Background:

7 Days Away formed in Indiana in 2006. After getting to know each other and each others music, the band was ready to begin recording their first album. “Stigmata” was the name and ever since the band has been growing and gaining more experience in the music world.

If you recognize the band’s name, that’s because you may have heard their music on the soundtrack to “Punisher Warzone”. The band entered their first single from the album, “Take Me Away”, into a contest that would grant the winner a spot not only in the movie but on the soundtrack as well. After weeks of waiting, 7 Days Away beat over 4000 other bands and was announced the winner of the contest by President of LionsGate music Jay Faires and was given a spot on the soundtrack with bands such as Slipknot, Seether, Slayer and more. 7 Days Away has also been featured on the soundtrack to the movie “Never Surrender” and will be on the upcoming soundtrack for the movie “Wrong Side of Town”.

Here We Go:

In just a few short years, the guys of 7 Days Away have already accomplished more that some bands ever do. They’ve already made a name for themselves by getting on two movie soundtracks, with a 3rd to come. The band is able to do this, plain and simple, because their music rocks.

The opening riff to the first track “I Want You To Know” is absolutely excellent. It is one of the best opening tracks of an album I’ve heard in a long time. The driving beats of the verses merge beautifully with the chorus and the chemistry of this song is just perfect. Track 2 is titled “The Flame”. This song provides a strong example of the creativeness of this band. The opening riff reminded me of a strong southern rock style song and abruptly moves into a thumping, anxious verse that meshes well together to create a cohesive and infectious rock track. “Take Me Away” is track 3 and I shouldn’t have to even say why this song impressed Jay Faires of LionGate. The opening riff and the strong, driving tone of the song demand your attention. I personally haven’t heard the soundtrack to “Punisher Warzone”, however if this song doesn’t stand out on it I would be shocked.

Track 4, “My Time” is probably musically my favorite song on the album. The guitar work is more than just a few chords and rhythms. It’s a instrumental tour de force and if this song doesn’t make you a fan I don’t know what will. I love that the verses have the same basic concept with a different style. It’s shows that this band has what it takes to be a force to be reckoned with. “The Calling” is next on the track list and only compliments everything I’ve been saying about this band even more. 7 Days Away does an amazing job at mixing driving and interesting instrumentation with intense, true rock vocals.

When I evaluate an album (not only for reviews, but for my own personal judgement too), one big thing I look at is the closing track. The first track and all the rest in between can be A++ quality, but if the closing track is terrible it kind of takes away from the experience for me. Thankfully that didn’t happen this time. The last track on the album is called “Final Cry”, and though it is a huge departure from the rest of the album, it’s worth it. The song is the only ballad on the album, but it fits like a glove. This song shows how diverse 7 Days Away can be by showing us their softer side. There is nothing wrong with a hard rock band showing their slower side, and in this case I think it’s great. I personally know many people who just do not like when a hard rock band writes a slow song just for the simple fact that it’s not a harder song. That type of mentality, to me, is asinine. This ballad is the perfect way to end the album as it provides closure to “Stigmata” while we wait for more to come.

Highlights: “The Flame”, “Take Me Away”, “My Time”, “Final Cry”

Final Thoughts:

One thing I touched on briefly in the track by track analysis was instrumentation on this album. They may have only been together since 2006, but it is clearly evident that this band has some experience. The only thing about this album that I didn’t like was that it only had 6 tracks. Before I even completed writing this review, I had already played the album at LEAST 10 times, and every time I reach the end of the album I have an incredible urge to listen to it again. I didn’t know about this band before this review, but now that I’m exposed I’m going to keep a close eye on them because they’re style and song writing ability has just blown me away.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kyle I'm a self taught musician of nearly 20 years and I'm proud to say that music encompasses my life. I'm just a simple guy that loves music and who is constantly searching for new music to feed his musical vices!

7 days away video