Metal Caravans

Genre: Heavy Metal

TRACKLIST:

1.    Dance with the Dead    06:20   
2.    Mental Messiah    04:59   
3.    Johnny    03:57   
4.    Apocalyptic Dreams    03:30   
5.    Fever in the City    05:16   
6.    Betrayed    04:06   
7.    Last Horizon    04:16   
8.    Natures Wrath    04:51   
9.    Wasted (Def Leppard Cover)    03:42   
10.    Passage To The Other Side    07:20

Line Up:

James Rivera - Vocals
Jack Frost - Guitars
Joey Vera - Bass
Brian Craig - Drums

In typical fashion, "Passage to The Other Side" features a Seven Witches that's 50% new. And, in typical fashion, the band pulls off another great CD, despite the troubles plaguing them.
Joining guitarist Jack Frost and drummer Brian Craig here are veteran bassist Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Engine) and veteran singer James Rivera (Helstar). The fact that all of the band's members are veterans certainly shows in the final product. "Passage to the Other Side" is a strong metal CD that can be described as a unique blend of Judas Priest, Megadeth and Ronnie James Dio.
Despite some standout tracks, however ("Betrayed, "Wasted" and the unique title track) "Passage to the Other Side" doesn't quite click as well as its predecessor. Don't get me wrong, it still kicks solid metal ass - it just doesn't do it like "Xiled" did.
The band likes to say that "Passage" has a more modern sound than "Xiled" did but I'm not sure I agree. I'd say they're pretty close in the era department. However, "Passage" just doesn't reach out and grab you by the throat like "Xiled" did. It's not quite as forceful, I guess. Then again, that may be something that subsequent listenings may prove inaccurate.
But enough about "Xiled." The fact is that "Passage to the Other Side" still rocks hard and most heavy metal fans will be thrilled with it. It never lets up, energy-wise, and the heavy metal chops are all here: the pounding drums, the crunchy guitars, the blistering leads, the throbbing bass, the powerful vocals.
Despite the latest line-up changes, fans who have followed Seven Witches throughout their career won't be disappointed. And neither will those who like their metal powerful and pure.