The7thGatekeeper – Not To Be Taken (2025)
Last year, we were introduced to a singer-songwriter who held nothing back in a rambunctious representation of rage, anger and fiery angst bound in a hard-hitting metal basket. Alright, we were introduced to a few of those in 2024, but one that remains lodged in our brains is The7thGatekeeper. The younger brother of Slipknot and Muse – I mean, not literally – the UK-based musician stampedes forth with passionate music filling the night with flames. Since his single, ‘Watch It Burn’, The7thGatekeeper has continued to release head-turning music to international audiences with critical acclaim. Today, we take a gander at the most recent single, ‘Not To Be Taken’.
Following the singles ‘The Hoard’ and ‘Amulet’, ‘Not To Be Taken’ is another taster of The7thGatekeeper’s upcoming sophomore album, set for release later this year. Recorded and produced by Giles Sommerwill (aka The7thGatekeeper) with mastering by Romesh Dodangoda, ‘Not To Be Taken’ retains the heaviness of his previous material, yet adds an extra layer of gritty, rugged, hard-hitting punch between the eyes effect. The combination of crashing drums and pounding guitars exudes from the track; however, its overall effect seems to fluctuate between monstrous tumult and heartbreaking vulnerability.
Melodically, ‘Not To Be Taken’ is that forceful lunge of chaos bursting from the blackened metal cage. It’s the metal expression of needing to break free of a claustrophobic cell. In this single, the angst, confusion and frustration are enhanced by the highly layered vocals. Think of one line of a Slipknot-esque vocal, then double up time after time – you’ll have a gritty rage of obscurity; this is just what unfolds in ‘Not To Be Taken’, and its presentation is the highlight of that desperate human screaming from a locked box, clawing and urging in painful breaths.
Lyrically, ‘Not To Be Taken’ is as powerful as the melody. It equally captures the complexity of the situation with each word swallowed then spewed forth with intimate intensity. The7thGatekeeper explains:
“Sometimes there are things you just can’t escape, despite how much you might want to. I wasn’t sure whether to release it or not; it’s an expression of quite personal, complicated issues I’ve had to navigate for most of my life. But it’s there now, and I hope that other listeners take something from it too.”
Find out more about The7thGatekeeper on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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