Xiled To Infinity And One (Seven Witches)

Following a brief touring stint with the legendary Savatage, guitarist/bandleader Jack Frost made a few changes within his own band. While the group still clings to their more traditional power metal past, they also include more modern elements for an occasionally cheesy feel. This is also the last album to feature bassist Billy Mez, the first to feature drummer Brian Craig, and the only album to feature Crimson Glory/Leash Law vocalist Wade Black.

Metal Tyrant: Opening with a Tenacious D-esque spoken statement about how the band is "taking back the metal", the album's first track is a pretty powerful starting point. It features driving riffs and solid vocal lines throughout, a more intense pre-chorus, a catchy chorus with a few falsettos thrown in, and a few Halford-isms that keep the song interesting.
9 out of 10

Incubus: One of the heavier tracks on the album. It is made memorable by its fast pace, crunchy riffs, solid verses and pre-choruses, and a slowed down chorus with some neat echoing vocals thrown in. Not quite a highlight, but a solid number.
8 out of 10

Salvation: An a capella version of the song's refrain opens this song in an interesting though slightly awkward fashion, the verses improve the song and throw in more energetic riffs and vocals, the pre-chorus feature a brief but catchy breakdown, the chorus provides a solid refrain, and a guitar solo is provided by ex-Annihilator vocalist/Overkill guitarist Joe Comeau. A pretty good track.
9 out of 10

Xiled to Infinity and One: Despite its silly title, this song offers some pretty epic moments. It comes in with melancholic guitar playing and matching vocals for the opening verse, the following verses continue with powerfully uplifting riffs, and the chorus is one of the most infectious on the album. A very strong SW number.
9 out of 10

Warmth of Winter: Now we come to one of the band's signature mid-tempo tracks. It features doomy guitar harmonies throughout, a pummeling rhythm, sly vocal lines, and a subtle but catchy refrain. Many dislike it, but I find it to be a pretty enjoyable tune.
9 out of 10

Anger's Door: The tension of the last album soons to intensity for this heavier track. It features a building introduction that leads into an upbeat chug, cool vocal/guitar trade-offs during the verses and chorus that bring to mind the style of the title track, and a solid breakdown during the solo section. Another solid track.
8 out of 10

Eyes Of An Angel: It's not quite a ballad, but this song returns to a more melodic style and features heavier riffs during the introduction, mid-tempo verses with interestingly echoing vocals, and a building pre-chorus that climaxes to an uplifting chorus. Another pretty cool track.
8 out of 10

Pain: Another mid-tempo track that may be the weakest on the album. While it does feature a neat chorus and great guitar/bass parts during the solo section, it also features directionless verses and a brief but slightly awkward bridge. Still a decent track though.
7 out of 10

The Burning (Incubus Reprise): As evidenced by the song's title, this is fairly identical to "Incubus" in terms of riffs and structure. Fortunately, the song is made superior thanks to a compelling performance by Savatage vocalist Jon Oliva (perhaps as a way of thanking his one-time employee?). One of the best songs the band has ever come out with.
10 out of 10

See You In Hell: Closing the album out is the signature Seven Witches cover tune, this time performing a version of the Grim Reaper anthem. I can't compare it to the original, but this version features solid riffs throughout and a great duet between Black and Comeau. A pretty solid closer.
8 out of 10

Overall, this album gets 85 out of 100, 85%, and 4 stars. With their third album, Seven Witches offers a solid slab of metal that is enjoyable, inspiring, and even fun at times. Having said that, it does get cheesy and may be an acquired taste for some. . .