Sweden’s Seventh Dimension have an interesting, darker prog metal sound. Their latest release “Recognition” has plenty of atmosphere to go along with the outstanding chops needed to execute the songs. The music is expansive and very epic, yet also very tuneful and hooky.

The only issue I have is that I am not sure how much I like Nico Lauritsen’s voice. It’s not that Lauritsen can’t hit the notes because he can. There’s something different about his tone. It’s not overly appealing. In addition,there are times on a few of the songs that a bit more power is needed but is absent from his delivery.

While nothing on “Recognition” is revolutionary, it doesn’t really need to be. The songs are all quite solid especially the longer tracks like “Reading Between the Lines” and “Within Two Minds.” They are able to make longer songs not seem like they are that long. Fans of the old guard of prog metal will find enough on “Recognition” to enjoy.

Rating: 7.5/10

Tracklist:
1. Deception
2. Hand of Fate
3. Third Eye
4. The Raven
5. Paradolia
6. Reading Between the Lines
7. Metanoia
8. Calm Before the Storm
9. Within Two Minds
10. Descending Memories

Bandcamp: seventhdimension.bandcamp.com/album/recognition