Seven originate from the AOR scene in the late eighties where Polydor records having been fairly successful in the UK with the likes of Magnum and Little Angels, set their sights on Seven, a relatively unknown act that had started life as a successful South African group, reformed to hit the big time in the UK.

Seven toured extensively supporting an eclectic variety of acts that included the likes of Jason Donovan, Richard Marx, The Monkees and Brother Beyond. It’s a time period that Mick Devine is keen to reminisce about, “Even though they were out and out pop gigs, we loved the crowds and the noise. We went from pubs to opening to 3000 screaming fans in Southampton. It is a very addictive adrenaline rush. We got to play all the top venues, which were fantastic; including Wembley Arena, the NEC, BIC, SEC and even the Royal Albert Hall. The Richard Marx tour was definitely the best for us with a more grown up audience we were able to rock it up and truly be ourselves. It went down really well!”

Entering the recording studios, with John Parr at the production helm, they recorded two very strong singles in the shape of “Inside Love” and “Man with A Vision” both of which achieved moderate success in the UK.

In 2014 the original bass player Pat Davey was working alongside Robert Hart on an Escape Music album when the name Seven cropped up in the conversation. It would seem that Khalil Turk was a big fan, as Devine explains, “Yeah, back in the day Khalil had really loved the band and he got in touch to see if we would be interested in finally releasing an album,” without too much convincing the project was born.

The production talents of Lars Chriss (who’s repertoire includes albums with Steve Overland, Chris Ousey, Lugnet and Radioactive 4) were enlisted to produce the band’s debut album called 7, which was released to critical acclaim and was held up as one of the “Albums Of The Year” on many lists.

Seven was born again! Following the success of the first album, a passion was re-kindled within Devine & McFarlane, who began work on new material, and along with the writing talents of Lars Chriss (Lion’s Share, Road II Ruin), Fredrik Bergh (Bloodbound, Rob Moratti, Street Talk), Andy Loos (Lion’s Share, Glory, Chris Ousey), Kay Backlund (Lion’s Share, Niva) and Jeff Paris (Mr. Big, Y&T, Vixen, Radioactive), that passion was given focus and a place to come to life. What they discovered was a well of untapped creativity that had been hidden for far too long and the songs poured out.

Shattered, due for release on September 23rd, is a collection of wonderfully catchy songs that rely on clean and memorable melodies that allow Devine’s distinctive voice to shine through. It was Devine who took the lead in writing the lyrics on this album, matching the intensity and feel of the music to deliver a modern melodic rock album with influences ranging from hints of Foreigner in “A Better Life” and “Broken Dream”, Journey in “High Hopes” and even traces of Magnum in “Light Of 1000 Eyes” and “Last Illusion”.

The lyrical themes are drawn from a depth of life experience and observations and are heartfelt and real. The production talents of Chriss and the lineup of truly great musicians, deliver an album of depth and variation which ranges from driving guitar-led tracks with memorable riffs to melodic anthems, all backed by stunning keys, bass and standout solo’s. It is an album that is a worthy follow-up to the critically acclaimed 7.

This album represents a natural progression for Seven and it features 12 stunning tracks that are laden with great musical performances and soaring vocals, and while being fresh and up to date, they have bite and edge and yet remain melodic and catchy. This is one superb follow up album that will not disappoint.

Seven Shattered tracklisting:

“Light Of 1000 Eyes”
“A Better Life”
“Fight”
“Shattered”
“Live This Life”
“Pieces Of You”
“Broken Dream”
“High Hopes”
“I Needed Time”
“Taking Over”
“Last Illusion”
“World Of Make Believe” (bonus track)

Lineup:

Mick Devine: Vocals
Lars Chriss: Guitars, Drums
Andy Loos: Bass
Fredrik Bergh: Keyboards
Kay Backlund: Keyboards

Produced and mixed by: Lars Chriss
Mastered by: Mike Lind
Executive producer: Khalil Turk