Photo by Rob Shotwell
Watch/stream CATEGORY 7’s “Apple Of Discord” HERE.
Today marks the official unveiling of CATEGORY 7’s long anticipated, self-titled debut full-length, out now on Metal Blade Records!
CATEGORY 7 is a heavy metal supergroup featuring the iconic lineup of John Bush (Armored Saint, Anthrax), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob, Sonic Universe, Noturnall), Phil Demmel (Machine Head, Kerry King, Vio-Lence), Jack Gibson (Exodus), and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill). Named in honor of the numerical designation for the most powerful windstorms, the band was forged by a batch of musicians who strived to play music they loved and with bandmates they enjoyed being with. The result is sonically rewarding and lives up to the storied histories of its members. Meticulously structured songs skillfully balance thrash beats, NWOBHM-inspired rhythms, a punk metal attitude, and ferocious dual guitar work ultimately establishing an eclectic musical backdrop for vocalist John Bush’s instantly identifiable vocals.
CATEGORY 7 has already earned considerable praise from Metallica’s James Hetfield who added the band’s “Exhausted” single to the playlist of Metallica’s official podcast, The Metallica Report, Liquid Metal has given the band’s last three singles regular airplay, Aardschok awarded the record “Album Of The Month” accolades, while Decibel Magazine raved, “Supergroups frequently feel forced and sterile while side projects sometimes lack seriousness or depth. CATEGORY 7, in spite of the deck being stacked against them, knocked out a barnstorming ten-song debut that needs no qualifiers. It’s a damn good album regardless if it’s a one-off or whatever happens down the road…”
“It’s all about big verses and big songs, and it has a lot of the elements we’ve explored in our other bands,” notes guitarist and main songwriter Mike Orlando.
“The sound of this band really comes down to the odd connection that all of us have,” adds drummer Jason Bittner. “We’ve known each other for years as friends and peers. And we’ve all looked up to each other and know that one day we’d have to work together. It’s taken almost two decades for that to happen, but lo-and-behold, once it did there was no stopping us.”
In celebration of the record’s release, the band has dropped a video for “Apple Of Discord.”
Comments Bush, “More social commentary. I marvel at how people are willing to make dumb decisions based on others. ‘Apple Of Discord’ questions these strange solidarities. Are you really willing to go down with them? The second verse plays on the willingness to go into the Hoosegow as a result of those choices. Hardheadedness and machismo rounds out the chorus lyrics. With, of course, always a sarcastic wink and a smile.”
Watch CATEGORY 7’s video for “Apple Of Discord” at THIS LOCATION.
Watch CATEGORY 7’s previously released videos for “In Stitches” HERE, “Exhausted” HERE, and “Mousetrap” HERE.
Category 7 was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Mike Orlando at Sonic Stomp Studios with art and layout by Carlos Fides at Artside Studio (Angra, Evergrey, Kamelot). The record is available on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
Storm Surge (US + EU)
Sable Smoke (EU – Ltd. 300)
Find orders at: metalblade.com/category7.
CATEGORY 7 is in the planning stages of extensive worldwide touring in 2025. Stay alert.
“Category 7 has some killer songs – sort of a thrash/modern metal hybrid – but the guitar work is off the charts…. Even if these dudes never record anything else together, with this debut they will have succeeded where many other famous musicians have failed by creating an off-the-cuff album with a brand new lineup that sounds like it was years in the making.” – Decibel Magazine
“…those of us that love to be battered into submission by thunderous heavy metal, the strength and charm of this new five-man force is hard to dispute.” – Blabbermouth
“With the opener ‘In Stitches,’ CATEGORY 7 makes it clear that this is not just any old band project, but a perfectly coordinated ensemble that has brought all its experience to songwriting…. This is, by and large, truly untouchable.” – Powermetal.de
“…here are five great metal musicians challenging themselves and each other to do something different to their usual. And every note on every song radiates that positive energy. It’s the metal equivalent of going to do karate in the garage with your brother. No doubt they’ll be busy with their other bands but CATEGORY 7 have the tunes to match their supergroup status.” – Wall Of Sound
“Putting the super in supergroup, CATEGORY 7 lives up to the hype and blow by it, exceeding expectations with an album that manages to be as good as the sum of its parts. The band whip up a storm, and it makes for one hell of a listen.” – Metal Storm
“The songs are melodic, catchy, and built around the always wonderful vocals of John Bush, (Armored Saint/ex-Anthrax). Around these are arranged a collection of compelling riffs, fiery guitar solos, and impressive drumming… CATEGORY 7 is easy to like if you’ve been raised on ‘90s metal with ‘80s influences thrown in… an enjoyable album that’s full of solid songs.” – Wonderbox Metal
“The debut full-length from the certifiable ‘Supergroup’ plays like a greatest hits from start to finish with Bush’s uncanny delivery playing like the eye of the self-proclaimed CATEGORY 7 and bringing a hard-charging fierceness and anthemic howl to each track as Demmel, Gibson, Bittner, and Orlando swirl around the singer bringing the thunder and lightning sonically.” – Rock and Roll Fables
“With an all-star array of musicians that have played with enough bands to fill a whole review, CATEGORY 7 can easily get that ‘supergroup’ tag. They don’t rest on that label alone on their self-titled debut album, which is thrash metal loaded with some of the best guitar work of the year and an unhinged performance from drummer Jason Bittner.” – Heavy Music HQ
“The album sounds fresh but also familiar. It has elements of NWOBHM, thrash, punk and heavy metal, and lets the talent shine through…Supergroups sometimes flatter to deceive; CATEGORY 7 have now set the standard that all others must follow.” — The Razors Edge Rocks
“…a ferocious blend of power metal, groove, and thrash. Each song is jam-packed with exciting rhythmic pleasure, fills, and riffs. There is so much going on that it sounds like an assault on the ears without being overly indulgent.” – This Day In Metal
CATEGORY 7:
John Bush – vocals
Phil Demmel – guitar
Mike Orlando – guitar
Jack Gibson – bass
Jason Bittner – drums
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