Seven Sisters | Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt. 2 | Dissonance Productions

 

 Seven Sisters is a British heavy metal band based in London, active since the early 2010s. Known for their traditional metal influences blended with progressive leanings and melodic sensibilities, the band has steadily grown in stature across Europe and North America. Fronted by Kyle McNeill, also known for his solo project Phantom Spell, the band has built a dedicated following through persistent touring and a reputation for conceptual storytelling. Their third full-length album, “Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt. 1” (2021), established a sci-fi narrative arc that continues and concludes with “Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt. 2” in 2025.

“Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt. 2” expands on the musical and narrative ideas Seven Sisters introduced in its predecessor. Comprised of just four tracks, the album unfolds over 40 minutes and leans confidently into long-form songwriting. The production is handled in-house, with Kyle McNeill taking on the bulk of recording and mixing duties. His approach favors clarity and atmosphere, giving the album a sense of consistency and focus without excess. The band moves through classic heavy metal patterns with occasional diversions into extended instrumental passages, space-themed synth flourishes, and layered harmonies.

The opening track, “Astral Prophecies”, sets the tone with its steady pacing and melodic hooks, while “Solar Winds” provides a shorter, more immediate experience. “Heart Of The Sun”, likely chosen as a single for its structure and drive, anchors the first half with momentum. The final track, “Andromeda Ascending (A Fallen Star Rises)”, stretches beyond twenty minutes and ties together the conceptual narrative, balancing grandeur and restraint. The transitions are smooth, and the changes in mood feel deliberate rather than forced. Rather than overcomplicating the structure, Seven Sisters allows sections to breathe without sounding indulgent.

The album avoids excess gloss or unnecessary detours. Its strength lies in cohesion and a firm grasp of tone, favoring gradual build-ups and strong melodic direction over flash. The lyrical themes remain consistent with the sci-fi universe the band has created, and the atmosphere complements the story’s scope.

“Shadow Of A Fallen Star Pt. 2” does not stray far from the band’s established sound but refines it with greater confidence. It balances ambition with accessibility and avoids distractions in favor of clear thematic closure. Seven Sisters maintain their upward trajectory, offering a work that should satisfy listeners who value narrative-driven metal delivered with purpose.

Score: 8.0