SHAVO ODADJIAN’S SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET DROP DEBUT ALBUM AND HAUNTING NEW SINGLE ‘CRY’
11th October 2024SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET, the genre-defying, alternative metal collective led by Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down), unleash their highly anticipated, self-titled debut album, alongside their latest single, ‘Cry’, available now via Sumerian Records and 1336 Records.
Order the debut album here.‘Cry’ is a visceral dive into anguish, longing, and despair. The song’s harrowing intensity is mirrored in its lyrics, delving into the suffocating distance between two souls, and the raw pain of holding on to something that’s slowly slipping away. It further displays the phenomenal range, both sonically and thematically, on display on the band’s first full-length.
Speaking on the single, SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET shared:
“‘Cry’ captures the agony of trying to hold on to something that’s already broken, that inevitable down fall when love turns into torment. It’s about being locked in a space of emotional suffocation, where every attempt to hold on only pulls you further into the abyss. This is the pain we wanted to channel—a song for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re drowning in their own emotions.”
Following the explosive success of earlier singles ‘Paradise’, ‘Radiance’, and ‘Alive’, Seven Hours After Violet’s self-titled album emerges as a monumental body of work, blending crushing riffs, haunting melodies, brutal guttural vocals and deeply personal lyrics. The eleven tracks on the album showcase the band’s immense dynamic range, effortlessly moving between chaos and calm, creating a sonic landscape that is as emotionally charged as it is sonically ferocious.
Reflecting on the album, Shavo Odadjian commented:
“This record is everything I’ve wanted to put out for years. It’s heavy, it’s melodic, it’s vulnerable, and, at times, completely chaotic. With ‘Cry,’ we wanted to create something that rips you apart emotionally—both sonically and lyrically. This album is our collective truth, and we’re very excited for the world to finally hear it.”
Seven Hours After Violet is a collision of creative forces. Born from the minds of Shavo Odadjian and multi-platinum producer Morgoth (Winds of Plague), the group brings together some of the most innovative musicians in heavy music, including Taylor Barber (Left to Suffer) on vocals, Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty) on guitar and backing vocals, and Josh Johnson (Winds of Plague) on drums. Together, they have crafted a debut that stands as a testament to their collective mastery.
About SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET:
When the universe aligns, magic happens. This was certainly the case when Shavo Odadjian, the legendary bass player of System of a Down, crossed paths with platinum-selling producer, songwriter and guitarist, Morgoth at a party on 2.22.22. Their initial sessions were a spontaneous combustion of creativity, transforming from a potential solo venture into a full-fledged band.
“We wrote a song right away. It wasn’t like any writing session I had been part of before, riffs were just flowing out of me without me even having to try. Every time I felt like I couldn’t write anything. Morgoth would hand me a guitar and say, “go, go, go”. I needed that, you know? I needed someone to push me when I wasn’t pushing myself.” Shavo recalls. As music continued to pour out in torrents, with Shavo writing and performing all the guitar and bass parts and Morgoth producing and providing the beats, atmospherics and FX, Morgoth suggested they turn it into a Shavo solo project. However, with his eye now firmly set on the live arena, Shavo decided to create a full band.
Finding the right vocal talent to compliment the musical landscape created by Shavo and Morgoth was crucial. Morgoth’s recommendation of Taylor Barber from Left to Suffer was a game-changer. Shavo was blown away: “He was singing in falsetto one minute and growling the next—it was ridiculous. He became the singer because he knocked every song out of the park.” With Shavo on bass and Morgoth on guitar, the band also brought in Morgoth’s Winds Of Plague bandmate, Josh Johnson on drums and Alejandro Aranda, known for his solo project, Scarypoolparty, and as runner-up on American Idol as lead guitarist and backing vocalist.
Once the new music was complete, mixed by Zach Jones and mastered by Maor Applebaum, Shavo partnered with Ash Avildsen, founder and CEO of Sumerian Music Group to create the brand new joint label venture 1336 Records, with SEVEN HOURS AFTER VIOLET being the first signing.
Track Listing:
1. Paradise
2. Alive
3. Sunrise
4. Go!
5. Float
6. Glink
7. Cry….
8. Abandon
9. Radiance
10. Gloom
11. Feel
Band Members:
Taylor Barber – Vocals
Morgoth – Guitar & Production
Shavo Odadjian – Bass
Alejandro Aranda – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Josh Johnson – Drums
