JACK FROST - Raise Your Fist To Metal

Posted: 03/25/04

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Heavy Metal / Hard Rock

Released: 03/09/04

Label URL:

Artist URL: www.sevenwitches.net

I feel like a proud Papa when it comes to guitarist Jack Frost (Seven Witches, ex-Savatage, ex-Metalium). Ya see, I’ve watched Jack’s progression as an artist since his days with the New Jersey-based Frost Bite way back in 1996. Some of my earliest interviews for Metal Dreams were with Jack, and now as I watch from the sidelines, I’m proud to say that Jack is recording some of his best music with the all-star cast he assembled on this album. I’ve always said, "Jack knows everyone." In fact, back in the 90s, when I’d go anywhere with him, he’d literally run into at least a dozen people that knew him. If he wasn’t a rocker, his networking skills would certainly allow him to run seminars on how to be the ultimate businessman. For Raise Your Fist To Metal, Jack pulled together musicians from all over the genre (Harem Scarem vocalist Harry Hess, former Impellitteri vocalist Rob Rock, former Seven Witches singer Bobby Lucas, former Liege Lord/Annihilator vocalist Joe Comeau, Azlan vocalist Steve Braun, Armored Saint/Fates Warning/Seven Witches bassist Joey Vera, W.A.S.P. bassist Mike Duda, Britny Fox bassist Billy Childs, Armored Saint drummer Gonzo, and Britny Fox/Doro drummer Johnny Dee), having them participate in the song-writing and recording. With the variety of musicians comes a diverse yet very cohesive ten song set. More 80s metal/hard rock than the traditional/power metal of Seven Witches, the songs on Raise are all chorus based with excellent vocals and hooky guitar riffs. Besides the eight originals, the all-star cast pays tribute to Kansas’ commercial period with a cover of "Fight Fire With Fire" and to Ratt with a cover of "Lack Of Communication." The originals are of the highest quality, so it’s hard to pick one over the other, although instant favorites include the Rob Rock fronted "Slow Burn," the Joe Comeau vocalized "The Chase," "Brotherhood Of Lies" delivered by Bobby ‘Leather Lungs’ Lucas, and the melodic ballad of sorts, "The Man I Am," sung by Jack himself. I remember Jack singing back-up with Seven Witches and had always hoped that he would front a song, and now he has.

The Bloody Truth: The material on Raise Your Fist To Metal is different than Jack’s Seven Witches material. It’s more diverse, more hard rock and 80s oriented, and to me it shows that Jack has many sides to offer, all of which are great in their own way.