Winnie Versmissen : lead vocals
Sam Oerlemans : guitar
Jasper Van Tilburgh : bass
Tony Lemmens : keyboards
Martial Bonnetain : drums

We Belgians are often labelled as modest. We have a sense of perspective that is slowly becoming legendary. If I shout from the rooftops that Flanders has been blessed with an outstanding new progband, then there will probably be some scornful reactions. But I don’t mind because BELGIUM HAS EFFECTIVELY BEEN BLESSED WITH AN OUTSTANDING NEW PROGBAND. Let’s get back down to earth. Here’s a small explanation that will bring 7^th Circle closer to you.

From a musical point of view, the band lays in a zone somewhere between prog rock, prog metal and gothic. Their influences have been bands such as Pain Of Salvation, Dream Theater, Vandenplas and Opeth. Bands like Within Temptation also played a role in the evolution of 7^th Circle.

The three songs on this mini album are skilfully assembled and almost perfectly balanced, whereby the equilibrium between the quieter moments and the somewhat heavier parts has been harmoniously developed. The vocals of Winnie Versmissen are excellent (sensual yet very decisive), the lush guitar sound of Sam Oerlemans sounds both melodic and powerful. 

The discrete keyboard work of Tony Lemmens is sober but very functional. The rhythm section  (Jasper Van Tilburgh on bass and Martial Bonnetain on drums), traditionally the backbone of the band, takes care of the necessary punch and power.

The opening track, ‘Unsummon’, would appeal to the average alternative music station listener or a Within Temptation fan. There’s a great deal of care given to the arrangements as well as the melodies and these highly competent musicians play as a tightly bonded team.

The same goes for ‘Jade’. Beautiful construction, catchy chorus and lush, yet subtle, sound. 

‘Transience’, a more threatening and complex piece of work, contains more prominent metal influences, yet, it never turns into in a ‘wall of sound’. This song seems to be like puddy in the hands of guitarist Sam Oerlemans, who is clearly very comfortable with this kind of music.

‘Unsummon’ was recorded in a home studio and that’s surprising because the sound quality is excellent. The instruments and vocals are nicely balanced, and again, the band shines as a tightly knit group. Let’s add all this up: you’ve got 5 excellent musicians, 3 beautiful songs and a great production…. a very positive result.

Take note and draw a big circle around 7^th Circle, then start practising the Belgian national anthem: like Mindgames, we have another outstanding export product…what a luxury!