Sum of Seven – Echoes of the Hypermind

Progressive metal has taken up more of my life and cost me more than any other music genre. I regret nothing though because the style has evolved over the years which has kept me passionate to this day. I have no intention of stopping the search for new talented bands and another has now come to my attention. Based in Turku, Finland Sum of Seven have released their third album entitled “Echoes of the Hypermind”.

Sum of Seven started life as Sonus Corona and that became the title of their first album back in 2015. In 2019 they released their second album ‘Time is Not on Your Side’. Following the departure of singer Timo Mustonen and a forced hiatus due to Covid they changed their name to Sum of Seven. In 2020, the band welcomed Marko Loukamaa as their new vocalist, and the band was once more complete.

Unfortunately, the problems didn’t end there though. As they were putting the finishing touches to “Echoes of the Hypermind” guitarist/singer Ari Lempinen was involved in a serious accident. Eventually he regained his ability to perform, and the band played a comeback show in 2025 to a packed venue in their hometown.

It’s not far into the opening track, ‘I Think, I Am’ before I know that I’m going to enjoy the album. It’s atmospheric mixed with chunky riffs, keyboards and a variety of vocal styles and harmonies. Hot on its heels comes ‘Supreme’ which is upbeat and catchy, making it perfect for the first single from this album.

If you think by now that you have heard all the vocal styles this band has to offer, think again. The infectious rhythm of ‘Everlasting’ has small injections of harsh vocals to complement the cleaner singing.

The album is described as a concept album, but so far, I’m unsure what that concept is. The next pair of tracks; ‘Shattered Symmetry parts 1 & 2’ offer no clues either. Part 1 is a short instrumental intro to part 2 featuring keyboards and guitar only. Part 2 goes through a slow, vaguely Pink Floyd sounding start, harmony vocals, heavier riffs and scorching guitar solos.

I’m beginning to get hints of the concept running throughout the album and ‘Regeneration’ carries an air of hope. The driving riffs run up and down the gears and with little lead breaks the whole thing flows with positivity.

The laid back and melodic ‘Eternal Equation’ became the second single to be released. It is garnished generously with short guitar solos and with three members doing backing vocals it makes for great harmonies.

Picking up the pace again ‘Perpetual Ascencion’ has a majestic feel to it with complex rhythms and strong choruses. There are some growls in there as well and a rather excellent guitar solo making it one of my favourite tracks. Then sadly the album nears its end, but the finale doesn’t disappoint.

To finish off this excellent album there’s a 10:42 minute epic called ‘Wonder’. I’m assuming that Marko Loukamaa does all the main vocals. If so, his range varies from “normal” metal vocals to Jon Anderson-esque higher notes as well as the occasional guttural input. Along with every-changing riffs, lead breaks and keyboard solos this track shows the band at their best. The song ends with the sound of a baby crying. This leaves me wondering if the concept is maybe something to do with life, death and reincarnation.

There you have it then, a new band to follow and one with great potential in my opinion. Picking my favourite tracks was difficult because there isn’t a bad one amongst them. Influences are inevitable and sometimes obvious here and there but that doesn’t diminish the fact that this is a great album.

Track list:

1. I Think, I Am
2. Supreme
3. Everlasting
4. Shattered Symmetry part 1
5. Shattered Symmetry part 2
6. Regeneration
7. Eternal Equation
8. Perpetual Ascencion
9. Wonder