Review by Peter Finn for MPM
Seven Sisters were formed in West London in 2014. A traditional heavy metal band with a backbone of NWOBHM adding genre crossing elements of power metal, speed metal, progressive rock and AOR.
The result delivers melodic, twin lead guitar driven heavy metal, that mixes some ’80s influences with progressive structures and fluid innovation. Seven Sisters consist of Kyle McNeill (guitar/vocals/synthesizers), Graeme Farmer (guitars), Gaz Martin (bass) and Sammy Christou (drums).
‘Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt.2’ is Seven Sisters’ fourth full length studio album, beginning with their self-titled debut in 2016, to this one’s predecessor ‘Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt.1’ released during 2021. This record marks the successful conclusion of their ambitious sci-fi concept, spanning two albums and taking 5-years to make them. Apparently, the second Death Star only took 4-years to build, and we know what a blast that was. ‘Shadow of a Fallen Star Pt. 2’, was released on 28 March 2025 via Dissonance Productions.
Don’t be misled, this is not an EP although it contains just 4-tracks, their combined running time is over 38 minutes, including a Maiden-esque epic of 20:33.
The album opens with ‘Astral Prophecies’, brought in with calm acoustic strumming, before blasting off with a Dragonforce style riff propelling us straight into Hyper-space. The twin lead guitars are entwined throughout, as Christou double-taps and thrashes the skins. Clever tempo changes are linked by Kyle McNeill’s clear and sharp vocal as he tells the story. A melodic and proggy mid-section allows the traveller to enjoy the journey, before we come hurtling back to the ground to a backdrop of ferocious beats and racing riffs.
‘Solar Winds’ by contrast has a steady classic rock sound with even beats and chugging guitar riffs. This immediately demonstrates the band’s fine musical talents, showing their ability to mix up the styles, and do it well. The harmonized guitars work in conjunction with the marching beat of Martin and Christou, giving a respectful nod to the influence of those 80’s rock bands. It includes plenty of chanted backing vocals, which will have the fists punching the air at a live show.
The pace returns with ‘Heart Of The Sun’, a soaring guitar lick and quick drum beat, McNeill’s narrative is precise and direct. The track induces toe-tapping and unconscious head nodding. The squealing solo is classic power rock. This song is all focused on the lyrics, listen and enjoy as the chronicle continues.
The final track is the epic ‘Andromeda Descending (A Fallen Star Rises)’, it fills one side of vinyl, and is the big sister of ‘Andromeda Rising’ the opening track from the previous album. A scratchy guitar riff and a drum volley grabs the attention, the overlapping textures of sound is impressive. A charging heavy bass beat and McNeill’s quick lyrics propel us into the track, in places it’s hard to believe that Seven Sisters comprises of only four members.
The track arrives at a calming section where gentle strumming sits next to a soaring futuristic sounding guitar melody, adding to the atmosphere the rhythm section bring seismic beats.
The tempo then increases with a classic rock riff and beat, as McNeill continues the story, the pace intensifies as the band switch to a power/speed metal sound. The velocity recedes as we return to that classic sound Seven Sisters play so well. The band carefully brings us back safely in a controlled and measured splash landing, as we conclude our journey together.
Seven Sisters’ ‘Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt.2’, was my first experience of the band, and they have whetted my appetite to go searching for their back catalogue. In places the album reminded me of a couple of legendary recordings firstly, Queen’s ‘Flash Gordon Soundtrack’ with their sci-fi compositions and secondly, Iron Maiden’s ‘Seventh Son of a Seventh Son’ for their themed story-telling to a rampaging background. Whether you listen to ‘Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt.2’ as a follow up to its forerunner or as a stand-alone recording you are in for one hell of a ride.
Pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/se…
Seven Sisters:
Facebook: / sevensistersheavymetal
Instagram: / sevensistersheavymetal
