SEVENTH SERVANT: The Tree of Life

Seventh Servant = Essential Power Metal

Not sure if the band is named Seventh Servant or 7^th Servant, but the basic driving force is former Iced Earth vocalist/guitarist John Greely. He is joined on this venture by Ginger Sizemore (bass), Shawn Walker (drums), Miah Lajeunesse (lead guitars) and Marinos Tokas (piano/orchestrations). While this isn’t a cast of familiar players, the quality of performance and song construction is admirable.

Just a single gaze at the beautifully designed cover art should be enough to convince any fan of the genre that these musicians are credible. Thankfully, the music stands up to the quality of the artwork. While Seventh Servant isn’t plowing new ground – this traditional power metal to its core – Greely’s calm, discernable vocal approach imparts a mature and sober tone to the music.

Revelational Metal

Everyone familiar with the Christian rock/metal scene is well-acquainted with Saviour Machine’s epic (and endless) controversial work in this arena at the turn of the century. Nothing that cinematic here – think more Veni Domine Fall Babylon Fall in terms of scope and musical style.

I will be the first to admit that the concept of Revelation-themed power metal is a wonderful idea. However, it’s a massive ask to make something epic work when the subject matter is the book of Revelation. Afterall, the subject matter is incredibly sobering, somewhat somber in its judgmental character and a bit hard to “sing-along-with” from a melodic standpoint.

Club-Level Bass

The production sound is way-bass heavy! I’ve listened to this recording at multiple different volumes and I hate to admit that the recording actually sounds better at mezzo piano (moderately soft) to mezzo forte (moderately loud) than at forte (loud). An overwhelming presence of bass dominates the mix at higher volumes. This mix gives the band a more “live” sound where the bass in obnoxiously cranked up, but a more balanced EQ might allow for the guitars to take a greater presence in the mix.

Melodic Revelation

I also think that it’s extremely difficult to sing Revelational Scripture in a melodic fashion. Greely does a great job, but these aren’t exactly the most “sing-able” songs as a result. Nevertheless, repeated listens garner a greater appreciation. The keyboard plays a supportive role – would be nice to hear more instrumental embellishment on that end but realize that the words are the emphasis here, the music supportive. Still, more playful, colorful and aggressive key and guitar interplay (ala Stratovarius) would have been incredible.

The CD version includes a 2^nd CD with instrumentals and the vinyl was released in limited quantities of 2LP gatefold in Black and Kelly Green versions. I suspect The Tree of Life will end up on many “top” lists for 2022.

Seventh Servant

Roxx Records

Track Listing (CD version):

1. Revelation (4:39)

2. The Almighty One (5:49)

3. Forevermore (7:58)

4. Tree of Life (6:41)

5. Whitestone (7:26)

6. Jezebel (8:39)

7. Open Door (16:03)

8. Dialogismos (2:15)

About Author