Exploring the Depths of Seven Hours After Violet: A New Chapter for Shavo Odadjian
In the vast and diverse landscape of contemporary metal music, few figures have managed to carve out a niche as distinctive as Shavo Odadjian, best known for his role as the bassist in the iconic band System of a Down. Over the past two decades, Odadjian has not only cemented his status within the annals of rock history but has also ventured into a multitude of experimental projects that showcase his versatility and relentless drive for innovation. Despite the stagnation of System of a Down in terms of new releases, Odadjian’s creative spirit has thrived through ventures like Achozen, an eclectic fusion of experimental hip-hop, and North Kingsley, a project characterized by its dark trap atmospherics. These endeavors, while successful in their own right, bore little resemblance to the heavy, intense sound that defined his early career. However, with the release of ‘Seven Hours After Violet,’ Odadjian returns to his roots, delivering what is arguably the heaviest music of his career.
‘Seven Hours After Violet’ marks a significant departure from Odadjian’s previous projects, both in style and substance. This album is not merely a nostalgic nod to his past but a bold reimagining of heavy metal’s potential in the modern era. The band assembled for this ambitious debut includes a cadre of talented musicians: guitarist Michael Montoya, drummer Josh Johnson, multi-instrumentalist Alejandro Aranda, and the formidable vocalist Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer. Together, they craft a sound that is at once familiar and refreshingly novel, drawing from a wide array of influences ranging from metalcore and deathcore to alternative rock and industrial electronics. The result is a tight, fast-paced collection of songs that not only pays homage to the genre’s rich history but also pushes its boundaries in exciting new directions.
The media spotlight often gravitates towards Odadjian, given his storied career and high-profile associations. However, ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ is very much a collaborative effort, with each member bringing their unique talents and perspectives to the table. Taylor Barber, in particular, emerges as a standout presence throughout the album, his vocal range and dynamic delivery adding depth and texture to the band’s already robust sound. Odadjian himself has lauded Barber’s abilities, noting his diverse approach to heavy vocals as a key factor in the band’s distinctive musical identity. This unity and shared vision are evident in every track, as the band seamlessly weaves together elements of different subgenres to create a cohesive and compelling sonic tapestry.
Despite the album’s heavy and aggressive nature, it remains accessible to a broad audience, avoiding the pitfalls of overt commercialism while still appealing to fans of various musical backgrounds. Tracks like ‘Paradise’ and ‘Radiance’ exemplify this balance, blending juddering tech-metal grooves with haunting melodies and intricate arrangements. Barber’s vocals oscillate between delicate falsetto highs and guttural screams, providing a dynamic contrast that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. While some critics have noted that certain sections of the album feel like filler, the overall quality of the songwriting and performance more than compensates for any perceived shortcomings.
One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ is its ability to defy easy categorization. While the band could be labeled as an ‘alt-metal’ outfit, their music transcends simple genre classifications, incorporating a myriad of influences and styles into a singular, cohesive sound. This hybrid approach is both a strength and a challenge, as it allows the band to explore a wide range of musical ideas while also risking alienating listeners who prefer more straightforward, traditional metal fare. Nevertheless, this willingness to experiment and push boundaries is precisely what makes ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ such a compelling listen, offering something new and unexpected with each subsequent playthrough.
The album’s production and execution reflect the band’s ambition to become ‘metal’s next big supergroup,’ a goal that is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the powerful hooks that populate each track. However, achieving this status requires more than just technical proficiency and star power; it demands a distinct personality and identity that sets the band apart from their peers. While ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ showcases immense potential and creativity, some critics have argued that the band has yet to fully realize this potential, with certain tracks lacking the impact and staying power necessary to elevate them to the upper echelons of the metal world.
In many ways, ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ represents a new chapter for Shavo Odadjian, one that allows him to explore new artistic horizons while remaining true to the core elements that defined his earlier work. The album’s release comes at a time when System of a Down has been largely inactive, with only two new tracks released in the past 15 years. This absence has left a void for many fans, and ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ offers a glimpse into what Odadjian brings to the table, both as a musician and a creative force. However, the project is far from a mere extension of his previous work; it stands on its own merits, with a distinct sound and identity that reflects the collective vision of the band as a whole.
Throughout the album, the influence of Odadjian’s collaborator, Winds of Plague guitarist and producer Michael ‘Morgoth’ Montoya, is readily apparent. Montoya’s contributions add a fresh dimension to the music, infusing it with a modern edge that complements Odadjian’s heavy, riff-driven style. Tracks like ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Glink’ highlight this synergy, featuring complex arrangements and inventive guitar work that set them apart from more conventional metal offerings. The addition of rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Alejandro Aranda further enriches the band’s sound, providing additional layers and textures that enhance the overall listening experience.
As ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ prepares to make its mark on the metal scene, the band faces the challenge of living up to the expectations that come with such a high-profile debut. While some critics have expressed skepticism about the project’s long-term viability, the album’s innovative approach and undeniable energy suggest that the band has the potential to carve out a lasting place in the genre. With plans for live performances and future releases already in motion, ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ is poised to build on the momentum generated by its initial success, continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of heavy music.
Ultimately, ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ is a testament to the power of collaboration and the creative possibilities that arise when talented individuals come together with a shared vision. The album’s diverse range of influences and styles reflects the eclectic backgrounds of its members, each of whom brings their unique experiences and perspectives to the project. This fusion of ideas and sounds results in a body of work that is both innovative and deeply resonant, offering listeners a fresh take on the metal genre that is both challenging and rewarding.
As the band continues to evolve and refine their sound, ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ serves as a promising foundation upon which to build their future endeavors. The album’s release is not just a milestone for Shavo Odadjian and his collaborators but a significant moment for the metal community as a whole, signaling the arrival of a new voice that is unafraid to take risks and explore uncharted territory. Whether or not the band ultimately achieves the status of a supergroup remains to be seen, but their debut effort has certainly set them on a path towards greatness.
In conclusion, ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ is more than just a side project for Shavo Odadjian; it is a bold and ambitious exploration of the possibilities inherent in heavy music. With its blend of traditional and modern elements, the album offers a unique listening experience that is sure to resonate with fans of all stripes. As the band continues to grow and develop, their debut album stands as a testament to their creativity, skill, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what metal can be. Whether you are a longtime fan of System of a Down or a newcomer to the genre, ‘Seven Hours After Violet’ is an album that deserves your attention and appreciation.