"I used to get totally nervous when things were going really good," says lead singer Selene Vigil. "I'd think something bad was going to happen. But now when things are going good, I just try to enjoy it. I try to make it last as long as possible instead of shooting it down."

The all-woman punk-rock band, which has had its share of triumphs and tragedies, has a lot to look forward to with the release of "Gato Negro" ("Black Cat"), its major-label debut album.

The album is true to the group's roots — raucous, raw and roaring — yet takes its defiant punk-rock sound to a new level.

"Gato Negro" is due March 12 from Atlantic Records — almost two years after the group signed with the label. It has been a long gestation period for the band's most anticipated album.

"We always use birth analogies when it comes to making records," says bassist Elizabeth Davis with a smile. "Our labor was kind of long. But the birth was enjoyable and the baby's beautiful."

"Yeah, and it takes an elephant two-years to have a baby, too." chimes in Vigil, whose low-key manner and good humor belie the howling fury of her live performances.

During a recent interview at Capitol Hill's La Puerta restaurant, Davis and Vigil snacked on guacamole and chips while mariachi music played softly in the background.

Conversation meandered from talk about the group's upcoming cross-country tour to memories of former guitarist Stefanie Sargent, who died of a heroin overdose in 1992 and sent the band into disarray, and close friend and Gits lead singer Mia Zapata, who was raped and murdered in July 1993.

The band — today's lineup includes Vigil, Davis, Roisin Dunne (guitar) and Valerie Agnew (drums) — formed in August 1990. Within two years, 7 Year Bitch had released its first album on Seattle's C/Z Records and opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Seattle Center. In June 1992, just days before the death of guitarist Sargent, the group was among several promising Seattle bands performing at the New Music Seminar in New York.

Today, 7 Year Bitch is eager to reach a larger audience with its new album of tense, invigorating songs about human relationships.

The band strived for a "low-fi" sound despite a production budget considerably larger than those at C/Z Records, the group's former label. It was produced by Billy Anderson (who has worked with The Melvins, Nirvana, Surgery and Neurosis).

Band members didn't want the album to sound "lush and Butch Vig-like," said Davis, referring to the record produces who established his career with Nirvana's breakthrough "Nevermind" album in 1991.

"'Gato Negro' doesn't sound like a major-label record. It's us, but it's a lot better than before."

Though the band isn't accustomed to releasing singles, Atlantic's likely choice is "24,900 Miles Per Hour," a smoldering, almost vengeful tune with a nasty hook.

"That's how fast you have to run to break away from the Earth's spin," Vigil said, explaining the song's title. "If you could run that fast you'd be off this planet."

Vigil and Davis were reluctant to talk about the messages behind their songs.

"All I can say is that my life is my inspiration," Vigil said. "I don't want to totally pick apart a song. I think that should be left to the people who listen to it."

Though they are feeling good about Atlantic Records, Vigil and Davis have mixed feelings about getting caught up in a major label's promotional machine.

"One thing that we've always been clear about is that we don't want to be rammed down people's throats or overhyped. We hate that," Davis said.

Vigil, Davis and their bandmates celebrate the new album's release with a hometown performance and party Wednesday night at Moe's Mo'roc'n Cafe. Opening the show at 9:30 are The Dancing French Liberals of '48 (founded by former members of Zapata's group, the Gits).

"Mia's death changed my lifestyle. It changed all of our lifestyles," Davis said.

"I was walking around scared, terrified for a long time," Vigil said. "It slips away sometimes. But the other night I was walking out of some place, just hellbent to leave right then, and just forgetting."

Anger over Zapata's death was a major theme of 7 Year Bitch's last album, the cathartic "Viva Zapata!" In the song "Dead Men Don't Rape" (Note: the song was actually "Hip Like Junk") Vigil snarled, "Can I bounce a rock off your head?/ Can I pronounce you dead?"

Today, Vigil and Davis are tempering their anger toward Zapata's unknown assailant.

"I don't want to be so angry," Davis said. "You can't just go on feeding off anger and living off of anger because it eats you alive. You have to come to an understanding."

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