Frontman James Rivera (HELSTAR, DISTANT THUNDER, ex-SEVEN WITCHES) has issued the following statement:

"Many of you have heard that I, James Rivera, have recently joined a band called KILLING MACHINE. This is truly a blessing for me to be playing with such an all-star team! Killing Machine will commence pre-production and the recording of our sophomore album throughout the month of May. This is a very exciting moment in my life and the least I can say concerning this new endeavor is it's going be a fire that no-one will be able to put out!

Now, the big question will be what happens with Seven Witches and Helstar/Distant Thunder. As far as Seven Witches, a lot of heart and soul has been put into this band, but unfortunately, I have resigned. Within the time I've spent in Seven Witches, I quickly saw that it was not taking me to an extremely different level, where I haven't already been. As a matter of fact, I saw myself walking down many of the same roads. Unlike 20 years ago, the essence of time is

very valuable to me. I just couldn't see hurting myself financially any longer, or using up any more of my creativity and magic, because in this situation, for the most part it was someone else's world and I was just in it. For this reason and other personal reasons that I don't feel I need to discuss, which have been put inside of a locked vault, is why the decision was made. This was not an easy decision because as human beings we all know that where there was

a little rain, there was also a lot of sunshine. What I wish to only remember of that chapter in my life, are the two great records that we put out (Passage To The Other Side and Year Of The Witch) and a couple of good tours. As far as working with Jack Frost as a co-songwriter and producer, that is probably what I will miss the most. I have learned a lot by working with Jack and he definitely opened a lot more windows to a broader vocal capability for me.

As far as Helstar/Distant Thunder, well let's face it, we all know that will always be apart of me and when the time calls for an occasional classic reunion, shows now and again, they will exist. As far as new material, it is in fact slowly but surely being conjured up at present time. Stay tuned, stay heavy!"