Letter 7 is a Heavy Metal band from Phoenix, Arizona and deliver up some melodic Metal similar to that of the 80's Metal bands. The band got its start back in the early to mid 2000's and now has three full-length albums to their credit including 'Salt Of The Earth', 'Follow The Light', and 'Trust'.

       In 2007 Letter7 released their debut 'Salt Of The Earth' and with this release we find that everything is managed by only two musicians. JD Evans handles most of the instruments including Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, and Drums. He even does lead Vocals on the tune "Seek First". The Vocal work on the rest of the tunes, are handled by Vocalist Tom Collete. 
       Most bands struggle on their debut release but not Letter 7 who have overcome the "Debut Release Blues" by delivering a first-class project. It's hard to go wrong when you have the talent of JD Evans controlling almost every aspect of the musical process. Then throw in the talented Tom Collete and you have a recipe for success.
       Tom Collete is very comfortable behind the mic and gives us a stellar performance on this freshman release. Tom's secret is nothing new, just do what sounded great back in the Metal glory days of the 80's. His vocal range goes from mid to high-end, reaching ranges common to Rey Parra(Sacred warrior). If you like bands like Van Halen or Christian bands like Messenger(Perfect Storm album) or Sacred Warrior then you're in for a treat here. 

      Letter7's 2008 sophomore album 'Follow The Light' finds the band still with only two band members but the lineup has changed. We still have the very talented JD Evans on Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, and Drums but we find a new Vocalist on the scene by the name of Steve Young. Steve Young reminds me of Vocalist Steve Shannon(Idle Cure) who was a great Christian Arena Rock band in the late 80's early 90's that patterned their style after Def Leppard. Like Steve Shannon, Steve Young has a slight bluesy sound in his delivery adding to the unique sound of this band. Even though Steve has more of a bluesy-gritty register, he is no stranger to the higher note as he is often found in the higher range on this disc. Steve Young does a good job of filling in for Tom Collete helping the band to have a slightly different sound on this record.

"Mystery"
So many secret revelations
Wisdom beyond this age
God holds the keys to the mysteries
His ways are not our ways
Awesome adoration
Fills my wondering mind
Ruler of creation
Knew us in His mind before we were alive

Three in One
Mystery
Father, Spirit, Son
Holy Trinity

"Follow The Light"
God of salvation
Oh, give us the wisdom to see
Lead us not into temptation but to victory
There is a choice which we all must decide
Living for wrong or for right
Wide is the road that will lead us to death
Narrow the road is to life

Follow the Light, run from the dark…

       After a long 7 year wait, Letter7 released their 3rd full-length album titled 'Trust' on an indie label. With 'Trust' the band comes out hitting hard with more of an Arena Rock sound to it, akin to the 80's Rock bands. With this record, the band sees the return of original Vocalist Tom Collete. JD Evans is back, once again, playing all instruments including Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, and Drums. The guitar work here is noteworthy due to how it immediately draws you in due to its melodic nature. 
        Tom Collete has a slight bluesy sound in his register without it being as pronounced as it was with Steve Young's delivery. Tom goes in and out from slightly bluesy to clean vocals which is a very nice mix allowing for more diversity in this third release.
       One track that really stands and I can't stop listening to is the tune "Children Of Light". The first few seconds of the song starts out much like any other 80's track might then taken on a melodic nature where the lyrics and vocal work are a real highlight. 

"Children Of Light"
Children of light
Foreigners to evil
Separated from the night
Children of light
Following the Lamb of God
Keeping Him in sight
Children of light

Longing to see the return of their King
Soon He will take them away
Destruction and darkness will come unforeseen
But Children of light wont’ be here on that day

(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)

      Letter 7 comes highly recommended to fans of old school Metal in the veins of Sacred Warrior and  Idle Cure. Pick up a copy of Letter 7's music and prepare to unleash your air-battle axe!

Musicians:
Thomas Collett-Lead Vocals
JD Evans-Guitars, Bass, Drums & Keyboards