I, THE BETRAYER is a Heavy Metal band from Oslo, Norway. Formed in 2014, the band presents their debut EP, "7," set for release in June 2017. From the band's Facebook page, they cite the following bands as influences: METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, BLIND GUARDIAN, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, OPETH, and CANNIBAL CORPSE. "7" has seven tracks, as the title suggests. "Boaster" beckons back to a time that many of their influences existed. It's a mid-tempo song, driven by an open note riff and vocals that vary between singing and screaming. "Conformity" opens slowly, with hushed tones. The sound reminds me of something you might have heard from the "Load" album by Metallica...somewhere in the bridge between Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. "Creatures Of Hate" is a nod to the malevolent nature of people in general, as singer Wilborg states "dragging a trail of filth in our footsteps," and "constant smoke from the barrels of guns." It's a pretty spot-on commentary on the nature of things these days, and an original way to get this message across with the music.

"Credulity" speeds things up a bit, with a BLACK SABBATH sounding riff, and a rhythm like "Fairies Wear Boots, or even "Symptom of the Universe." It's a dark and brooding song that uses various vocal approaches. "Humanity" opens with fuzzy bass and guitar notes that ring in the air, like bells announcing the coming of something unwelcomed. It's a lamenting song that showcases some of the more emotional side of the EP. The "Hidden Track," "Ignorance, Part One" was very short, and I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. "Selfless Ride" closes the album, with a faster pace. Some of the vocal notes just do not match the key of the riffs. It's an odd connection that I could not quite get past. What I hear mostly from this EP is an ode to the bands influences, but not a lot of the band's personality itself. Some tracks were hard and straightforward and others softer and more introspective, which was a nice mix. Bear in mind that this is their first effort as well, and I think there is room for them to build on their style.