SNAKE EYES SEVEN – Snake Eyes Seven

Back in May of 2005, a few noteworthy musicians got together to write and rehearse new material for what would become the band … Snake Eyes Seven. Snake Eyes Seven is built around Victor Langen (Kick Axe), Daniel Nargang (Into Eternity), Cole Stevens (Wrathchild), and Johnny Bland (Love Hunter). The band’s goal was to create something fresh, yet keep it dark and powerful. Their self-titled debut is indeed an interesting blend of Traditional, perhaps Old School Metal, fueled by vintage Black Sabbath-sounding riffs, powerful rhythms, and a refreshing, distinct, vocal sound.

The ten-track release opens with the mid-tempo, thick, plodding rhythm sounds of “Hell Or High Water.” The track is fueled by guitar with plenty of “wah-wah” distortion and a nice, almost Robin Trower-esque solo. Thunderous power-drumming by Bland meshes nicely with Langen’s clear mid bass tone that gives this track and the CD some vibrancy. Nargang’s vocals are a breath of fresh air, which pack power in the mid-range zone and have just the right tinge of “gravel” to them. At times, the vocal delivery style reminds of vintage Living Colour in the vein of Corey Glover.

“Comin’ Down” starts out even slower and moodier than the opening track until the backing vocals in the chorus hit with their multi-tracked “oooohs.” This song, like so many others on this release, maintains a certain standard of adhering to a thunderous Rock backbone that keeps the tempo upbeat-sounding, riding on a certain “groove” even though rhythms sometimes sound tuned down.

“Love For A Moment” takes a more commercial approach in its delivery with a multi-tracked chorus. The ever-persistent guitar rhythm rides along in the background, though to make sure that no one attempts to play this one on any FM radio station in the near future. “Be Leaving” is a highlight with it’s heavy “groove” and dark riff sound, which is broken up by a nice, safe (but enjoyable) chorus. “Bullets & Booze” shows the band’s Bluesier edge, while still retaining a lot of the qualities that the band has exhibited up to this point.

The highlight of the release is no doubt “Devil With A Rosary.” The track opens with a faint Church organ that slams into an infectious as hell rhythm/bass line that is just as punchy and catchy as “Dr. Feelgood.” This track also sees the band’s vocal antics get entertaining via an almost chanted, eerie (perhaps Devil-like?) chorus. Bland’s drumming on this track also ricochets off the speakers like bullets on steel. All heavy stuff here, not one wimpy ballad of any kind!

Bottom line, Snake Eyes Seven is an enjoyable and commendable debut. It’s traditional Metal with a seemingly darker Rock “punch.” The band uses thick, heavy guitar rhythms and a thunderous bass/drum combination to deliver their message and kick everyone’s ass. At the end of the release, it’s really hard to draw a lot of comparisons from their sound. They’ve managed to combine traits of Vintage Metal, Traditional Metal, and even an occasional Southern Rock feel into a truly winning, dark “ballsy” sound. They’re definitely worth a look!

Lineup

Daniel Nargang – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Victor Langen – Bass
Cole Stevens – Guitar
Johnny Bland – Drums