Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seventh Calling built a name for themselves through Midwest tour dates and their 2007 album 'Monuments' on Melissa Records. In 2008 the core of the band, Steve Handel and guitarist Alex Ritchey relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada to team up with Avenger of Blood drummer Shannon Frye to complete the 'Prelude to Madness' EP, issued late 2009 by Heaven and Hell Records. With the addition of Marc Flores, also of Avenger of Blood, on bass a new line-up was completed, and writing and recording of a second album was begun.

PRELUDE TO MADNESS (EP) (2009) HEAVEN AND HELL RECORDS

Behind a generic band name hides an upcoming American power metal and. 'Prelude To Madness' is a 3 track EP, debuting the new line-up of the relocated Seventh Calling.

Seventh Calling is a traditional power metal band. That is to say that they musically lie somewhere between classic heavy metal and thrash metal. This should lead your mind towards pummeling double bass drumming, galloping riffs and rough vocals. Personally I hear a lot of early Metal Church and Vicious Rumors in their music. Steve Handel certainly reminds me of the late greats, David Wayne and Carl Albert (R.I.P.). However, Seventh Calling doesn't only dwell in the past. So they can just as easily be compared to newer acts, such as Cage and Outworld. This all boils down to some powerful music. I only wish the production was a bit cleaner, as the overall sound is a bit muddy. Still, the songwriting here is promising, and especially the drum work is spectacular. "Lost" is my favorite track, but all 3 tracks on the EP leaves me wanting more. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Seventh Calling.