Seventh Power

"While guitarist Bill Menchen is best known for his work with Final Axe, Titanic and Rev Seven, a legitimate case can be made that the 2006 self-titled debut of his new band The Seventh Power represents his finest offering to date. Moving in a straightforward heavy metal direction but reflecting the influence of power metal and even doom, The Seventh Power finds Menchen really stretching in the songwriting department and pushing the creativity levels to the limit. The end result is a very consistent endeavor – again, you can tell that Menchen put a great deal of time, thought and effort into the songwriting process – that is certain to appeal to fans of Saint, Armageddon, Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Barren Cross and post Weapons… era Deliverance. Catchy hooks abound, best showcased on Final Axe style hard rockers such as "Christ Died", "Far From Fear" and "Heaven's Gate" in addition to the symphonic power metal touches found on "Enthroned" & "Eyes In Skies". The instrumental "Seven Golden Lampstands" and the experimental "Ocean Of Emotion" add to the albums diversity and stand alongside two of its better numbers in the doom-like "Possessor Of You" and the non-stop energy of "The Power".
Unlike his previous efforts with Final Axe and Titanic, which were fronted by Keith Miles, Menchen handles lead vocal duties here and delivers a very fine performance with an even sounding mid-octave range vocal style that occasionally hints at Ozzy. As a guitarist, however, he takes the opportunity to turn the album into his own personal shred-fest. And that is a very good thing! "Christ Died" showcases a more fiery side to his playing, while he cuts loose in distorted fashion at the end of "Enthroned" and "Eyes In The Skies". The lead guitar work gracing "Heaven's Gate" and "Human Sacrifice", on the other hand, reflects a more blues based feel. Menchen has also brought in a very talented rhythm section in drummer Robert Sweet (Stryper) and long term Final Axe bassist Rod Reasner. Sweet has been quite the hired gun as of late, contributing his timekeeping skills to Dbeality's Self-Titled debut in addition Final Axe's The Axe Of The Apostles. On The Seventh Power, nevertheless, he puts forth his trademark tight as a nail performance and effectively anchors the albums low end with the steady presence of Reasner."
~ Angelic Warlord

Lineup

Bill Menchen – Vocals/Guitars
Rod Reasner – Bass
Robert Sweet – Drums