Jack Frost (real name: Dempsey) is no new comer to the metal scene. I don't think there is any respectable metalhead out there that doesn't at least own 1 album that he appears on. It all began with Frost Bite. But today he is mostly known as the main man behind Seven Witches. He has also worked with Savatage, Speeed, Marshall Law, The Bronx Casket Co., Metalium, Bird of Prey and John Macaluso & Union Radio. When does the man get time to record these solo efforts?

RAISE YOUR FIST TO METAL (2003) SANCTUARY

The name Jack Frost is synonymous with the word "metal". The man has played with just about every constellation imaginable, and he has friends in every corner of the metal world. Here he brings forth some of them to help him records his first solo album. Now Jack is a more than competent guitar-player. But he doesn't focus as much on the solos and all sorts of wankery, but rather concentrate on writing crushing riffs and balls-to-the-walls metal tunes. Thus he will never be considered a guitar-hero in the most common meaning of the word. But he is just that to me. He is one of those people that epitomizes heavy metal, and for that he deserves respect. And if you take a look at the list of people on board for this album, you will se that I am not alone in thinking so. 'Raise Your Fist To Metal' does what the title promises, and delivers some great metal songs. Every vocalist puts their signature on the melodies, and there are no real surprises there. Harem Scarem's Harry Hess opens with the excellent "Stay", a much harder song that you'd expect from this AOR guru. The hook for this song will have you singing along to the chorus immediately. He also returns for "What I Say", another fast and ferocious cut of choice. Who would have ever thought you'd hear Harry sing power metal?! Joe Comeau of Annihilator/Overkill fame continues with a more melodic thing, named "The Chase". Man, can this boy sing! An underground favorite of mine, former Seven Witches throat Bobby Lucas (Overlorde), takes over for "Brotherhood Of Lies". Talk about a crushing riff! This is what heavy metal is all about! No keys, no signature time changes, just metal from beginning to end! And with Bobby's wailing vocals on top! Steve Braun from Siloam delivers some powerhouse vocals on "What's Left" and the Kansas cover, "Fight Fire With Fire". Oh yeah, there are some stellar singers on this disc for sure! Next up is Jack himself, and while he does a decent job, he is by far the turd in the punchbowl here. He sings the only power ballad on the disc, called "The Man I Am". I'd rather listen to Jack's good friend Rob Rock. "Slow Burn" sounds like something Mr. Rock would put on one of his own albums. In other words a mix of power metal and great melodies. The last vocalist shares the stage with a whole bunch of famous names. Jack Emrick (Life After Death) does the lead vocals for Ratt's "Lack Of Communication", ending this metal ball with an all star gang vocal chorus featuring James Rivera (Helstar, Distant Thunder, Seven Witches etc.), Bill Metoyer (famed producer, and metal guru), and many others. 'Raise The Fist Of Metal ' is a great CD, filled with stellar power metal!

Killer tracks: Stay, Brotherhood Of Lies, What's Left, Slow Burn

Jack Frost guest appearances:

Rob Rock - 'Eyes Of Eternity'

Related artists:

 Seven Witches, Savatage, Metalium, Speeed, W.A.S.P., Doro