SEVEN THORNS – Return To The Past

Epic, Progressive, Neoclassical, and Power Metal themes are all prevalent subgenres found in the music of Danish band Seven Thorns. They definitely possess all the key elements needed to produce a Metal album in its truest form. Their new album Return To The Past is fast, blistering, and brutal. It’s full of catchy melodies, solid vocals, and mind-blowing guitar solos.

Seven Thorns was formed back in 1998 by drummer Lars Borup. The original intention of the group was to play Melodic Power Metal like Helloween, Accept, and Gamma Ray. It wasn’t until 2003 when the band started to evolve, and after a few line-up changes they released the first single “Artificial Night” in 2005. By that time, Mik Holm had joined the band as composer and vocalist. In 2007 they recorded their first full length album Glow Of Dawn. Shortly after, Seven Thorns had some internal issues and disbanded. Lars and Mik put together a new line-up and recorded a new single “Forest Majesty” in 2009. The finishing touch was acquiring Swedish vocalist Erik “EZ” Blomkvist to lead the band to its current signature sound found on Return To The Past.

Blomkvist’s vocal style is very bold and explosive, reminiscent of Jorn Lande or Blaze Bayley. However, he demonstrates his expansive range on each track. He powers his way through each song with lots of energy and excitement. Some of the best examples of this are the tracks “Freedom Call” and “Fires And Storms,” where he provides a very driving and persuasive vocal performance.

The other component that makes this band so infectious is the extremely talented dual guitar partners Gabriel Tuxen and Christian Baslev Strojer. Both are only 22 years old and classically inspired. These young guys play fast, shredding riffs throughout the entire album, and produce some very amazing solos. One of the finest guitar performances on the album is the title track “Return To The Past,” which is an epic song that features arguably the finest guitars solos, along with a brief melancholy acoustic interlude. Additionally, the opening track “Liberty” contains an incredible lightning fast guitar solo that introduces the listener to their massive skill.

There is no question Seven Thorns has very much to offer with respect to songwriting and musical ability. Even the production is top-notch, which is the icing on the cake for this great album. This is definitely one of those addicting albums that you will want to listen to over and over, and you’ll hear something new and exciting each time.