Category 7 is a metal supergroup featuring musicians from legendary bands like Anthrax, Armored Saint, Adrenaline Mob, Machine Head, Overkill, Exodus, and Shadows Fall. Guitarist Phil Demmel emphasizes that Category 7 feels more like a cohesive band than a side project, proud of their debut’s intricate and powerful music.
Their self-titled debut album blends elements of thrash, New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and punk metal, with meticulous song structures and aggressive yet melodic vocals. Highlights include the intense opener “In Stitches,” the melodic “Land I Used to Love,” and the propulsive “Exhausted.” The album closes with the instrumental “Etter Stormen,” showcasing dueling guitar leads.
The band formed when Demmel and Mike Orlando met at a tribute event for Randy Rhoads. They later collaborated with drummer Jason Bittner and bassist Jack Gibson. The final piece was securing vocalist John Bush, who, despite initial hesitation, found creative freedom with the band’s complex rhythms and melodies.
Category 7’s music addresses societal desperation and divides, aiming to provoke thought while allowing for interpretation. The band’s writing process was collaborative, with Demmel and Orlando crafting dynamic riffs and Bittner adding technical drumming. Orlando’s production at Sonic Stomp Studios ensured the album’s powerful and cohesive sound.
The result is an album that feels both fresh and familiar, combining various metal styles to create an eclectic and engaging experience for listeners, reflective of the members’ long-standing camaraderie and musical synergy.