VII Gates is a classic metal outfit hailing from Sweden. Their first album 'Fire, Walk with Me' (2004) received a lot of credit. On this second album 'In Hoc Signo Vinces' (In this you will conquer) they explore their style further. Main songwriter of the band is J.J. Rockford (guitar) and I must admit he has done quite a good job (J.J. Rockford has amicably left the band just after recording).
Starting point of the bands style is power metal, they add some classic hard rock elements to some songs such as Uriah Heep-kind of Hammond keys (guest appearance of Tim Diaz) and some classic Rainbow-like melodies. This could probably best be described as the modern version of Rainbow. The more than average singing of Criss 'Blackburn' Elmgrin and the tight rhythm section make the party complete and especially the nice keyboard parts make the songs special.
VII Gates has done a great job, they were able to make quite an original classic power metal album, and that is a great performance in this overcrowded genre.
