American Metal traditionalists experts SEVEN WITCHES are about to promote their fresh ninth studio album, they keep on struggle to increase their pure heavy at heart reputation, a true merit they grow since their arrival on the metal scene in New Jersey when they formed in 1998. The well-named "Rebirth" that was released on July 16th is a juggernaut assault a return to the basics for the band armed with a brand new revamped line up, still featuring leader & underrated guitarist, once member of late SAVATAGE, Jack Frost (ex-METALIUM / ex-FROST BITE / ex-BRONX CASKET Co.) that display his great signature six strings work and a talented straight focus, to the melodic hooks in a very inspired 80s US Metal songwriting.

The band walks a fine line between Heavy and Power Metal, with nowadays barely seen elements, as some NWOBHM flavors and a few touches of Stadium / Hair Metal big hooks chorus. Something like ARMORED SAINT meets ICED EARTH meets HERETIC meets LIEGE LORD meets MALICE meets ABATTOIR etc... The powerful emblematic "Claustrophobic (No Way Out)" and the first track "Man In The Mirror" are the early catchy favorites but soon the evil sounding "True Blood" / "Riders Of Doom" or the groovy songs as "Murderer ?" / "Stand Or Fall" and the huge melodic "Nightmare Man" finally stands as the most recommended tracks.

But the real shocking discovery and unexpected revelation is the amazing vocals, provided by new member Anthony Cross aka Anthony Regalbuto (for me it's a confirmation because his performance for N.Y.C.'s LIVESAY in their 2000s "Darkest Hour" and "Commencement" by FISCHEL'S BEAST was already stunning). A singer who deserves to be praised here and now , as he gives a strong and secure feel to those songs, Anthony Cross (FISCHEL'S BEAST / ex-ATTACKER) is also a veteran from the Historic New-York Metal mob , and sign here one of his best work ever, with a solid, confidant delivery that reminds me very much of Roberto D. Liapakis from MYSTIC PROPHESY / VALLEY'S EVE / DEVIL'S TRAIN fame with even more guts.

To fully close the vocalists subject, the final number "Hell Or High Water" features none other than the legendary singer Alan Tecchio (HADES / ex-NON-FICTION / ex-WATCHTOWER / ex-POWER) who still possess some high pitched pipes and a great temperament perfectly seasoned for this invigorating hard edged sound. This is simply a pure =authentic Underground US Metal platter at its bloody best.