When I reviewed 2010’s Seventh Wonder’s The Great Escape I made the following observations:“Musically these guys just keep improving with each release. Up there with Circus Maximus and Andromeda, it is a wonder they have not yet been signed to a label such as Inside Out or even Frontiers Records which now features some bands with more progressive elements such as Pathosray and Vanden Plas.”Now 8 years later and we have this wonderful new studio release, following just 2 years on the heels of the release of their debut release with Frontiers Records (Welcome to Atlanta Live 2014) – a fantastic 2DVD/2CD set featuring their 2014 Progpower performance. That great live performance and subsequent DVD was a prelude to “new life” for Seventh Wonder. While many were concerned that Tommy Karevik’s new-found success with Kamelot might lead to the band’s demise, that live performance and release put those concerns to rest. And what could be more ambitious, this many years later, returning with an immense 70 minute concept release? 2008’s Mercy Falls was excellent, so this was no small task. Fortunately, we not only have an exceptionally grandiose collection of songs here to enjoy, but we may as well have the band’s best work to date.Progressive metal sci-fi. This is the story of mankind’s near extinction at the hands of “The Everones” who have deemed us unfit for survival based on our poor track record.“One chance to live/Your choice to die/With every cancer you breed/You still spread your disease/This is the end.”One girl (Tiara) is selected to travel through the universe and plead the cause of humanity with “the Everones.” In essence, this is the story of one girl’s sacrifice and risk to save humanity. No spoilers here as to the outcome, but suffice it to say, there is plenty of passion and drama to give this story credibility. It may be sci-fi but, as is the case with all good sci-fi there is a direct application to the world of today.If you have never heard of Seventh Wonder, this is a good place to start – perfect balance of power metal and progressive metal. One of my favorite aspects of this band is how you can actually hear the keyboards – the softer piano-drive parts beautiful – but they always accent and color what the rest of the band puts forth. No circus-like keyboard solos – Andreas Soderin always serves the song. Fans of heavy guitar-driven prog have nothing to fear – Johan Liefvendahl brings it in glorious fashion. Bloomqvist (bass) and Norgen (drums) similarly deliver, laying down typical prog metal rhythms with plenty of pace and conviction. Of course, those familiar with the band will rejoice hearing Tommy Karevik’s vocal performance. I think this is the best we’ve heard from him so far in Seventh Wonder, rivaling his performances with Ayreon and Kamelot. The mix and master are not overly compressed either, so all of this music comes through with clarity and brilliance, never over-saturated by and obliterating wall of treble.I like the format of the composition as well. We have the introduction “Arrival” (pretty typical prog pomp) followed by 4 crushing songs that set the stage for the events which follow. The 3 track Farewell suite slows things down a bit, featuring soaring passion from Karevik accompanied by keys and a wonderful violin solo at the end of “Beyond Today” that just adds a touch of class and sincerity to the music. These 3 songs have a different feel – stepping outside the instrumental intensity and other-worldly lyrics to present humanity at its most vulnerable and innocent state. And the encore to the Farewell suite would be “The Truth,” which serves as a transition of sorts into the more aggressive run to the finale. This song features Jenny Karevik on vocals and a very Queen-like vocal approach – definitely one of the best tracks here. The final run consists of the speedy “Funeral Pyres” (keys have that Europe 80’s vibe), the 90’s prog metal influenced, Dream Theater-ish “Damnation Below,” the brief hymn-like vocal/organ duet “Procession” and the absolutely killer climax “Exhale” – a 9 minute epic that will leave you breathless, yet wanting more.Fans of Seventh Wonder will rejoice for sure with Tiara (well worth the wait), but fans of progpower who have never heard of these guys will have a new friend for sure. This one will likely end up in my top 5 releases this year, right up there with Ostura, Orphaned Land, Redemption and Images of Eden. CD comes with 16 page booklet/lyrics featuring the artwork of Johan Larsson.