Seven Hours After Violet: A Bold New Chapter in Heavy Music
On October 11, 2024, the boundary-pushing band Seven Hours After Violet made a powerful debut with their self-titled album. Led by Shavo Odadjian, the legendary bassist from System of a Down, the group brings together a unique fusion of talent and sound, delivering an album that defies traditional genre boundaries. Released through Sumerian Records and 1336 Records, the album is accompanied by their latest single, “Cry,” which sets the tone for the emotionally charged journey the band invites listeners to experience.
Exploring “Cry”
The band’s single “Cry” is an emotional centerpiece of the album, offering a visceral exploration of anguish, despair, and longing. Lyrically and sonically, the song delves into the heart-wrenching distance that can grow between two people, illustrating the pain of holding on to something that is slowly disintegrating. The gut-wrenching vocals and intense instrumentation amplify the feeling of emotional suffocation, making it clear that this song is not just a piece of music but an experience of raw emotional vulnerability.
In a statement about the single, Seven Hours After Violet explained, “‘Cry’ captures the agony of trying to hold onto something that’s already broken, that inevitable downfall when love turns into torment. It’s about being locked in a space of emotional suffocation, where every attempt to hold on only pulls you further into the abyss.” This poetic yet haunting description gives insight into the emotional weight the band seeks to convey, drawing listeners into a shared space of heartache and emotional turmoil.
The Album
The self-titled album Seven Hours After Violet isn’t just another metal record. It’s a layered, complex work that blends crushing riffs, haunting melodies, and guttural vocals with deeply personal themes. Across its eleven tracks, the album showcases the band’s dynamic range, moving seamlessly between moments of chaotic intensity and haunting calm. From earlier singles like "Paradise" and "Alive" to the latest release, "Cry," each song on the album paints a vivid picture of emotional extremes, creating a sonic landscape that pulls listeners into the depths of human experience.
Reflecting on the album, Odadjian stated, “This record is everything I’ve wanted to put out for years. It’s heavy, it’s melodic, it’s vulnerable, and, at times, completely chaotic.” This description underscores the band’s commitment to blending sonic intensity and emotional vulnerability, crafting an album that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. Odadjian’s words hint at the cathartic process behind the music, as the band pours their collective truth into every note and lyric.
The Band
Seven Hours After Violet is more than just a band; it’s a collaboration between some of the most talented and innovative musicians in the heavy music scene. Shavo Odadjian’s involvement with the project goes beyond his role as bassist. He is one of the driving creative forces behind the music, working alongside multi-platinum producer Morgoth (Winds of Plague), who contributed both production expertise and musical composition to the project. Together, Odadjian and Morgoth transformed what began as a solo project into a full-fledged band, tapping into a well of creativity that had been waiting to burst forth.
In addition to Odadjian and Morgoth, the band’s lineup includes Taylor Barber (Left to Suffer) on vocals, Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty) on guitar and backing vocals, and Josh Johnson (Winds of Plague) on drums. Each member brings their unique talents to the table, resulting in a rich, multifaceted sound that defies easy categorization. Barber’s vocal range is particularly striking, moving effortlessly between falsetto and guttural growls, embodying the emotional spectrum the band seeks to convey.
The formation of Seven Hours After Violet was serendipitous, coming together in an almost magical alignment of creative forces. Odadjian described the process of writing with Morgoth as a spontaneous combustion of ideas, with riffs and melodies flowing effortlessly. The chemistry between the two musicians was undeniable, and as they continued to write and produce, it became clear that this project needed to evolve beyond a solo venture.
“Cry” in Context
At its core, “Cry” is a reflection of the universal pain of trying to salvage something that is falling apart. Whether it’s a relationship, a dream, or even a sense of self, the song resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of emotional turmoil. The lyrics speak to the struggle of holding onto hope when everything seems to be slipping away, a sentiment that is both deeply personal and widely relatable.
The music video for “Cry” further amplifies the song’s emotional intensity, featuring stark, visually arresting imagery that mirrors the themes of isolation and despair. The video captures the suffocating feeling of being trapped in one’s own emotions, as the characters grapple with their internal struggles in haunting, dreamlike sequences.
Looking Ahead
Following the release of their debut album, Seven Hours After Violet will perform live for the first time at Mayhem Fest at the Glen Helen Amphitheatre on October 12, 2024. Fans can expect an electrifying live experience that brings the intensity of the album to life on stage. The band’s live performances are poised to be as emotionally charged as their music, creating an unrelenting experience for concertgoers.
As the band continues to push the boundaries of heavy music, the future looks bright for Seven Hours After Violet. Their debut album has set the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking career, with more music and performances on the horizon. The band’s unique blend of emotional vulnerability and sonic ferocity has already made waves in the music world, and it’s clear that Seven Hours After Violet is just getting started.
In conclusion, Seven Hours After Violet’s debut album is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and emotional honesty. With songs like “Cry” leading the way, the band invites listeners into a space where pain, longing, and despair are transformed into something cathartic and beautiful.