Last May I was sitting outside before a Savatage gig talking with Wade Black and Jack Frost. I asked Jack what the next Seven Witches album would be like.
"Heavy, man. Heeaaaavvvvvyyyy."
He did not lie.
While "Xiled to Infinity and One" is the third Seven Witches release, it is in many ways a debut album. With Wade Black now handling vocals, Seven Witches finally has the voice that can fulfill the bands potential. Finally, the band has the vocal dynamics and range that were lacking on the first two releases. Wade Black is a vocalist who really has no limits. Whether he's unleashing a metal scream, death metal growl, or singing in his incredibly clear and melodic voice, there is no fade, no strain. Strong from start to finish. He also compliments Jack Frost's songwriting perfectly, providing some extremely memorable lyrics and melodies. Billy Mez is back on bass and provides some the highlights of the album. New to the band is drummer Brian Craig, formerly of Destiny's End. Listen to the track "Anger's Door" one time and you'll be left with no doubts that Brian was the exact fit for the new material.
The songs:
"Metal Tyrant" opens with the line "we're taking back the metal" and proceeds to provide a true, undiluted heavy metal anthem. This is the Seven Witches I have been waiting for.
"Incubus" keeps the pace going with another driving metal powerhouse that displays some classic Frost shredding. There is also a cool bass break. If you can get through this song without serious headbanging, you're probably dead.
"Salvation" starts with the lyrics "What is your salvation/what keeps you alive?/is it good intentions/that get tossed aside?" This song is heavy, both lyrically and musically, and is one of my favorites on the album.
"Xiled to Infinity and One" starts out with an acoustic intro and then switches into metal mode. This song showcases the versatility of Wade's vocals.
"Warmth of Winter" This track has a very...modern tone. The guitars on this song are extra-crunchy and Jack has some very cool harmonics going on. I can easily imagine this songe being picked up for radio play and also being a highlight of their live set.
"Anger's Door" The somewhat modern sound continues, and then there is...double bass drum-fest! This song is all about the drums, which seem very up front in the mix. Did I mention the maniacal double-basss drumming?
"Eyes of An Angel" If the title has you expecting a ballad, adjust your expectations. I don't know how to classify this song. To me, it has a strong late 80s metal vibe to it.
"Pain" another very crunchy song. It has a definite bluesy vibe which is very refreshing and almost nonexistant in metal releases today.
"The Burning" All hail the Mountain King! Jon Oliva guests as vocalist on this track. Have you been missing that classic Savatage sound? Longing for the good Doctor Butcher to slam your skull one more time? Welcome home. This song lies somewhere between the Dungeons and Doctor Butcher. If this song is what happens when Jack and Jon record together, I have a feeling there are going to be some very happy Savafans in the near future.
"See You in Hell" Cover songs are nothing new to Seven Witches albums. This one is the best. The classic track from Grim Reaper has been expertly covered by Wade and guest vocalist Joe Comeau.
The bottom line:
Xiled to Infinity and One offers a lot of diversity within its ten tracks. This diversity also makes the album a standout among the flood of new releases currently hitting the streets. The album is already getting huge positive press. It is not to be missed.
One last word: when Seven Witches starts touring, do not miss the opportunity to see them live. I've seen Jack and Wade perform live but in different bands. The two of them on the same stage is going to be the metal event of the year.
"Heavy, man. Heeaaaavvvvvyyyy."
He did not lie.
While "Xiled to Infinity and One" is the third Seven Witches release, it is in many ways a debut album. With Wade Black now handling vocals, Seven Witches finally has the voice that can fulfill the bands potential. Finally, the band has the vocal dynamics and range that were lacking on the first two releases. Wade Black is a vocalist who really has no limits. Whether he's unleashing a metal scream, death metal growl, or singing in his incredibly clear and melodic voice, there is no fade, no strain. Strong from start to finish. He also compliments Jack Frost's songwriting perfectly, providing some extremely memorable lyrics and melodies. Billy Mez is back on bass and provides some the highlights of the album. New to the band is drummer Brian Craig, formerly of Destiny's End. Listen to the track "Anger's Door" one time and you'll be left with no doubts that Brian was the exact fit for the new material.
The songs:
"Metal Tyrant" opens with the line "we're taking back the metal" and proceeds to provide a true, undiluted heavy metal anthem. This is the Seven Witches I have been waiting for.
"Incubus" keeps the pace going with another driving metal powerhouse that displays some classic Frost shredding. There is also a cool bass break. If you can get through this song without serious headbanging, you're probably dead.
"Salvation" starts with the lyrics "What is your salvation/what keeps you alive?/is it good intentions/that get tossed aside?" This song is heavy, both lyrically and musically, and is one of my favorites on the album.
"Xiled to Infinity and One" starts out with an acoustic intro and then switches into metal mode. This song showcases the versatility of Wade's vocals.
"Warmth of Winter" This track has a very...modern tone. The guitars on this song are extra-crunchy and Jack has some very cool harmonics going on. I can easily imagine this songe being picked up for radio play and also being a highlight of their live set.
"Anger's Door" The somewhat modern sound continues, and then there is...double bass drum-fest! This song is all about the drums, which seem very up front in the mix. Did I mention the maniacal double-basss drumming?
"Eyes of An Angel" If the title has you expecting a ballad, adjust your expectations. I don't know how to classify this song. To me, it has a strong late 80s metal vibe to it.
"Pain" another very crunchy song. It has a definite bluesy vibe which is very refreshing and almost nonexistant in metal releases today.
"The Burning" All hail the Mountain King! Jon Oliva guests as vocalist on this track. Have you been missing that classic Savatage sound? Longing for the good Doctor Butcher to slam your skull one more time? Welcome home. This song lies somewhere between the Dungeons and Doctor Butcher. If this song is what happens when Jack and Jon record together, I have a feeling there are going to be some very happy Savafans in the near future.
"See You in Hell" Cover songs are nothing new to Seven Witches albums. This one is the best. The classic track from Grim Reaper has been expertly covered by Wade and guest vocalist Joe Comeau.
The bottom line:
Xiled to Infinity and One offers a lot of diversity within its ten tracks. This diversity also makes the album a standout among the flood of new releases currently hitting the streets. The album is already getting huge positive press. It is not to be missed.
One last word: when Seven Witches starts touring, do not miss the opportunity to see them live. I've seen Jack and Wade perform live but in different bands. The two of them on the same stage is going to be the metal event of the year.
