Seventh calling ‘100 percent heavy metal’

Their sound is rooted in heavy metal tradition -- strong, clean, powerful singing, blazing solos, forceful melodies -- but Seventh Calling builds upon the past rather than merely aping it. Singer/guitarist Steve Handel elaborates:

What does Seventh Calling sound like?

"We've heard many opinions from the fans before, (comparing the band to) Vicious Rumors, old Metal Church, Testament and so on. I could see some of those. I would also throw in Priest, Wolf and Dream Evil, just for a mix of where we get our influences. As far as our personal sound, Seventh Calling truly is 100 percent heavy metal."

To the uninitiated, explain what traditional/power metal is?

"Traditional metal, to me, would be bands like Judas Priest, Saxon, Metal Church, Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden and so on. Power metal bands would be bands such as Brainstorm, Edguy, Cage, Blind Guardian, Paradox (Germany), Mystic Prophecy."

You guys relocated to Vegas from Minnesota. What brought you here?

"Atmosphere change! Seriously, we got sick of cold weather. Our winter last year was over eight months of gray, dark skies with either rain or snow all of the time.

"But, in all reality, it was a business move on my part with the band. Alex (Ritchey, guitars) and I relocated here shortly after we hired Shannon Frye as our drummer. He already lived here, along with Marc (Flores), our bass player."

How would you rate the Las Vegas metal scene?

"I think that it's a good scene. Very busy. There are always good shows to check out in the original metal category. And there are numerous places to have shows. Everyone seems to be involved helping out in one way or another."

Ozzy or Dio?

"I personally choose Dio-era Sabbath. Even though the first Sabbath album I actually bought was 'Born Again' with Ian Gillan singing. That's an awesome album. But I feel Dio fits the gloominess of Sabbath and has a much better presentation of that dark feel."

Hear Seventh Calling at www.seventhcalling.com.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@review journal.com or 702-383-0476.