Seven Witches Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
Supposedly, longtime Seven Witches leader/guitarist Jack Frost predicted that the group's seventh full-length overall would be its heaviest yet. It turns out that Nostradamus would have been mighty proud of ol' Mr. Frost, as 2007's Deadly Sins is one hard-hitting metal platter from beginning to end. And it also turns out to be one of the more thought-provoking Seven Witches releases yet, as the album appears to be based on Mahatma Gandhi's seven deadly sins (as evidenced by such song titles as "Science," "Commerce," "Worship," "Knowledge," "Pleasure," "Wealth," and "Politics"). With former Watchtower vocalist Alan Tecchio still in tow, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that a healthy amount of technical metal is on display throughout. Deadly Sins is probably the closest listeners will ever come to experiencing a heavy metal tribute to Gandhi. Too bad this album wasn't in the can when the acclaimed Gandhi movie was released in 1982 -- it would have made for one dandy soundtrack. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Revolving doors are quite prevalent in the metal, punk, hardcore, and indie rock worlds. Inevitably, there will be bands that experience numerous lineup changes yet manage to keep touring and recording because someone is determined to keep the band active regardless of how many musicians he or she goes through. Seven Witches is such a band. Between 1999 and 2005, Seven Witches was the epitome of a revolving door; singers, bassists, and drummers came and went. But the constant was always guitarist/founder Jack Frost, and this early 2006 release finds the ex-Savatage member leading a lineup that also includes drummer Jeff Curenton, bassist Kevin Bolembach, and lead singer Alan Tecchio (who some folks might know from the bands Hades, Watchtower, and Non-Fiction). Amped is Tecchio's first album with Seven Witches, and he goes for an old-school vocal style in the Bruce Dickinson/Ronnie James Dio vein -- an approach that is highly appropriate given that Seven Witches is a power metal outfit with a strong '80s fixation. Amped, quite frankly, isn't nearly as risk-taking as the albums Frost has recorded with the Bronx Casket Co., an excellent, goth-drenched alternative metal band. But originality isn't everything -- and while Amped isn't the least bit groundbreaking, it is a decent effort that finds Frost continuing to wear his Priest/Iron Maiden/Grim Reaper/Manowar heritage like a badge of honor. Original material dominates this CD, although Tecchio and Frost sound quite inspired on an unlikely remake of Billy Idol's "Flesh for Fantasy." The original version was such a classic that trying to emulate Idol would have been pointless -- and so, Seven Witches does the smart thing and puts a different spin on "Flesh for Fantasy," which works surprisingly well as headbanger music. Bottom line: Amped isn't a breathtaking masterpiece, but it's a respectable effort that's worth hearing if one is a die-hard fan of '80s power metal. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Passage to the Other Side'
Release Date 3/24/2003
Tracks 10
Label Noise
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Though the band's biography promises that album number two has a "bold, modern sound," Passage to the Other Side is really more of the same from the band's debut: anthemic power metal with screaming guitars, ear-splitting percussion, and robust, operatic vocals. The disc will ring true for fans of Manowar and Judas Priest -- in addition to the small but devoted legion of worldwide fans who reverently follow young upstarts such as Primal Fear -- especially given the band's lineage (this is ex-Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera's first disc as a member of the group; he joined after producing Xiled to Infinity and One, and he produces Passage as well). However, if you're not in league, Seven Witches will only serve to confirm the cheesiness inherent in the genre. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide
'Xiled to Infinity and One'
Release Date 2/25/2002
Tracks 10
Label Noise
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
"Infinity is forever," Seven Witches' leader, Jack Frost, said by way of explaining the title of the band's disc, "And one, that's one more thing." One can only wonder if the band's amps go to 11, which is one louder than ten, isn't it? Forget about Spinal Tap; one listen to the disc would show that the amps go to 12, as the band proffers an old-school power metal attack that lies somewhere between Jugulator-era Priest and just about everything the legendary Combat label released in the mid- to late '80s, all pounding percussion and songs built on Manowar riffs, screaming solos, and ear-piercing vocals of the high-pitched variety. Drummer Brian Craig was in Destiny's End, vocalist Wade Black served time in the influential Crimson Glory, the disc was mixed by Armored Saint/Fate's Warning alum Joey Vera (who would subsequently join the band), and guitarist Jack Frost is a metal mercenary whose grandest achievement was joining Savatage. Meanwhile, guests such as Annihilator/Overkill man Joe Comeau add vocals to a faithful version of Grim Reaper's "See You in Hell" and Savatage mainstay Jon Oliva sings lead on "The Burning," whose lyrics he penned. Obviously, the band's pedigree is beyond reproach, and neither is the group's fervor for meathead metallic meandering, cheesy warts and all. For modern-day adventists of this style, Primal Fear and Iced Earth offer far more in terms of innovation and songwriting ability than Seven Witches, but they offer enough brawn that many of this niche market's devotees will overlook the lack of brains. ~ Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide
