It is not often in today's metal climate that ingenuity rules the day. Surely talent still exists but for the more acutely discerning music fan, the status-quo is usually quite tasteless. Although it can be enticing for an artist to merely imitate another (entire careers can be rooted in such a concept ), Seattle’s 7 Horns 7 Eyes has never been interested in trends. Despite the challenge of forging a distinctive musical identity, they haven’t been arduously obsessed over how to stand out. The solution, as the band has demonstrated, lies in an understanding and appreciation for music at a level much deeper than genre. It goes without saying that 7H7E can be categorized as metal, but the culmination of their songwriting is the product of a wide range of musical inspiration, as is characteristic of every artist who has stood the test of time. Factor in a high standard of natural creative sensibility, a healthy academic knowledge of music & rhythm and a steadfast desire to invest serious time and effort into their craft and it becomes evident that 7 Horns 7 Eyes is a band set to flourish. The Seattle quintet brings a fresh sound to a genre that many would argue has gotten stale. Rich with atmosphere, technical proficiency and tasteful restraint, the result is heavy, epic, dense and emotive creating a truly artistic listening experience. Throes of Absolution, the band’s debut album, was produced and mixed by 7H7E’s guitarist, Aaron Smith at his own Envisage Audio studio. Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth) mastered the outing while Travis Smith (Nevermore, Katatonia) crafted the artwork.

Formed in 2006, the band had self released an EP and played throughout the upper Northwest gaining a loyal following. In 2009 they were one of the hand-picked collection of bands invited to play on Demon Hunter’s “Huntour” further building their buzz. Smith’s producing talents had started to spread throughout Seattle as well, attracting the attention of Nevermore guitarist, Jeff Loomis. Loomis began working with Smith on various projects and passed some of the band’s newest material to his contact at Century Media Records. Struck by the originality and proficiency of the songs, Century Media soon signed the band and got them working on their debut album.

2011 will not only see the dawning of Throes of Absolution but also promises much touring and exposure to a wider range of markets than the average metal band is typically able to attract. Today's metal climate may indeed be in need of more ingenuity, but the truth is that for those who know where to look, there are still respectable bands who write music that's worth listening to. 7 Horns 7 Eyes one of those bands.