THEM Release ‘Manor of the Se7en Gables’

With an impressive concept that combines the most significant components of US power and thrash metal and songs that focus on lyrics about spooks and horror, Them are one of the most unusual new metal acts. Their debut album “Sweet Hollow” (2016) already more than hinted at the artistic potential of the six-piece. Their successor release “Manor Of The Se7en Gables” sees the group surrounding frontman KK Fossor (ex-Coldsteel) present an album that takes up thematically where its predecessor left off but goes on to explore the stylistic extremes of this musical genre even further. “’Manor Of The Se7en Gables’ sounds harder, darker and technically more sophisticated than ‘Sweet Hollow’,” main songwriter Markus Ullrich sketches the benchmark data of the latest release, adding: “At the same time, fans may be taken by surprise by a number of changes because we have unmistakably continued to evolve as a band during the past two years.” The German guitarist, who was among the founder members of prog metal band Lanfear before joining Them in autumn 2013 and continues to be a member of speed/thrash metal act Septagon and instrumental project A Cosmic Trail, values this evolvement: “I like it when songs also live up to certain technical standards. Luckily, we can easily fulfil those technical standards thanks to this outstanding line-up.”
Ullrich speaks respectfully of his American colleagues KK Fossor, guitarist Markus Johansson (Sylencer, 4ARM) and drummer Angel Cotte (ex-Demolition Hammer), and the German contingent consisting of bassist Alexander Palma and keyboardist Richie Seibel (Lanfear, Ivanhoe). Courtesy of their impressive technical skills, they have as little difficulty mastering the demanding songs on “Manor Of The Se7en Gables” as American bassist Mike Lepond (Symphony X, Ross The Boss), who supported Them during the studio production as a guest musician and – as on Sweet Hollow – put the icing on the cake (or rather the songs) with his musical experience. Not forgetting Paul Sabu (Alice Cooper, David Bowie), who further refined the material as a chorus vocalist.
Talking of which: “I’m really into haunting chorus parts,” explains Ullrich, whose melodic vision has had a lasting effect on “Manor Of The Se7en Gables”: “The new recording is a mix of European and American influences,” he concludes, “and my German roots probably also shine through in some parts.” Such quality features are apparent in particular on the first single ‘Witchfinder,’ with its anthemnic chorus and Queen reminiscences easily the most
catchy number on the album. By contrast, the opener ‘Circuitous’ fires on all (power metal) cylinders, just like the furioso finale ‘Punishment By Fire.’ The ballad ‘Ravna,’ atmospherically embellished with an e-bow, allows “Manor Of The Se7en Gables” a short breather and sounds pretty unusual for Them.
Despite its stylistic diversity, “Manor Of The Se7en Gables” sounds all of a piece. The great homogeneity between music and lyrics is based on the one hand on the charismatic voice of frontman KK Fossor and on the other also on the structured approach of the two main composers Ullrich and Johansson: “We had already decided on the album’s plot when Markus and I started writing the songs,” Ullrich explains. “That’s why we worked in chronological order, composing first the intro and then each track in the scheduled sequence, which allowed us to keep in mind the story line and link the songs where stylistically possible.
In line with the story’s dramaturgy, the album kicks off with tough sounds, takes a number of surprising turns and ends as tough as a real metal album should.”
“Manor Of The Se7en Gables” was mixed by Dave Otero at the Flatline Audio studios in Denver. It’s scheduled for release on 26 October 2018 and will be available on Digi-CD, double LP (Gatefold) and for digital download. The band will then go on to strike on all fronts at the same time. Ullrich: “We played 30 shows to support the release of our debut. Now we’re set to top that number with the new songs.” An ambitious target which definitely seems realistic in view of this fantastic recording.

Line-up:
KK Fossor – vocals
Markus Johansson – guitars
Markus Ullrich – guitars
Angel Cotte – drums
Richie Seibel – keyboards
Alexander Palma – bass

Read our review here.