Xiled To Infinity And One

Album review

"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 /TiVo