Jack: Well, amazing. The 2 new guys have been here many times before Witches. They're true pros and have all it takes. Our spirits are ridding high. We are so proud of the new CD and we can't wait to get out there a kill again.

Speaking of new band members, both vocalist Alan Tecchio and bassist Kevin Bolembach came from Non- Fiction. How'd the audition process take place and how was it decided upon that these two were the right men to start the next chapter for the band?

Well this was easy. They both played a tune on my solo CD. I loved their attitudes and their playin' when we where in the studio. There really wasn't an audition. I called them and asked them if they may be into doing this. It took a little time as we all wanted to make sure it was right and not a one time thing. I could not be any happier.

Amped is a pretty good American heavy metal album. While listening to it, there seemed to be a message calling out to me that American metal isn't dead. Was that the message you were trying to convey?

Crush. Take the listener by the throat. We just wanted to make something powerful and strong. I feel we did much more.

What sort of feedback has the band been receiving from Amped?

Different. People wanted another power metal CD. We always got the Priest imprint and on this one people are saying we changed blah blah blah. We didn't, we just made a record we wanted to make. We did this for ourselves. I feel we did something special.

What do you think are some of the best qualities in the new album and on the other hand, what do you think are the worst, or could use some improving?

Well no worse. I'm very happy. Improving, well this is easy; we want to keep going now we know each other and feel our next CD will be even more crushing. The best is the words. Alan rules; I love his lyric content and I feel the music is real. No polishing the sound. Pure metal at its best.

I have something to admit; while I enjoyed the straight up heavy metal tracks on the new album, I think I enjoyed the more somber tracks even more. What was the inspiration behind "BE" and "Widows and Orphans"?

"Widows" is my thanks to my Savatage days. The time I spent really rubbed off on me. As for "BE", it's our real 1st love tune. Alan wrote this about his wife. It's a very special tune.

Also featured on the new album is a great cover of Billy Idol's "Flesh for Fantasy". Why Billy Idol and why this particular song?

He's fuckin' killer. Always loved this tune just felt we could kick it up a few notches.

I am rather impressed with the message behind "Fame Gets You Off". What was the final straw that broke the camel's back?

None. It's just these scumbags feel they have money and power and can do whatever they feel and get off and watchin' Jackson walk free shows money is the air. It just sucks if you and I did any of this stuff we be someone's bitch in jail.

I'm really excited to hear about the tour you're about to gear up for with W.A.S.P.! What brought Seven Witches and W.A.S.P. together?

Well me and Duda are bros. I was offered years ago to be in the band after Chris. We signed a deal with their booking agent and it all just seemed perfect. It's gone be a killer time. Duda and I will hit all the malls.

Aside from writing and touring with Seven Witches, you also write and tour with The Bronx Casket Co.. How difficult is it to balance both bands and which takes up most of your time?

They both do. Whenever I'm doing one, I put my whole heart into it. I never do it half-assed. I love to play its all I know. I never feel pressure it my blood.

If you were to quit music tomorrow, what project would you say you have been most pleased with-Savatage, Metalium, Bronx Casket Co., Speed, Seven Witches, or Frost Bite?

No, this is easy. The great friends I made over the years. I'm talkin' about the fans this is the best.

Jack, you've been creating music long enough to answer this question: What do you think the biggest obstacle to creating heavy and catchy music is?

Wow. Tough one. I think you just have to be you. Never write for any one but yourself and I feel in the end you can do both and be proud.

Finally, are there any words you'd like to leave our audience with?

Well, as always thanks for lettin' me do what I love for living. I can't ever thank the fans enough for their support. I will try my best for ever to make music that you like. Just have fate in me and I'll do my best. Stay metal!

www.sevenwitches.net