It was only a short while ago that I had to be brutally honest about a release, which I thought was a bit of a turkey (my apologies to all the turkeys out there). That album was by Peter Criss (Kiss) and his latest offering “One For All”. Well I am sorry to say I have stumbled across another with the latest DVD from Seven Witches.

Initially issued in the States a couple of years ago I believe, Years If The Witch now picks up a European release via Locomotive and, as a package, it's pretty wellput together. As well as getting a full live set from the band their is the usual smattering of extras one finds on DVDs these days. Actually I watched the extras first to get a feel for the band and their music and have to say that “main man” Jack Frost can definitely talk the talk, and gave a lot of insights into his music and what the whole Seven Witches band is all about - indeed on the strength of the interviews I was feeling really pumped up to watch the live set - and that's were the problems began...

I have to brutally honest and say  watching the live set of Years Of The Witch was one of the most painful viewing experiences for a long time. I appreciate the band probably had a tight budget and hence I can understand that camera angles can’t be varied that often - not everyone has the luxury of a budget like a  Rush or a Whitesnake - and whilst the filming itself does have an earthy quality to it, again being blunt, at times it’s only a few steps up from being better than a bootleg.

My main disappointment is the music on offer, especially after Frost had me chomping for it after his interviews. Yes it’s metal and yes it’s the crushing kind but it’s very average when all is said and done. There is plenty of musical power on display especially the drumming which is top drawer but I am going to throw the cat among the pigeons when I say “Jack Frost” on this display is an average guitarist and the wording on the DVD sleeve which says the band “have proven themselves to be leaders of American heavy metal” seems a bit out of  all proportion. When Frost gets to take his guitar solos I was left with the impression that he is somewhat lacking, said solos just don’t take his music anywhere. I would be inclined to recommend he milk his riffs instead of taking solos as he does have a talent for coming up with meaty power chord patterns.

The introduction of a keyboard player in the set leads to a “jam” which had me cringing. I can’t be sure but I think the band was trying some rock blues that turned into nothing or something. I’m not going to say anymore, as I’m sure if you have read this far you will realise that this release, to my eyes and ears, is, at best, very average and something I can only see appealing to current fans.

Let us know your views on Years Of The Witch

Track Listing

Intro
Dance With The Dead
Apocalyptic Dreams
Metal Tyrant
The Answer
Johnny
Jam Session
Can't Find My Way
Incubus
Metal Asylum
Warmth Of The Winter
Camelot
Natures Wrath
Cries Of The Living
Passage To The Other Side
Mental Messiah

Line Up

Alan Tecchio - Vocals
Jack Frost - Guitars
Kevin Bolembach - Bass
Steve Delaney - Drums