Seventh Swamphony cover

Seventh Swamphony

Kalmah · 2013

41 min · 8 tracks · power metal

Melodic death metal riffs intertwine with symphonic elements, creating an expansive and dynamic soundscape that is both aggressive and atmospheric.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Seventh Swamphony — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's blend of symphonic elements with intense melodic riffs, setting the stage for the entire listening experience.
  • →
    Pikemaster — This track features rapid-fire guitar solos and a driving rhythm, exemplifying Kalmah's technical prowess and showcasing their unique take on melodic death metal.
  • →
    Wolves on the Throne — With its haunting melodies and powerful chorus, this song highlights the band's ability to create atmospheric depth while delivering heavy instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Kalmah's blend of melodic death metal with orchestral elements creates a dynamic sound, though it may not fully stand out in the genre.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate tempo shifts, alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, atmospheric interludes.
  • The use of dual guitar harmonies is prominent throughout, creating a rich melodic texture that complements the aggressive vocals.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo exploration
  • orchestral textures for immersion
  • engaging narrative-driven flow
  • dynamic shifts in intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2013, Seventh Swamphony marked Kalmah's sixth studio album, following the 2010 release of 12 Gauge. This album showcases a continued evolution in their melodic death metal style, incorporating more orchestral arrangements while maintaining their signature intensity.
Stylistic neighbors
Children of Bodom· Insomnium· Norther

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Seventh Swamphony 5:10
  • 2 Deadfall 3:52
  • 3 Pikemaster 5:04
  • 4 Hollo 7:20
  • 5 Windlake Tale 4:28
  • 6 Wolves on the Throne 4:36
  • 7 Black Marten's Trace 4:45
  • 8 The Trapper 6:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata