Published: July 26, 2024
CATEGORY 7 is a heavy metal supergroup featuring the iconic lineup of John Bush (Armored Saint, Anthrax), Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob, Sonic Universe, Noturnall), Phil Demmel (Machine Head, Kerry King, Vio-Lence), Jack Gibson (Exodus), and Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill). Named in honor of the numerical designation for the most powerful windstorms, the band was forged by a batch of musicians who strived to play music they loved and with bandmates they enjoyed being with. The result is sonically rewarding and lives up to the storied histories of its members. Meticulously structured songs skillfully balance thrash beats, NWOBHM-inspired rhythms, a punk metal attitude, and ferocious dual guitar work ultimately establishing an eclectic musical backdrop for vocalist John Bush’s instantly identifiable vocals.
CATEGORY 7 has already earned considerable praise from Metallica’s James Hetfield who added the band’s “Exhausted” single to the playlist of Metallica’s official podcast, The Metallica Report, Liquid Metal has given the band’s last three singles regular airplay, Aardschok gave the record “Album Of The Month” accolades, while Decibel Magazine raved, “Supergroups frequently feel forced and sterile while side projects sometimes lack seriousness or depth. CATEGORY 7, in spite of the deck being stacked against them, knocked out a barnstorming ten-song debut that needs no qualifiers. It’s a damn good album regardless if it’s a one-off or whatever happens down the road…”
“It’s all about big verses and big songs, and it has a lot of the elements we’ve explored in our other bands,” notes guitarist and main songwriter Mike Orlando.
“The sound of this band really comes down to the odd connection that all of us have,” adds drummer Jason Bittner. “We’ve known each other for years as friends and peers. And we’ve all looked up to each other and know that one day we’d have to work together. It’s taken almost two decades for that to happen, but lo-and-behold, once it did there was no stopping us.”
In celebration of the record’s official release, the band has dropped a video for “Apple Of Discord.”
Comments Bush, “More social commentary. I marvel at how people are willing to make dumb decisions based on others. ‘Apple Of Discord’ questions these strange solidarities. Are you really willing to go down with them? The second verse plays on the willingness to go into the Hoosegow as a result of those choices. Hardheadedness and machismo rounds out the chorus lyrics. With of course always a sarcastic wink and a smile.”
Category 7 was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Mike Orlando at Sonic Stomp Studios with art and layout by Carlos Fides at Artside Studio (Angra, Evergrey, Kamelot). The record is available on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
Storm Surge (US + EU)
Sable Smoke (EU – Ltd. 300)
Find orders at: metalblade.com/category7.
CATEGORY 7 is in the planning stages of extensive worldwide touring in 2025. Stay alert.
CATEGORY 7:
John Bush – vocals
Phil Demmel – guitar
Mike Orlando – guitar
Jack Gibson – bass
Jason Bittner – drums
