Photo by Holly Pittman
Heavy Blog Is Heavy is currently streaming “Seven Seas” from West Virginia-based heavy rock instrumentalists SEVEN PLANETS. The track comes off the band’s forthcoming full-length, Explorer, set for release next month via Small Stone Records
Issues Heavy Blog Is Heavy of the track, “This track actually immediately reminded me of The Bakerton Group, an underrated Clutch side-project which deals in this kind of dreamy, crunchy instrumental stoner rock. Just like them, SEVEN PLANETS finds their strength in the lilting, melodic iterations of the track and the beautiful way in which dual guitar tracks, a thick bass line, and great drums interact. That bass line becomes extra important by the middle of the track when, after a short but prominent sojourn alongside the guitars, it rises to take center stage and work with the drums to create an irresistible, evocative groove. All of these elements come together to create a track that’s more than just cool tones but has a story to tell and atmosphere to set, much like the album as a whole.”
Adds the band, “‘Seven Seas’ is like the soundtrack of a creaky old ship that sets sail on calm, dark waters then plows through a few storms along the way.”
Stream SEVEN PLANETS’ “Seven Seas,” courtesy of Heavy Blog Is Heavy, at THIS LOCATION.
Explorer will be released on CD, digital, and limited-edition vinyl formats (available in two color variants: 200 green marble and 300 purple) on February 7th, 2020. For preorders and to stream opening track “Vanguard,” visit the Small Stone Bandcamp page at THIS LOCATION. Fans of Clutch, Brant Bjork, and Monster Magnet pay heed.
Drawing on classic metal, heavy boogie, and blues rock, SEVEN PLANETS formed in 2007 and consists of guitarists Leonard Hanks and Jim Way, bassist Mike Williams, and drummer Ben Pitt, all of whom have played in bands together in different configurations for over twenty-five years. Its groove-anchored sound has drawn comparisons to Brant Bjork and Clutch-offshoot The Bakerton Group with The Obelisk noting, “the instrumental chemistry and stylistic foundation… fuse the varying sides of their sound into a cohesive funky, heavy psychedelic whole, entirely their own.”
Written and recorded over a period of personal difficulties and individual strife for the four band members, Explorer captures a sense of escapist freedom in its deep grooves, burly riffs, and expansive atmosphere, which further illustrates what Heavy Planet stated in its review of the band’s self-titled 2012 LP, “SEVEN PLANETS take you on an amazing journey into another cosmic dimension.”
Explorer features artwork by renowned German illustrator Alexander von Wieding (Monster Magnet, Brant Bjork, Karma To Burn, etc.), giving further representation to the idea of escape with a spacebound retro-style rocket headed to the unknown. Exploration in the truest sense.
http://www.sevenplanetsband.com
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http://twitter.com/SevenPlanets1
http://www.smallstone.com
http://www.facebook.com/smallstonerecords
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http://www.smallstone.bandcamp.com