Band:	November-7
Album:	Awaraxid 7mg
Style:	Heavy metal, Industrial metal, Symphonic metal
Release date:	April 25, 2014
A review by:	Susan

01. Tug Of War
02. Acid Life
03. Black Veil
04. Another Day
05. Wicked Love
06. In Denial
07. Alive?
08. Pieces Of Me
09. Your Turn
10. Black And White

November-7's 2011 debut Season 3 was rockin' and had insane replay value. Sophomore album Awaraxid 7mg is somehow a huge improvement on the already kick-ass debut, with more of everything you loved last time and a few new things to love this time. Songwriting is even more dynamic and the energy level, if you thought it was high before, will blow you away.

If you're new to the band, they exemplify energetic heavy/melodic metal with industrial, electronic, and alternative elements. Songs have immediately unique personalities that play into each other so well so as to create one musical experience. Drums are hard-hitting and guitars still more driving, yet it's the clever melodies, the dark harmonies, and the well-placed electronic elements that caught (and held) my attention.

Annamaria Cozza's voice is clear and straightforward, and she uses it well. She easily belts out crisp, soaring high notes while her low notes are as intriguing as ever. From menacing and gritty to beautiful and sensual, whatever the mood, this voice can deliver.

The way November-7 individually treats each note, each lyric, without ever dropping the character or momentum, is a real treat. That, and the songs are so damn catchy. Current fans of the band will find the industrial and electronic elements amped up this time around and it suits the music just perfectly, adding a vital layer to the experience.

Awarixid 7mg tells the story of a drug, one that revives your childhood dreams. Annamaria explained in an interview that, "the songs are about what it is like when you do not recognize yourself." The lyrics show the pros and cons of this mythical drug that "cures us of our dull state of adulthood," but a warning: there is no going back.

Since releasing their debut album, these Swiss metallers have not only toured Europe but also released a live album of their set from the 10th Anniversary of the Metal Female Voices Festival in Belgium. They even made a great video of their performance (viewable on their website), which proves that their huge energy is not confined to the studio.

After their fun debut I was scared they'd follow it up with a few more-of-the-same albums before fading away. Why do I keep underestimating this awesome band?! They've grown immensely and next time I will trust in high expectation for their future.