Sometimes, even after finding myself doing these reviews for over twelve years, there are some creations that are brought before me that well and truly pull me into all sorts of different directions. In the overwhelming vastness of the underground, we’re met with bands of all sorts with every kind of approach that ensure we can never really truly guess what we’re dealing with at any given time. When I first came before Epta7, I was intrigued with what I was initially met with but struggled at times to reconcile with a key aspect of their first album in over ten years with it only now that I can find the words.
Ten years is a hell of a long time for any band to remain silent and then come back in full force. Life can be quite crazy like that, but anything is possible when you put your mind to it and strive to bring your vision to life in such a way that you can be truly satisfied with before sending it out into the world. With twelve tracks, “Here Come the Freaks” stands as Epta7’s return is laced with a satisfying heaviness executed by tight riffs, a murky atmosphere of a dangerous city after dark, and riddled with themes of societal decay that we can all relate to in some form or another. In no small form, the core of “Here Come the Freaks” is quite solid and something that Epta7 should be undeniably proud of, but then there’s the not so small and quite controversial inclusion of AI that one cannot ignore.
AI is rightfully a hot topic of discussion in many corners of the music industry with it absolutely something that needs to be taken into consideration throughout the metal underground as well. The visuals that Epta7 employ are clearly that of AI with the cover art, at least one music video, and the band’s social media activity driven by AI, but Epta7 is stalwart in the claim that AI is but the arm that they use to bring their visions to fruition. “It never decides what Epta7 should sound like” and “if you rely too much on AI, you risk losing your own artistic identity” are heartening quotes pulled from an interview Epta7 had with From the Depths Entertainment that are quite heartening given the extent some people utilize AI, and I am deeply appreciative of Epta7’s clear stance on this sensitive issue. I cannot deny that I do wish it was not included, but it’s not my band so it’s ultimately not my choice. However, I do feel as though if AI was but the seasoning on the dish that is “Here Come the Freaks” then I cannot help but feel as though it was, ultimately, unnecessary.
If the core of this record is something that is 100% from the creative soul of Epta7, I fail to envision a reality where the record wouldn’t be able to thrive in its own right without needing AI for any aspect. These twelve tracks do not offer anything crazily new or anything of the sort, but the identity and soul of “Here Come the Freaks” is something that I feel is bogged down by the use of AI, and I wish I could get pass that but I simply cannot. I’ve had the misfortune of enjoying full albums only to soon realize it is completely AI. I take Epta7 at face-value in believing AI is a relatively small factor in what Epta7 offers listeners throughout their return, yet I feel it in my bones that it is not needed for Epta7 to come out on top and deliver an album that is more than worth listening to.
I apologize for I did not intend much of this review to be about AI, but I think I would be remiss if it wasn’t addressed and Epta7 given the benefit of the doubt for this record really feels like it’s trying to stand on its own two feet. I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy a lot of what “Here Come the Freaks” as it is a satisfying listen that delves into worthwhile themes with an approach that feels invigorating and truly engaging at times.
I hope to see Epta7 return again without the use of AI for I see the makings of a truly interesting band with plenty to say and the capacity to bring it forward, but that decision is not up to me and only time will tell.
LISTEN to “Here Come the Freaks” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Epta7 on Facebook here.
FOLLOW Epta7 on Instagram here.