Years behind the scenes in the making, we have an Italian supergroup conceived by Skeletoon leader/singer Tomi Fooler in The 7th Guild. The trio of vocalists contains Giacomo Voli (Rhapsody of Fire) and Ivan Giannini (ex-Vision Divine, Derdian) – while the supporting cast of musicians includes members of Gamma Ray, DGM, Freedom Call, and Ancient Bards. Expect an operatic brand of power metal with symphonic to bombastic overtones through the nine tracks on this debut album Triumviro – soaring melodies along with uplifting musical components that align well with those into early Angra, Sonata Arctica as well as Avantasia.
The triad vocal approach allows for dynamic contrast in its multi-octave configuration – often serving up some exhilarating choir/harmony work in songs like their namesake “The 7th Guild” or the dramatic, Italian-language driven “La Promessa Cremisi”. All the acrobatics would be for naught if the music couldn’t rise to the occasion. Fortunately the guitar work of Simone Mularoni along with the impressive keyboard/orchestration output of Alessio Lucatti and Daniele Mazza creates this heightened atmosphere on the Rhapsody Of Fire-like “In Nomine Patris” all the way through to a more mid-tempo epic anthem such as “Guardians of Eternity” that entices deeper dives into the key hook components. A record of this nature wouldn’t be complete without the stirring ballad that leans on the theatrical side of things – that’s what you’ll get and more through “Fairy Tale”, between the softer, tranquil piano parts that evoke cultural/folk feelings and quieter opening vocals, all the way through to upper register melodies next to heroic guitar action as bells chime in the background. The Three Tenors-oriented approach transformed to a symphonic power metal platform pays huge dividends, as the songwriting conveys the right mix of speedier affairs and thoughtful anthems that captivate song to song, clocking in under 50 minutes.
If you love European power metal set to a more Avantasia-like landscape, The 7th Guild could check all those aural boxes you’ve wanted through Triumviro. It will be interesting to hear where these musicians take things as time allows due to commitments with their main bands – as there’s plenty of potential creative elements to explore in this exciting framework.