Born out of their love for the NWOBHM movement, London’s Seven Sisters (a name inspired by a tube train destination so I am lead to believe!) are fresh out of the blocks and riding high on the buzz from around the world, for their NWOBHM inspired traditional metal. Featuring Josh Winnard of Dark Forest (UK) on vocals, there is a cool quality to the sound of this current three piece band that also features guitarists Kyle McNeil (also on bass) and Graeme Farmer. The most gratifying thing about this demo tape is that is gets better naturally as the tracks progress, each one getting more and more varied and you can hear the band incorporating all sorts of influences as time passes by, especially side b.
‘The Warden’ is the simplest of the tunes, laden with classic NWOBHM riffs and an up tempo approach like many of the North East England bands in the early 80’s and in addition Jaguar. The vocals are in a lower register, which is cool but it doesn’t display the dynamic capability that you will hear later on through this demo. ‘Onwards They Ride’ has a great intro riff before powering into the Maiden inspired rhythm, the range is cool with the lyrical content blessed with commentary relating to comic books. ‘No Guts, No Glory’ is the main lead track that’s been featured in social media sites, vocally epic and also incorporating strong group vocal melodies, you can hear why NWOBHM fanatics love this one, especially matched with the guitar work overall. This one is lyrically inspired by the sport of boxing! At least this band has something different to say rather than going down the usual cult novelist inspired route.
‘Avenger’ is their real epic gem; they have certainly saved their gained experience till last. Starting acoustically with plenty of reverb, the sound is warm, inviting and well rounded. Then the kick start of titanic riffs and muscular galloping rhythm begins. Vocal harmonies add texture, the riffing, well…this is infectious and if you are not doing air guitar to this one then I don’t really know what to say. Maybe the ex-punters of DJ Neal Kay’s Soundhouse/bandwagon will also be asking questions holding their trusty cardboard cut guitars. You can tell technology can provide some great results. Whilst the sound is recorded well, there is still an element of vintage heritage here allowing fans of whatever generation to embrace the NWOBHM inspired metal madness.
This is easily one of the most refreshing demos to come from the UK in a couple of years. I am sure Seven Sisters will do well for themselves, especially once a permanent live line up is solidified later this year. The demo tape is available from the band themselves via this location https://www.facebook.com/sevensistersuk , but be quick, it is limited to 125 copies, and you also get a digital copy for the digital fans among you. Onward we ride, forward we march, the UK has another young band to wave the flag for British Heavy Metal, something we should not be complacent about, but proud and supportive of.
(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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