Seventh Wonder

Seventh Wonder is a Swedish progressive metal band from Stockholm. It forms in 2000 after the breakup of Mankind, when drummer Johnny Sandin, bassist Andreas Blomqvist and guitarist Johan Liefvendahl stay together and begin writing and rehearsing as a new group. Its line-up later includes keyboard player Andreas Söderin, and the band’s membership also includes vocalists Roman Karpovich, Andi Kravljaca and Tommy Karevik, with Stefan Norgren on drums.

Formation and early releases

The band develops its material through rehearsal-room writing, with the music moving towards heavier and more progressive styles. In December 2000, Andreas Söderin joins after attending a rehearsal with a mutual friend. Seventh Wonder records a self-titled four-track demo in 2001 with Roman Karpovich on vocals, and the release receives positive press. It also helps the band begin playing live, including an opening slot for Pain in 2002.

After further vocalist searches, Andi Kravljaca joins and sings on the four-track demo Temple In The Storm. That recording receives strong reviews internationally and places Seventh Wonder fourth among unsigned acts in a Dutch magazine in 2003. The demo also leads to interest from several record labels.

Recording and label history

Seventh Wonder signs to Finland’s Lion Music and records its debut album Become at Sheepvalley Studios in late 2004, with mastering completed at Tailor Maid Studios. The album leads to a subsequent management deal with Danish Intromental Management in 2005.

In 2005, Tommy Karevik becomes the group’s singer after trying out with material from the band and from his work with Vindictiv. He records three Seventh Wonder songs in one take during a session that confirms his place in the band. The group then records Waiting In The Wings in early 2006 at Sound vs Science Studio with Daniel Flores engineering, and the album is mixed by Tommy Hansen.

Musical style

The band’s sound combines power metal and progressive metal, with early rehearsals pushing the music towards heavier and more complex songwriting. Its line-up in later listing includes Johan Liefvendahl on guitar, Andreas Blomqvist on bass, Tommy Karevik on vocals, Andreas Söderin on keyboards and Stefan Norgren on drums.