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Seventh Crystal: Wonderland

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 07.03.2023 | Released: 10.03.2023

Wonderland marks the return of Swedish band Seventh Crystal, formed by vocalist Kristian Fyhr. Since the release of their debut album, Delirium, Fyhr has been busy. Also the singer for Perpetual Etude, they dropped their debut, Now Is The Time, five months later that same year. If he didn't have enough on his plate, Fyhr was then tapped by Frontiers Music as a songwriter for label projects.

Seventh Crystal

He would establish a second band project, Ginevra (also featuring guitar wizard Magnus Karlsson), which released their debut, We Belong To The Stars, last September. A slight departure from Seventh Crystal, Ginevra tunes turn more upon melodic metal rock. However, all this demonstrates that Fyhr is a versatile songwriter and vocalist.

So then, with Wonderland, we find Fyhr and crew returning to the ways of AOR melodic hard rock. Much the sequel to Delirium, this album features songs that remind of the classic arena rock made famous in the late Seventies through the Eighties. Fyhr's song composition is long on song melody and harmony, essentially revolving around his vocal skills which are exceptional and soaring. Perhaps what makes Fyhr's vocals so impressive is not just his versatility but his musical articulation. He's melodic with clarity in his elocution. Moreover and also, these songs are packed to the brim with twin guitar harmony and epic solos, rock groove from the rhythm section, synth embellishment, and punchy refrains.

Speaking to some songs, it's somewhat of a cliché but with Wonderland, there's not a runt in the litter. This is solid stuff which, again, speaks to Fyhr's skill songwriting. If you can't find some favorites here, then listen again. My highlights include Rodeo, Hollow, and Next Generation, which has a strong pop sensibility. However, the song that displays Fyhr best vocal moment is Higher Ground which, also, has some modern pop rock accessibility. A solid ballad comes with In The Mirror, and Fyhr's soaring voice above piano. Alternatively, My Own Way is a straight up spirited hard rock song.

All said, Seventh Crystal's Wonderland is another solid album of AOR melodic hard rock thanks to Kristian Fyhr's talented songwriting and exceptional vocal skills. Very recommended.

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Seventh Crystal's Wonderland is another solid album of AOR melodic hard rock thanks to Kristian Fyhr's talented songwriting and exceptional vocal skills. Very recommended.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]

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