Apokrypha (ex- To The Seven) present their debut full length album. 'To the Seven' tells a tale of a new world order. Is there life after apocalypse?

I do not know, but there's definitely life after To The Seven the band! Some of these ten songs originate from To The Seven era already and it can be heard. Basically Apokrypha's metal is thrash, spiced up with black (especially Swedish black/death metal style). Take cold, inhuman thrash of Kreator's 'Outcast' (1997) and present those apocalyptic feelings with energy and speed. Where as 'Outcast' was too tame a beast, 'To the Seven' slaughters. There's a lot of blast beat, even too much for my liking, and fine black metal whirlwind riffing, often accompanied by non-distorted guitars. There could be more variety during this 46 minutes, since it's a bit too easy to confuse what part was in which song, at first listens at least. This really started to show its nuances after three or so listens, so give this time.

What this isn't worth of is praising the sound. It's all too trebly. Playing is good and tight, but I believe Apokrypha are capable of inflicting more damage. 'To the Seven' would have needed more low end, surely, but it's not ruined. I think this is the main reason why the blast beat doesn't work too well. The story is growled viciously using higher register and it sounds great.

A good debut album bordering on great, thanks to some fantastic songs. Some other songs feel a bit filler. 'To the Seven' should be investigated by those who enjoy German thrash metal with darker aura. I am sure I'm going to buy this one (I kind of hate these promos, they leave me cold, since it's the whole package I want to experience) and am waiting more from Apokrypha.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
08/11/2004 17:37