By: M.J. Brady
top 10 of 2001 for my list for sure. This CD encapsulates the very meaning of progressive and fusion in the context of one band. A four piece from Germany, this is a band that can do it all, melody, proficiency, technicality, complexity, compositional savvy, engineering excellence, it's all here. Fronted by the incredible guitar stylings of Wolfgang Zenk, who I became familiar with on the two Sieges Even CDs - Sophisticated & Uneven, it was these CDs that gave SE a new, fresh fusion rich approach that was far different from the technical metal outings on earlier CDs. And after hearing this 7 For 4 CD, I now know why, as Zenk leads this band through nine songs of fusion bliss. This is not the type of fusion music that has the smooth jazz-like melodious grooves, nor is it of the ambiguous jazz improvs of Tribal Tech, and bands that have followed their niche. 7 For 4 are truely an original band, this music gives me the same vibe I had gotten the first time I heard Romantic Warrior, by Return to Forever, not to say these bands have anything in common other than the fact they are both highly talented musicians, playing highly technical and beautiful instrumental music that is of their own design. but the music is as different as day and night. Zenk's grasp for melodic concepts that coincide with the ever changing counter rhythmic settings are very memorable. The many tones and styles he evokes from his guitar are those of the very few truely unique virtuosos, he has mastered and incorporated everything from classical, jazz, metal, rock, and many in between into the 7 For 4 repertoire. Granted the music is largely centered around Zenk's guitar, but this is in no way to be considered a guitarists album. Most every song is a composition for a four piece ensemble, careful listens will reveal some of the most tight knit group playing since the Dregs. As I have made references above to the bands who 7 for 4 DON'T sound like, I am hard pressed to find any that do. If you have heard Sieges Even - Sophisticated, you would have to imagine them without a singer during this era, with a funkier bassist, and a dominant keyboardist, mixed in with what Virgil Donati was doing with his band On the Virg, this is music for those who enjoy over the top technical and heavier sounding fusion, that even adds certain amounts of metal sounding guitars, and incredible musicianship. Well worth finding.
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