A line of one of Echo 7’s songs almost prophetically states, “I feel it only getting stronger.”

The band members very well could have been talking about their force as a musical presence in modern rock.

Frontmen Ronnie O’Briant and Dave Sharrock, bassist Frank Roop and drummer Jason Hearn brought their no-strings-attached, pure rock sound to the House of Blues on Sept. 24, opening for 80s metal gods Queensryche.

The South Carolina group recently released their first album, “One Step Away,” and have begun to generate buzz among those in the know for their unique shared-frontman duties. O’Briant and Sharrock each sing about half of the album.

“It just kind of happened that way,” Sharrock said. “We just traded off.”

O’Briant echoed Sharrock’s laid-back attitude, saying, “It was like, ‘I sing, you sing. KISS did it, why don’t we?'”

“One Step Away” is the initial release for In De Goot Recordings via music giant Universal.

In case you’re wondering about the origins of Echo 7’s name, it comes from a line in “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Onstage, Echo 7 exudes the confidence of a veteran band.

It’s the type of band you feel instantly comfortable with.

The members acknowledge the impact that touring has had on their evolution.

“Playing every night always makes you better,” O’Briant said. “We’re at our best when we’re busy.”

Echo 7’s chemistry is palpable.

It shows its audience a commanding musical experience but also knows how to have a good time doing it.

Whether Roop is executing twirls while playing the bass or the members are throwing things at each other, it feels that they would rather be onstage engaging with the audience than anywhere else.

“You get to see how the crowd totally reacts to the emotion you put into your songs,” Roop said. “Its pretty cool.”

This performance was the second time Echo 7 had been to New Orleans, and the band was acutely aware of the pressures of playing in such a musical city.

“Anytime you’re playing where music is a real big scene and it’s real important in that area, you’re going to be under a microscope,” drummer Hearn said.

“Yeah, just give us a chance,” Roop said. “Just try us on.”

One of Echo 7’s goals is to deliver a unique show to audiences, wherever it travels.

“I hope we’re bringing something different and new and something people are going to relate to and enjoy,” O’Briant said. “But that’s part of the fun of it – coming out in front of a crowd and proving yourself and watching them enjoy it.”

Echo 7’s tracks translate well from record to live performance.

The anthem “Inside Out” gave the audience a glimpse into the band’s relentless rock ethic.

Its powerful performance of the album’s title track showed the audience why it was chosen to be the first single.

Even the members’ instruments reflect Echo 7’s distinct flavor.

Hearn adds mini-cymbals to his ostensibly traditional drum set to produce a tighter, almost industrial sound.

When Echo 7 isn’t on the road, it’s developing its sound in the studio. For “One Step Away,” it worked with seasoned producer Pete Matthews (Evanescence, Dust for Life) and mixer Michael Barbiero (Metallica, Guns ‘N’ Roses).

“The exciting part about the studio is you get to see how your songs are going to sound, and you can actually learn from the songs,” Hearn said.

The 36-date tour with Queensryche isn’t the first time that Echo 7 has played with a big-name band. It also has toured with Korn, Foo Fighters, 3 Doors Down and Live.

The Queensryche tour is winning Echo 7 more fans with each show. The packed house on Sept. 24 seemed to take to the relaxed styling of Echo 7’s live performance.

“I think it fits well together from the response we’ve gotten from people,” O’Briant said.

Hearn said that O’Briant and Sharrock’s vocals are a big draw for the Queensryche fans.

“They don’t want some band opening up for Queensryche just up there screaming into the microphone. That’s going to turn them off,” he said. “I think we’re a good match.”

Another attraction for Queensryche fans to Echo 7 lies in the songwriting, according to Roop. Echo 7’s style of songwriting – catchy yet emotionally charged – hooks the audience, and has found simpatico with Queensryche’s approach.

The driving factor for Echo 7’s live shows is the energy it gets from the headliners.

“Playing with other bands makes you want to push yourself to better,” O’Briant said.

Hearn expounded on O’Briant’s idea, saying, “It’s just a buzz you get off the crowd, knowing who you’re playing with – that’s what pushes you.”