VII GATES come from Sweden, a country that is traditionally a Metal music well spring with many significant additions in the scene. It seems that the Scandinavian countries have Metal in their DNA helix and keep producing high quality music with an impressive constant rate.
So, taking into account the band's ancestry and the fact that this album is released through Lion Music records then only good things can expect after placing In Hoc Signo Vinces in the CD player.
The bio sheet says that VII GATES fall in the Power Metal category but as soon as Answer To You, Heart (Stranger In The Dark) enters it becomes clear that this description is so inadequate that turns into misleading. Ok, the distinct guitar riff and the groovy rhythm point to the 'Power Metal' label the prominent keyboards come to add depth and character to band's music signature. ROYAL HUNT come to mind besides the very nice melodic keyboard lines that lean towards the Hard Rock territory adding to Power Metal another dimension. The almost Jazz piano feeling in Cat Eyes reveals the band's strong composing potentials introducing a catchy foot tapping main melody. Criss Blackburn has the perfect voice for this genre with powerful high and compact mid range pitches. The production carries the Swedish arena Hard Rock identity with solid bass guitar and drum sound and addictive double guitar harmonies. The impressive nine minutes of Immortal (Hymn To The Prison Guard) carry the whole VII GATES package with minor orchestrations, almost DEEP PURPLE keyboards, a hearty Epic atmosphere and high pitch vocals that remind of Wade Black's performance in the CRIMSON GLORY's Astronomica album from 1999.
Without question I can say that I enjoyed listening to In Hoc Signo Vinces (that stands for in this you will conquer) that turned to be more interesting than the Power Metal tag implied. The compositions have depth with nice keyboard additions, distinct riffs, guitar solos and the joyful Swedish Hard Rock backbone. After some additional CD spins the album will reveal its full potentials underlining the fact that Lion Music's management did a clever choice to enlist VII GATES in their lineup. If classic Metal is your cup of tea and you have a thing for Power Metal structure then include this album in your wish list.
P.S.: Below you can watch the promo video for The Savior from theFire, Walk With Me album.