| Musical Style: Hard Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: Canada |
| Year Released: 2021 | Artist Website: Ariel |
| Tracks: 9 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 50:42 |
A vintage AOR meets eighties melodic hard rock vibe, progressive rock subtleties and a touch of the blues. Ariel and its December of 2021 sophomore full length offering Sorrows To Seven gives you all three. The group traces to the early eighties and Victoria, BC when it was founded by lead vocalist and drummer Steve Sawatsky with the goal of ‘relaying the Gospel message through quality music’. With co-lead vocalist Lisa Sawatsky, guitarist Ron Willes and bassist Bruce Davies rounding out its initial lineup, Ariel began performing throughout Vancouver Island and the lower mainland of BC ahead of recording in 1984 a 7-track custom cassette demo entitled He Comes. The ‘soft metal’ sound to the groups full-length vinyl self-titled debut (as noted in the review from White Throne issue 3) ensued two years later on Ariel Records.
Subsequent to going on indefinite hiatus in 1989, Ariel reformed in 2019 and picked up where it left off with three of its original members: Steve Sawatsky (maintaining his vocal and drum duties but with bass added to his repertoire), Lisa Sawatsky (returning on vocals) and Ron Willes (now contributing guitars & keyboards along with bass). Further details from Steve Sawatsky in regards to the reunion, ‘Over the last 10 years or so, I have wanted to pursue another recording of the same band production and musical style. The Lord has been gracious to maintain our musical abilities and provide opportunities which were not available back in the day. The internet has made it possible to reach out all over the world with the Gospel! So we pray that the Lord will allow us to utilize these possibilities while they are available.’
Albums five minute title track gets things going with a melding of hard rock and AOR. Referencing former, conspicuous guitars with a crunching edge help set the uplifting tone; in light of latter, distinct melodies weave throughout in yielding an engaging affection to draw in with repeat play. All the while Steve Sawatsky decorates the blithesome scene with his mid-ranged classic tenor vocal abilities (he brings to mind Frank Clifton Herring of Messenger). Lyric snippet:
Heavens promise revealed
Holy book unsealed
Saving grace, love poured out
Lamb of God angelic shout
Knowledge shall increase
Wickedness shall cease
Son of God, Fathers love
The wise will shine from above
“Sealed” traverses similar territory. Open air guitar to start gives way to the bass driven flair to guide its remaining distance, accrediting the momentous riffs to set a reaping tone (as tons of groove rise to the surface) and bouncing vocal melodies point to the sing-along (refrain is quite catchy). An extended instrumental jam underscores compact harmonies. Lyric snippet:
Believe Word that was sent
No longer condemned
Sealed to the end
Hope trials turn to gold
Blessings unfold
Love's mystery descend
Sea of glass and fire
Victory desire
Son of God King of saints
Righteousness remains
“Consider” starts to a concise drum solo prior to morphing into a retro seventies blues rocker with an AOR slant. Hammond B3 of guest keyboardist Simon Phillips makes a delectable front to back statement, aligning with the animated as songs title continuous repeats in mirthful fashion. Acoustic guitar delicately drifts in to align with the enriched refrain.
“One Seed” further plays up the blues aspects. Gritty slide guitar, reserved acoustic guitar and bouncing piano contribute to the palpable melody (sort of like Moonshine Zombies), while Steve Sawatsky lends some fitting lower register grit to his vocals (akin to Jake Livgren). Impressive is the grainy guitar leads to play a decorative role. Lyric snippet:
Seed is sown in good ground
Season rebound
Through the door cross the line
Desire define
Barn door open and the answer before me
The Sower gives meaning of life
Burn the chaff and gather the wheat
It is certain no roll of the dice
“Undeniable”, first of several songs in the six-minute range, delivers its share of progressive variances. Laid back and relaxed moments drifting over a heightened foundation of drum and acoustic guitar interplay (albums clean production shines here) trade off with those in which metal edged guitars power to the front of the mix. Where song shines is in its jam based instrumental moments, including a mid-point break in which organ underpins a towering bass solo and final minute and half home to fusion like guitar leads.
Divergences also reveal on “Joy”. On the surface, it emanates of smooth AOR laced melodic rock with a worshipful vibe, reveling in the moving and eloquent as soulful vocals take hold. Yet, dig deeper and a light alternative feel akin to King’s X reveals in the swirling (and quite artistic) Beatlesque vocal melodies. Ariel again takes opportune to explore its instrumental sound with extensive mid-point and ending breaks. Lyric snippet:
Joy comes after sorrow
Your hope for tomorrow
Barren into singing
Joy comes new beginning
Joy comes His appearing
New day night to morning
Day star in your being
Joy comes crown of glory
“Wilderness 40” separates as a fusion driven melodic instrumental. Rolling drums and acoustic guitars get things going until bluesy (and quite catchy) harmonies take over, impetus not picking up until the minute and half mark when heavier rocking guitars cut in to make periodic appearance as jazzy bass and intricately done timekeeping lead the jam band tinctured way.
“Way, Truth, Life” is first of two six-minute cuts to close the album. It reinforces a melodic hard rock slant, pushing guitars to the forefront in affluent form, but also an AOR tinge, elevating inspiring vocal harmonies to bolster the accessible. I cannot help but be reminded of commercial progressive rockers Time Horizon. Lyric snippet:
There's a way which seems right to a man
End in death it comes following his plan
What is life my friend labour for the wind
Chasing shadows nigh emptiness begin
Love away our fears hope dry our tears
Call upon the Name take away our shame
Sting of death be gone Eternal life belong
Heart upon the knee from the flame be free
This reviewer’s choice cut is “Holy Hill”. First minute is instrumental as a drum solo and complex riffing transition to reticent guitars and bass. Maintaining the lucid calm drifting ahead, “Holy Hill” soothingly ambles through its acoustic laced verse sections ahead of the majestic vocal melodies covering the every bit sublime refrain. Interspersed at random are upbeat moments with a galloping medieval flair. Lyric snippet:
Heavy stone pain to all
Enigma from the fall
Trumpet song split the skies
Lift the gates King arrives
King is set on my Holy hill
Nations before Him time stands still
Kiss the Son trust the Father's will
Sorrows To Seven equates to a wonderful aligning of progressively tinctured AOR and hard rock, well performed in terms of vocals and musicianship but ably produced and packaged as well. Each of its nine songs holds up on its own with solid melody structures and ample variances for repeat listen. Perhaps it is the progressive fan in me, but I cannot help but appreciate manner in which Ariel extends its material into the five and six minute range. Yet, enough commercial essence and instrumental flair present to hold the listeners attention regardless of the span. Album comes highly recommended for fans of all genres presented.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Sorrows To Seven” (5:06), “Sealed” (4:38), “Consider” (4:53), “One Seed’ (5:41), “Undeniable” (6:26), “Joy” (5:42), “Joy” (5:44), “Wilderness 40” (5:44), “Way, Truth, Life” (5:58), “Holy Hill” (6:18)
Musicians
Steve Sawatsky - Lead Vocals, Bass, Drums & Percussion
Lisa Sawatsky - Lead & Backing Vocals
Ron Willes - Guitars, bass, Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Guest Musicians
Diego Tronca - Guitars
Scott Mclellan - Guitars
Simon Phillips - Keyboards
