The Great Escape cover

The Great Escape

Seventh Wonder · 2010

74 min · 8 tracks · progressive metal

A cinematic blend of intricate instrumentals and soaring vocals that encapsulates the essence of progressive metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Great Escape — As the title track, it serves as an ambitious centerpiece of the album, merging multiple musical themes into a cohesive narrative that exemplifies the band's artistic vision.
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    Wiseman — This track opens the album with a captivating blend of melodic hooks and thought-provoking lyrics, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
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    Alley Cat — Its infectious rhythms and dynamic shifts highlight the band's technical prowess while providing an engaging listening experience that balances complexity with accessibility.

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

The album showcases ambitious songwriting and intricate arrangements typical of progressive metal.

What we noticed

  • Vocals often harmonize with intricate guitar lines, creating a layered sound that is characteristic of progressive metal.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that showcase the musicianship of each member, particularly in solos and interludes.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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 3/10

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

  • cinematic soundscapes for deep focus
  • patient builds rewarding attentive listening
  • epic narratives that unfold gradually
  • sweeping melodies for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'The Great Escape' was released in 2010, Seventh Wonder was establishing themselves as a key player in the progressive metal scene after their previous album, 'Mercy Falls' (2006), which had garnered critical acclaim. This album marked a significant return for the band, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth while solidifying their reputation within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Symphony X· Dream Theater· Fates Warning

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wiseman 5:47
  • 2 Alley Cat 6:10
  • 3 The Angelmaker 8:34
  • 4 King of Whitewater 7:42
  • 5 Long Way Home 4:28
  • 6 Move On Through 5:09
  • 7 The Great Escape 30:23
  • 8 In the Blink of an Eye 2011 6:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata