient guitars and synths return for what can only be described as 80s melodic rock. The drums build and we enter the final movement of the piece; its like Blade Runner meets 80s melodic rock meets driving heavy metal and it powers us to a climactic finish which then slowly, gently fades away with sweeping synths and chiming twin guitars. Take a breath!
Production on the album is good; the vocals could be louder in parts and in certain sections the guitars can seem to raise their heads slightly too high and could have been maybe folded back into the mix a little but overall production is very good. Musicianship is excellent and the arrangements and sequencing of the album is great; the songs are in some cases VERY long but yet never seem to labour or drag.
All that said this album is not an easy listen, and it won’t be for everyone. It isn’t a casual “in the background” album; it simply demands your attention, and in today’s world of streaming and limited attention spans where listeners will often skip to the next song in only a few seconds, this album will not work. However if you’re prepared to sit down, tune in and “actively” listen; if you’re prepared to commit to it and to give it your attention then this really is a special album and will likely be in many end of year Top Album lists for 2025.
Rating: 8/10 – Great
Label: Dissonance Productions
Released: March 28th 2025
Wayne McAloon | Now Spinning Magazine
