Navigating the labyrinthine landscape of metal, where genres often collide in a mesmerizing symphony of controlled chaos, Seven Against Thebes (7AT) emerges as a commanding force of orchestrated pandemonium. Their 2011 debut LP, “Seven Against Thebes,” is a transcendent sonic journey that boldly defies the constraints of conventional metal, seamlessly fusing an East-meets-West production ethos with a mythic narrative that echoes the grandeur of rock legends Led Zeppelin.
The odyssey unfolds with the symbolic “Serpens Caput,” an overture setting the stage for the entire experience. True to its title, it embodies the head of the serpent, a potent symbol signifying the genesis of life. This theme of cyclical existence comes full circle with the concluding track, “Serpens Cauda,” portraying the tail of the serpent and marking the inevitable descent into the abyss. The album cover boldly features the Ouroboros against a cross—a visual encapsulation of the band’s thematic exploration of self-destruction juxtaposed against a backdrop of virtue.
The musical alchemy of Rusty Hoyle’s authoritative vocals, Cyrus Rhodes’s electrifying guitars, Bruce Burgess’s thunderous drums, and the resonant bass of Mr. Black plunges into the abyss of what the band’s own website describes as the album’s primary theme, self-destruction. The Ouroboros, a serpent devouring itself, becomes a central motif embodying 7AT’s musical platform for misanthropy, a theme that reverberates throughout the album.
The tracklist, akin to a mystical spellbook, unfolds with deliberate precision, each song constituting a chapter in the mythic journey. “Mask” emerges as a standout anthem, its potent percussion and precisely delivered guitar work colliding with impactful force. The lyrics delve into a world gone astray, exploring the duality of reality and illusion. A gradual build-up, punctuated by a searing solo, culminates in a grand finale that leaves listeners yearning for more.
BANDCAMP: https://sevenagainstthebes7at.bandcamp.com/album/seven-against-thebes-7at
“7th Sign” introduces a stark contrast, revealing the band’s versatility with a stripped-down acoustic ballad. This gentler side momentarily lulls listeners before the full force of prog-rock strikes with “Prey For Me.” A metal epic, this track seamlessly weaves the band’s signature flair through solos, transitions, and arguably the most compelling one-two punch on the entire album.
The album’s mythical lyricism and intricate musicality pay homage to its namesake—the Greek myth of The Seven against Thebes. Like the legendary champions, 7AT embarks on a musical conquest, with each track serving as a battlefield where the clash of instruments and vocals paints an epic tale.
“Seven Against Thebes” stands as a testament to the band’s prowess in melding diverse musical elements into a cohesive, immersive experience. The album’s genius lies not just in its individual tracks but in the seamless sequencing, where each song is a narrative thread woven into the larger mythic tapestry. The cyclical nature of the record, when played from start to finish, enhances its narrative depth, revealing layers of sonic intricacy that demand multiple listens.
As the album concludes with the tail of the serpent, listeners are left in awe of the sonic journey they’ve undertaken—an exploration of self-destruction set against a mythic canvas. The cyclical nature of the album becomes apparent, not just thematically but sonically, creating an endless loop that invites listeners to delve deeper into its layers with each play.
In the vast tapestry of metal, Seven Against Thebes has woven a masterpiece that serves as an enduring testament to the captivating synergy of myth and music. “Seven Against Thebes” is not just an album; it’s an immersive sonic experience, a mythic saga that unfolds in waves of distortion and melody, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary metal.
Chadwick Easton