German melodic speed metal band, founded in 1989. Similar to Helloween, Iron Savior and Freedom Call.

TALES OF TALES (1996) ATM & BEAT THE RECORD

Yet another band I had heard so many good things about, I wanted to check them out myself. And in a heavy metal store in Germany I found this CD. Christian melodic power metal is not so common, so I had high hopes for this release. But I became very disappointed with it at first. There are some ok songs present, but the production is not top notch. Then add a vocalist that clearly has not got the voice to sing such high notes (why don't they just write vocal-lines that lay a bit lower?), and a thick German accent. I must say that this album collected dust for quite some time. But I've recently taken it off the shelves again to give it another go. And I've grown to get more familiar with the voice and the accent, so now I can sit down and listen to this album in a whole new way. I'm not loving it yet, but I'm not hating it either. Some of the notes this dude is trying to hit are still making me cringe. Worth noticing is the guest appearance of Olaf Hayer (ex-Chrystyne, Lord Byron, Treasure Seeker, Luca Turilli and Dionysus). His background vocals are way better than this bands lead singer! :) Oh, and "Sailing" is a cover of a song made famous by Rod Stewart.

Killer tracks: Tales Of Tales, Time, Pink Elephants

BETWEEN THE WORLDS (2003) MASSACRE

I haven't exactly been the most eager follower of this band, due to the poor impression 'Tales Of Tales' made on me. But when the established metal-label Massacre signed the band, and more and more people told me how good this new album was, I just had to hunt it down. But again, on the first listening I was left unimpressed. The band is totally unoriginal, and simply not that good at writing catchy tunes. They have changed all members, but one, from the last time I heard them. Unfortunately the staying member is the vocalist/guitarist. So after some spins in the car stereo, I was about to toss this album on the shelve, and leave it there. Then it was time for me to write something about it for this site, and I decided to pop it in the player, while I wrote. And I must say I'm much more happy with it now. So the album is filled with German melodic speed metal clichés, and the singer still doesn't host my favorite pipes. But as long as I can sit down and listen to the album, and my head starts to nod along to the music, they must be doin' something right! What I like the most are the riffs, and the harmony guitar-parts. I might just have to invest in their entire back catalogue now.....

Killer tracks: A Step Between The Worlds, Tale Of Forgotten Dreams, Angel's Kiss

ETERNALS (2004) MASSACRE

I actually bought this CD only days after it's release. The reason it didn't end up on this page earlier is that I have had similar problems with it as I had with it's predecessor. On the first spins this also sounded like generic German power/speed metal. And again my main problem was the vocals, and the fact that these guys are not even slightly original. But several spins later, and my opinion is a bit different. Seventh Avenue represents the kind of music I usually totally dig within the secular market. Rage, Grave Digger and Steel Attack are all bands that Seventh Avenue are reminiscent of. And especially the first 2 of those are also famous for hosting 2 very distinctive vocalists you either love or hate. So why do I have such problems with these guys? I'm really not sure. Because listening to this album as I write this, I am liking most of the songs. "Raging Fire" is a very cool power metal anthem, for example. And if you can look past the German accent, and the fact that they aren't the best lyricists (corny lines like "why don't you be an actor in my future tale?" just won't do! lol), you will find a band that loves what they do! And they do bring the message of Truth.

Killer tracks. Eternals, Raging Fire, Juggler Of Words, Infinite King, Domination Of Sin

Herbie Langhans guest appearances:

Kamelot - 'The Black Halo'

Related artists:

Treasure Seeker, Creed