Merging hooky, '60s-influenced pop with pounding drums and moody, ominous undercurrents, the Witches suggest the bastard spawn of Phil Spector and the Velvet Underground -- a sound and style that might surprise some people, given the early résumé of the group's leader, Troy Gregory. Born in Detroit, Gregory first gained national prominence when he joined Arizona thrash-metalists Flotsam & Jetsam as bassist in 1987, a year after Jason Newsted left the group to join Metallica. In 1991, Gregory left Flotsam & Jetsam and joined New York art thrash band Prong in time to work on the...