Happy 2014 everyone! But just because it’s a few days into the New Year doesn’t mean we have to overlook a late 2013 release deserving some attention. So buckle up all you “metal heads” because shredding guitarist Jack Frost and his band SEVEN WITCHES are back with a new studio release entitled “Reborn” guaranteed to knock your socks off!

Frost’s classic “heavy-metal” style highlighted by heavy, aggressive chords and melodies, authoritative lyrics and song-writing and blazing guitar solos has been a staple of the band ever since its formation back in 1998. But other than Frost himself, the line-up has changed quite a bit over the years and this one is no different as “Reborn” unites another group of talented musicians featuring lead vocalist Anthony Cross (SHADOW IMAGE/ ATTACKER), thunderous drummer and former “hit-man” for TYPE O NEGATIVE and DANZIG Johnny Kelly and adding his dynamic and compelling bass licks to yet another project… a man who is no stranger to Rockeyez, our old friend Ronnie Parkes (TANGO DOWN) although the new material he is doing with SEVEN WITCHES is definitely a “far cry” from some of the more melodic bands we are used to hearing him with. (Get it?!? “FARCRY”?!?) Anyway…

“Reborn” opens up in vintage “heavy-metal” fashion with the aggressive, power-rocker “Man In The Mirror (Enemy Within).” Absolutely LOVE Cross’ vocals on this one and the thick, rich chorus complimented by some vivacious guitar licks and fills by Frost. This is followed up by another up-tempo rocker called “Claustrophobic (No Way Out)” and one of my favorite tracks on the release “Nightmare Man” which although is a bit short in length, still features an intense melody which segues nicely into a softer, more melodic bridge before kicking it back into high-gear with a spectacular speed-guitar solo.

“Stand or Fall” is a cool track… fast and heavy with some wailing guitar fills layered over the potent melody. “Murderer? (Hang’em High) has a bit of that classic, heavier George Lynch sound to it with some incredible guitar work by Frost and a guitar solo which really stands out as one of the best on the release. Then “True Blood” keeps the adrenaline going with some more impressive guitar solos and fills and a head-banging melody reminding me just a “tad” of that Marilyn Manson style while “Head First” reverts back a bit to that more Lynch-ish sound and a slightly more melodic feel and bridge which really works well with the more aggressive rhythm.

The title track “Rebirth” really gives Ronnie his moment to shine as his pulsating, up-tempo bass intro builds into an electrifying heart-pounding, double-bass hammering rocker undoubtedly able to satisfy ANY metal-head. “Riders of Doom” continues on in that same vein as we finally come to “Poison All The People” which with its heavy, tumultuous composition and arrangement complimented by the high-octave to almost growling vocals of guest vocalist Alan Techhio can only be compared in sound to that of BENEDICTUM.

If you’re a fan of bands like PRIMAL FEAR, BENEDICTUM or that classic heavy-metal style, SEVEN WITCHES “Reborn” is definitely the album for you!