Album Review | Black 7 – The 2nd Chapter

Black 7
The 2nd Chapter
Out: November 17^th, 2023
Playing time: 42:26

Two years ago, guitarist Lars Totzke from Hanover released his comeback album “Look Inside“. It’s actually not a bad album, although I’m not really a fan of purely instrumental albums.

It somehow lacks that certain something. I think the album would unfold its full effect with clear Rock vocals.

That’s what I wrote back then. But the successor “The 2nd Chapter” is also purely instrumental. So, the guitarist remains true to himself. Let’s listen to how he managed to realise it this time.

The master starts rocking well with “Driven”. The guitar partly tries to take over the vocal part. “For This Moment” is calmer, even ballad-like. And it continues with a lot of variety. Sometimes rocking (“Push”, “Break Up”, “Light Flow”, “Confused Harmony”) then again with calm, sometimes quiet tones (“Tortured Souls”, “Wide Eruption”, “Dark Hope”) or poaching in Pop realms (“Breathing Space”).  Spherical keyboard sounds can be heard at the beginning of the anthemic “Above The Sky”.

Well, what can I say. The composition and arrangements are brilliant. Lars Totzke’s guitar work is very good. But as with its predecessor, something is missing here. Even if I’m repeating myself. The songs would unfold their full potential with the fitting vocals. So, “The 2nd Chapter” is a good album, but unfortunately it is denied a higher rating.

Track list:

• Driven
• For This Moment
• Push
• Tortured Souls
• Wide Eruption
• Breathing Space
• Break Up
• Above The Sky
• Light Flow
• Dark Hope
• Confused Harmony