'Awaraxid 7mg' is a fabulous album that readers into fat, thunderous riffs and Modern Metal should adore although
Switzerland's November-7 have a somewhat unconventional style when considering the majority of Female-Fronted acts; it has more in common with Lacuna Coil (less Andrea Ferro) and Bad Pollyanna than the familiar output of Epica, Within Temptation, Nightwish or Delain. They pump out a brand of Industrial Modern Metal that is fuelled by hefty progressions, pounding rhythms, techno/synth segments and strong melodic vocals.
Two years on from their debut 'Season 3' N7 return with 'Awarxaid 7mg'; an album with a whole concept behind it. The title refers to a drug that can bring back childhood dreams and helps an individual re-discover them, but that person is unable to forget their dreams and return back to their previous life. The band have even gone to the extent of filming video excerpts to back up this concept.
'Acid Rain' is built upon a Funky, futuristic bass-line/sample and a colossal progression that's deeper than the Marianas Trench and culminates in a repeating choral line from Annamaria Cozza. The guitar in 'Pieces Of Me' flits between high pitched echoes in the verse and solo to a riff fatter than a beach load of walruses in the chorus (which is pretty catchy too) and the bridge.
The axe work in Tug Of 'War' 'Black Veil' and 'In Denial' hasn't exactly gone to Weight Watchers either. 'Tug...' sees a churning riff underneath synth and samples and a spirited chorus progression, '...Veil' has more of constant grumble leading to a stomping chorus and bridge with a cool Hammond sounding sample whereas '...Denial' relies on a dirty grinding riff, techno samples and a chorus of forceful wails from Cozza. There are more Funky rhythms in 'I'm Alive' where the bass and drums thump as the guitar whines over top. Cozza's choral melody has some lovely echoes and you simply have to hear the ripping breakdown during the bridge and songs end.
Aside from 'Acid...' my other highlights would have to be 'Another Day' and the excellent 'Your Turn'. '...Day' has some thick synth, more groovy bass, a driving progression and a memorable chorus while '...Turn' is my favourite track with its melodic stripped back verse and the most infectious chorus on the album with an infectious "eenie meenie miney mo" repeating vocal line. The album closes with the only main ballad in 'Black And White'.
'Awaraxid 7mg' is a fabulous album that readers into fat, thunderous riffs and Modern Metal should adore although I appreciate that it may not resonate as strongly with those with tastes lean heavily towards AOR. It's even better than their attention grabbing debut and should see November-7 continue to rise through the Female-Fronted ranks. "Energizing Metal Therapy"...it's certainly just what the doctor ordered.
Dave Scott
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