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Jag Panzer is without a doubt a band that musically deserves both your respect and attention. They've been a steady force in the American power/heavy metal scene for over 20 years now, proving to be one of the few bands that can actually withstand the test of time. I can by no means say that I'm well versed with Jag Panzer's prior releases, but of the material I've heard prior to this release, I can really only say good things. Some catchy but powerful riffs and striking vocals being some of the most notable aspects. This release seems to take the band in a slightly new direction, though I may be wrong in saying this. However, it does certainly seem to me that this album takes a more progressive approach than in previous releases, and while this may please some, I'm afraid that I feel like it takes away some of their original power. The recording quality is pretty good all around despite the low-end frequencies on the snare needing to be a little less prominent. My only other complaint about the production is the solo guitar sound. It is certainly a little too smothered and soft when being introduced directly after the really sharp sounding distorted guitar. The solos themselves however, are quite another subject entirely. Suffice to say, Chris Broderick fucking rips! The speed at which he shreds actually becomes a minor problem in a few sections because it too drastically counters the sluggish rythm of the material. However, the ending riff of "Cold" when Chris wails away at hyper-speed and the rest of the song plays a pseudo-breakdown, the effect acheived is spectacular.
The vocals are also interesting on this release and there are quite a few things that should be noted about them. Harry "the tyrant" Conklin (... I wasn't going to, but I can't help commenting on this guy's alias. The tyrant? Take a look at the photos of this guy, he seems anything but tyrannical. Perhaps an alias along the lines of "The Push-over" or "That guy with short greasy hair" would be more suitable. Oh well!) has a powerful voice and doesn't ever really lose force throughout the album. He's got a good range and the background vocals that harmonize his add a good amount of depth to the material and the chorus' in particular.
Overall, the material on this album takes a good amount of time to get accustomed to. During the first few listens, it probably won't do much for anyone, but as I said it's a more progressive album than their previous releases, so that extra time shouldn't come as any surprise. It's a deeply layered release, and the often drastically different areas of the songs are diverse and highly melodic (be it by means of vocals, guitars, or both). I actually think the first couple of tracks are the worst on the album, which is unfortunate because it might turn off some listeners. In speaking of individual songs, "Precipice," "Legion Immortal" and "Tempest" are by far the best tracks on the album. "Tempest" takes the gold without question however. This is probably due to the more natural variety of styles incorporated in it, and the sharper edge of the heavy metal influences displayed. The transition from blasting distorted guitars to the acoustic interlude doesn't feel forced (whereas this type of transisition often does throughout this release) which is definitely a plus as well.
All in all this album is yet another solid one from these long standing American metallers. There are enough flaws present to stop it from attaining sheer greatness, but there are also enough positive aspects to make it an enjoyable album in the end. I'm not sure how fans of Jag Panzer will feel about this album, so I can't make a specified recommendation, but I can say that what we have here is a good album that unfortunately won't come without its minor share of difficulties.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Feast Or Famine |
| 2. The Mission |
| 3. Vigilant |
| 4. Achilles |
| 5. Tempest |
| 6. Legion Immortal |
| 7. Battered And Bruised |
| 8. Cold |
| 9. Starlight's Fury |
| 10. The Harkening |
| 11. Precipice |
: 51.15
| Buy other Jag Panzer albums |
