Although the story of SEVEN WITCHES began back in ‘98, wipe the slate clean, as everything that predates Xiled To Infinity And One, including the first two albums, pales in comparison. Nearly all bios make such outlandish claims, but since recording City of Lost Souls, monumental changes have occurred within the band. In fact, it's not even the same band!
First off, founder/guitarist Jack Frost was tapped for the coveted slot in Savatage. Although Frost has been a frequent collaborator outside SEVEN WITCHES (Metalium/Bronx Casket Co./Speeed), it wasn't until he was accepted as an equal, with the Savs, that he truly understood the meaning of ‘band,' a trait he insists has instilled itself within his own outfit. "The last two years, I've done so much stuff, playing with so many amazing people, I've been like a sponge. When it came to SEVEN WITCHES, I was reeking of ideas. Everything I've learned has made this a better band. A stable and secure home life, making new friends, my brothers in Savatage, Wade, I'm so much better mentally and physically. I'm not stressed now."

Wade is Wade Black (ex-Crimson Glory/Sector 9). After the last European tour, Crimson Glory faded into the night once more, leaving newcomer Black without a gig. Although he won praise from all quarters, both live and on record, the singer was in no hurry to find just any gig; he wanted to make sure it was the right situation. "The last five years, being with Crimson, was like being in musical college. You soak it up. It made me better, able to be on the same page with Jack. This isn't rocket science. It's music. You go by feel. I don't think we ever could have fathomed this record coming out so well."

On drums is Brian Craig, best known for his contributions to Destiny's End. People will be surprised by the speed and intensity with which he plays, as the new Witches' material is a non-stop train wreck. Only the title track contains any moments of subtlety. An epic, utilizing acoustic guitars it's a welcome respite on the hot rails to Hell. Black interprets the lyrics up-to-the-minute. "Everything that's going on in the Middle East right now, with that Bin Laden guy. He was kicked out of his country, disowned by his family. That's some of what I wrote about in that one." The other half of the rhythm section is Billy Mez. The bassist has been with Frost since the inception, but criss-crossing the US in Single Bullet Theory has improved his onstage repertoire, a necessity given the fact SEVEN WITCHES have played only one show, to date!

The fruit of their labor is Xiled To Infinity And One, a metal album guaranteed to wake up the children of the Korn. Harkening back to a simpler time, when guitars and impressive vocal range ruled the scene, not image and three chord riffing, ‘Metal Tyrants' is more than a title. The first single is not simply a mantra, it's a way of life and when Black bellows, "We're taking back the metal," he means it! "That's something I've wanted to get across for a long time," stresses the guitarist. "It took three records, but I finally did it." Elsewhere, there's the heavy stomp of ‘Pain,' an a cappella begun ‘Salvation' and Black's piercing screams, which climb into an atmosphere only attainable by metal's elite vocalists, most of whom no longer can hit such lofty goals. Throughout the album, the guitars are chunky and fast. "I really concentrated on being the best rhythm player I can be," says Frost. "Don't get me wrong, solos are just as important, it's icing on the cake. Rhythms are the meat and potatoes. I made these songs really hard on myself to play, pushing myself to the point of no return." As for the title, he explains, "It can be used in many ways, but I'm really into medieval stuff. It goes back to the days when a warrior was exiled to infinity, for all his wrongdoings in life. Today, a family member that does bad, he's exiled too, but in a different way. Infinity is forever. And one, that's one more thing, another day."

Beyond the imposing new line-up, a host of metal luminaries were involved in making Xiled To Infinity And One. Jack Frost produced the album, along with engineer Don Sternecker, who owns Mix-O-Lydian Studio. It was mixed by Joey Vera (Armored Saint/Fates Warning/Engine). Friends old and new, Joe Comeau (Annihilator) and Jon Oliva (Savatage) also make appearances. Comeau is heard trading vocals with Black on a cover of Grim Reaper's ‘See You In Hell'. Oliva penned the lyrics for the bonus track ‘The Burning‘ and is heard singing the lead vocals.

You are be-Witched!

In 2005 the band signed a new contract with Sweden's Regain Records.

NOISE RECORDS BIOGRAPHY (2002)