Seven Witches - Call Upon The Wicked

[TageRyche]

Seven Witches

Call Upon The Wicked

FrostByte / eOne - 2011

(No Active Up To Date Website That I Can Find)

 

With nary an easing off on the gas, Seven Witches stays on full throttle throughout Call Upon The Wicked.

And with the lineup they have for this album, it isn't any wonder why? James Rivera is back on vocals and you've got the founder of the band, Jack Frost, shredding on guitar. If that wasn't enough, you've got the solidly built metal foundation of drummer Taz Marazz and Symphony X's bassist Mike Lepond.

You've got a great CD package with superb production from Frost, Lepond and Armored Saint's Joey Vera, who has become one of the most active guys in metal the last few years whether as an artist or producer.

With Rivera back on vocals, the band has a much better sound. I'm sure Alan Tecchio has his fans but I didn't like the vocals on [i]Amped[/i] all that much and for a while there the band fell off my radar. Rivera has a classic metal voice that propels the band to a sound that remains both powerful yet accessible.

The title track on the disc is actually the one that would seem to be the one that would be most likely to get radio airplay back in the day.

There were three live bonus tracks on the album and they were OK, nothing great overall until the closing Judas Priest medley.

On "End of Days", Marazz gets the spotlight early in the song as his pounding of the skins is pushed to the forefront. The band chose a really interesting song for a cover. They did "White Room" from Cream and while I don't think Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker will think much of how metallized their song is, I think this version is rather good. I'm normally very wary of cover songs but Seven Witches got this one right despite the changes to tempo and tone.

The thing they got wrong was the song "Mind Games". The repetitive nature of chorus highlight a dearth of creativity (I'm only speaking of this song) in the lyrics.

I also loved the uptempo tracks "Ragnarok" and "Fields of Fire". (The video for the latter is below in this review)

Seven Witches has consistently turned out decent albums. I thought their Passage To The Other Side was positively brilliant. While they do get their share of acclaim, I think they remind me of Metal Church, where they turn out quality music but their albums seem destined to be heard by only their hardcore fans.

That being said, expand your metal horizons and check out Call Upon The Wicked. I think you will agree that the band is an underrated gem and the album a proud addition to your CD collection.

 

GRADE: B PLUS

 

 

[RJhog (Admin)]

I'm not familiar with Seven Witches whatsoever.  Based on the video, it would not be a purchase for me, but then again I can't say I've ever been a huge fan of traditionaly metal music. 

 

As usual, I appreciate the informative review.

[TageRyche]

In all honesty, if I was going to recommend one album of theirs to pick up, it would be "Passage To The Other Side".

[Scott]

Not my style so not a purchase for me, but as always and enjoyable read from Tage!  I just hope Niels doenst get wind of you posting a video, I tried that once ...  ONCE! 

 

[TageRyche]

It's called a full service review.

Website link when I can find one, album info, review of album, cover art and if available a vid link.

[TageRyche]

And of course, now vocalist James Rivera has left the band again.

 

"Some of you may be aware through online media that ARMORED SAINT has announced three confirmed shows in the Northeastern U.S. with SEVEN WITCHES as a support band.

"To avoid any confusion, I would like to make it clear that I will not be performing with SEVEN WITCHES. In fact, I have chosen to no longer be a part of this band due to circumstances beyond my control. I tried my best to get things going in the right direction for SEVEN WITCHES, although the powers that be did not see it the same way and have decided to go out and represent the new SEVEN WITCHES record with a whole different lineup again already.

"I'm more than positive the long-anticipated return of ARMORED SAINT will be well worth the wait. As for the fans who have been looking forward to the SEVEN WITCHES lineup with me back in the picture, my deepest apologies go out to you.

"In related news, I am working on booking some dates in Europe with my tribute band, SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH, which will be billed as special shows performing a night of SEVEN WITCHES and METALSTEEL songs. Three gigs have been confirmed in November with others in the works. When all shows are finalized, the dates and locations will be announced."