Around This Edge Together is a raw, unapologetic statement from South Wales solo artist The7thGatekeeper, capturing both personal vulnerability and global unease across nine emotionally charged tracks. Entirely written, performed, and largely recorded by the artist himself, the album feels intimate and unfiltered, offering listeners a direct line into his creative and emotional world. Recorded and mixed in what he calls his “home chaos cupboard,” the album’s DIY production is not a limitation but a defining strength. The setting adds an unmistakable sense of authenticity, reinforcing the deeply personal themes that run throughout the record. There’s a tangible closeness to the sound—moments of heaviness feel confrontational, while quieter passages invite reflection rather than relief.
Musically, Around This Edge Together balances crushing guitar-driven intensity with softer, more contemplative elements. Influences from Slipknot, Tool, Muse, Korn, and Americana songwriters like Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and Tyler Childers are evident, yet never derivative. Instead, The7thGatekeeper blends these worlds into a sound that feels cohesive and distinctly his own. Standout tracks include “(Fear) Wet State,” the album’s anchor, which translates the terror of a vivid nightmare into a tense, Tool-inspired sonic landscape, and “Inamorata,” a brief but powerful poetic tribute to love and resilience in the face of shared health struggles. Songs like “Not to Be Taken,” “The Garden,” and “Wrapped” further showcase the album’s emotional range, moving fluidly between anger, introspection, and fragile hope.
While the album is intentionally rough around the edges, it also represents clear artistic growth. Upgraded recording equipment and a refined approach to mixing—along with mastering by Romesh Dodangoda at Longwave Studios in Cardiff—signal a step forward in production quality without sacrificing the album’s raw spirit. Around This Edge Together is not designed for easy listening. It demands attention, patience, and emotional openness. In return, it offers honesty, intensity, and a sense of connection that feels increasingly rare. This release marks a significant chapter in The7thGatekeeper’s journey—one that suggests even greater depth and innovation still to come.
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