7 WEEKS: Farewell To Dawn (STONER,-): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

It's after a "Carnivora" hailed by the critics as a very accomplished album and various EPs that 7 weeks, spearhead of the stoner style (and beyond), having notably shared the stage with several big names of the genre such as Lofofora, Mass Hysteria or Suicidal Tendencies, deliver at the end of this year a new offering "Farewell To Dawn".

The very beautiful white artwork, reminiscent of a Rorschach test, in which the image of a deer skull is incrusted, illustrates the fact that the listener, almost schizophrenic, will go through several interpretations of the musical message delivered by the combo which is not confined to a single style but on the contrary goes to the borders of rock, grunge, blues and even to a lesser extent prog.

From the very beginning of 'King In The Mud', the codes are present with a saturated and hypnotic guitar and then move towards a more fluid atmosphere at the moment of the devastating chorus. "Farewell To Dawn' is summed up in a profusion of unstoppable melodic ideas which, despite the multiple direction searched for, weave an Ariadne's thread giving the album a strongly coherence and musicality. Each track has its own personality and contains as many qualities that will catch the attention, such as the aerial vocal choruses on the track 'Ghost Beside Me', the very 70's melodies that remind us of the work done by Nuno Bettencourt in his projects 'Population 1' or Mourning Widows in the tracks 'Kamikazes' and 'A Well Kept Secret', or the sticky 'January'.

The sharp guitars deliver efficient killer rhythmic riffs and solid soli, skilfully distilled and without embellishments, contributing greatly to the quality of the album. Julien Bernard's voice is powerful, warm and with a unique range that fits perfectly with the styles developed. The whole is supported by a subtly mixed rhythm section making a welcome balance.

The album does not lock itself in a straitjacket and shows, on the contrary, a great open-mindedness making 7 weeks a unique band in the metal music scene. From an almost prog approach in its arrangement with the two transitional instrumental tracks ('Okha' and 'Farewell To Dawn' with a martial theme), the album takes on a free and nuanced spirit that will require several listenings to deliver all its richness that goes far beyond stoner. An essential album of this end of year! - Official website

7 WEEKS

FAREWELL TO DAWN

OVERPOWERED RECORDS

STONER