7MND – Cataclysm (EP)
Release Date: 18th November 2022
Label: Wall of Sound Records
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Genre: Progressive Metal, Metalcore, Electronica.
FFO: Between the Buried and Me, Northlane, Tesseract.
Review By: Jason James
The 18th of November heralds the return of Hamad Ebrahim Hamad, more famously known as the one-man army that is 7MND, when he releases his latest EP, Cataclysm. Hamad has been delighting audiences with his unique mix of Progressive, Metalcore and Electronica since 2016, when he released his first single, Burgandy, and first EP, which was named Days. Some kind of content has been forthcoming from him since then, culminating in this EP.
As with the majority of his work, Cataclysm is concept driven. In a nutshell, this EP follows a man on a journey, although he doesn’t seem to know where he is going. His mind is in a bad place, self-doubt and indecision plaguing him with every step. Presented with a choice on which direction to take, the protagonist chooses the seemingly happier option, only to find that this beautiful reality has a hidden dark side. He then wrestles with the question of whether this wondrous place already had a dark side, or whether he brought the darkness with him into this tranquil space. The resulting conflict has a Cataclysm-ic effect, totally breaking his mind and the entire universe along with it. If he has the power to end everything, did he create these realities? If he did, why is he on a pilgrimage, and what was the reason he can’t remember doing it?
All these questions and more remain as the EP comes to a close with track 5, (No One Left To) Mourn. Much like track 1, Introspect, it is an instrumental track. After track 1 comes the single, Verge of Collapse. This track, much like the rest of the EP, is a track that shows off the self-assuredness of Hamad. Each track is attacked with aplomb and with a confidence that is great to hear. Although the EP is dark in tone, it is plain to see (or hear) that this is the result of someone that loves what they do and delights with sharing his vision with the world.
My favourite track on Cataclysm is track 4, Dream-Infinite. It is a driving, powerful track, expertly conveying the mental anguish of the narrator. It is very hard not to nod your head to this one. The music is elevated by the vocal, which glides over the top of the dynamic, impassioned sounds.
Cataclysm was a very pleasurable experience. It’s well-thought-out, well put together, and the production values are exceptional. From what I could find online, 7MND is not very well known. On this evidence, I cannot fathom why, and I hope it changes.
(4 / 5)
