The Scourge of the Light

Despite being one of the top bands in the American power metal scene, Jag Panzer has had its share of ups and downs in its 30-year history. While they reached an early peak with 1984's Ample Destruction, they never quite broke through on a commercial level and didn't reach a level of consistency until the late '90s. This particular release is their ninth studio album and their first since Casting the Stones came out in 2004. In addition, this is also the first album to feature lead guitarist Christian Lasegue since the Chain of Command sessions due to the departure of Chris Broderick, who is now Megadeth's latest gunslinger.

For the most part, the album's sound goes along with the band's expected style and never feels too far removed from the band's past works. The guitars are uplifting, the vocals are commanding, the production has that distinctly clean but dry touch, and touches of violins and other string instruments are incorporated to great effect.

Yet at the same time, the music appears to be heavier and more aggressive than the band's standard mid-tempo fare. Nothing is as gritty or savage as their earliest songs, but the added energy really breathes a lot into the songs at hand. In addition, the album also seems to have a more symphonic flavor than before. Past songs certainly had their theatrical moments, but they rarely sounded this epic. This style can best be seen in the dark piano segments that bookend "Burn" and the structure on "The Book of Kells."

The band's performance is also great and may be their most energetic in ages. While bassist John Tetley still doesn't seem to stand out very much, Rikard Stjernquist's drumming is more intense than before and is at its strongest on the faster tracks, such as the opening "Condemned to Fight." As expected, the twin guitars are solid and dish out some aggressive riffs while retaining the clean feel, and vocalist Harry Conklin refuses to show his age as he goes from forceful bellows to softer segments at a whim.

With the album mostly going between heavier and more symphonic sounds, it's not too surprising to see that most songs tend to jump between these two styles. Fortunately, these sides are fairly balanced as one doesn't necessarily overpower the other. In fact, the best songs seem to be the ones that manage to combine both of these elements. Despite its rather generic title, "Burn" is probably the best song on here due to its piano segments, frantic vocals during the verses, and powerful chorus. In addition, "Let It Out" manages to serve as an energetic anthem and "Bringing On The End" features a strong mid-tempo riff and interesting vocal contrasts during the chorus. There are also a couple songs on here that manage to stand out more. While "Cycles" is a faster track, it stands out due to its modern tinges and "Union " is a mid-tempo anthem in the vein of classic Judas Priest.

Overall, this is definitely a strong album that actually manages to be even better than I initially expected it to be. While it isn't too different from any of the other albums that the band has put out since their reformation, its energy and songwriting prowess urges me to recommend it to anyone that hasn't been impressed by the band's last few efforts. It may not necessarily be another Ample Destruction but it is a surprisingly satisfying release that I would heartily recommend to any power metal fan.

Current Album Highlights
* "Condemned to Fight"
* "Bringing On The End"
* "Cycles"
* "Let It Out"
* "Burn"

Originally published at http://suite101.com

There will never be another Ample Destruction. If there was any hope for such a return to the classic Jag Panzer style, the output of the band in recent years should have done much to strike down any optimistic dreams of another track sounding like "Harder Than Steel." So with this dream now occupying the same space in my mind as another Crimson Glory album like their debut, or another John Arch fronted Fates Warning album in the vein of Awaken The Guardian, I can approach the band with a new respect. I've relinquished my frustrations and, looking at this years new Jag Panzer release with an open mind, I can honestly say that it's a damn good modern power metal album.

In this sense, "Scourge of the Light," Jag Panzer's 9th album measures up to other modern power metal bands doing a similar style. With Jag Panzer though, you also get their seal of quality. Some things have not changed though. The speed is still there, and is in full force on opening track "Condemned To Fight." The melodies are still strong and up front and the musicianship is excellent as could be expected. John Tetley is still around on bass this time accompanied by Rikard Stjernquist on drums. Together they create the tight rhythmic foundation we've come to love from the band. Mark Briody is accompanied by Christian Lasegue on this record. The pair are obviously a capable duo on the guitar-front. Conklin still has the pipes to overpower God it seems. His performance is what really pulls the record past what would otherwise be considered mediocre by almost any other person's standards. There are some excellent songs on "Scourge Of The Light."

Much like Jag Panzer's last album, Casting The Stones, which I admit, I think is a bit stronger than this newer release, there is a much stronger modern metal element most obvious in the production and tone of the record. I originally though that I liked all the mid-paced tracks more than the faster songs but then I realized that it's a much more simple differentiation than that. The tracks that I like the best on the record are the tracks that aren't trying to be bad-ass. They are the tracks that just are bad-ass. For example, "Let It Out," gives me the feeling of listening to a amped up Soundgarden or Pearl Jam track... somewhat like "Do The Evolution." Also worth knocking is fifth track Cycles which is probably the most uninspired track of Panzer's career. It just reeks laziness. Conklin also sounds a whole crapload like a constipated Chris Cornell on this track.

The good: Opening track "Condemned to Fight" and the intricate "Burn" are both consistently fast, hard hitting and, if not memorable, damned good for the time being. The tracks that stand out the most are the unconventional Jag Panzer tracks such as "Setting of the Sun" which relies on the melodic interweaving of both solemn and hopeful airs, clashing and battling for control of the track's heart. "Bring The End," is a bitter accusation of greed and selfishness, echoed in Conklin's growing vocal intensity. The marching vibe of the chorus sections paired with a blistering solo contrasting a subdued midsection combine for my favorite moments on the album. Both songs utilize atypical melodies here too, like a modern power metal version of Sahg II instead of the same Iron Maiden progression in every song.

"Call To Arms" is a typical metal anthem without the Manowaresque posturing or about being specific about 'metal brotherhood' which I think works in Jag Panzer's favor, because paired with eighth track "Union," it's clear a patriotic theme courses through the Jag Panzer ranks. Considering similar sentiments on the recent Accept album, it's an interesting pattern in older power metal bands.

Overall, the album is a bit inconsistent, I skip past several tracks and listen to others in a row. A strong start and end to the record split in two by three boring tracks offers a bit of awkward pacing. So, to be fair, much like most records this one has some cool tunes, some bad tunes and is about 60% worth replaying and enjoyable. Jag Panzer remain a band to keep an eye on, even if they aren't as Generally Hostile or producing the same Symphony Of Terror that they were in the mid 1980's. Luckily, The Tyrant is still worth investing time in and I'm sure that whatever the band does to follow this will be of similarly strong Quality.

www.contaminatedtones.blogspot.com

Jag Panzer troops, stand at attention! 7 years in darkness from this venerable American band of soldiers eventually led into the light with the release of The Scourge of the Light. Jag Panzer were one of the great American bands from the 80s with their classic Ample Destruction still, after all these years, being just about my favorite metal album. And now…they’re on the upsurge, again.

This is just a really solid album. Harry Conklin sounds good, singing at a midrange with some serious vitriol pumped into him. Mark Briody and Chris Lasegue on guitars are the real stars here, with their seemingly endless barrage of Maidenesque riffs, winding, multi-faceted solos and blazing leads. The drums from Rikard Stjernquist are militaristic and powerful – just like Jag Panzer’s always should be. That was always one of the strongest points of the band; those pumping, marching drum beats that sounded like a thousand soldiers right outside your door. This effect is in full use here.

This is just a really solid, well done album of heavy metal. Jag Panzer in recent years have stuck to a fairly similar formula – mostly traditional rockers mixed with experimental tracks – and this album does not diverge from that formula. It’s actually just about the best they’ve done while adhering to it, with the most interesting tunes and the most confident, ballsy performances. The songwriting here is stripped down just enough to allow for clarity and strength, but still complex enough that the songs reveal more layers with each listen. Excellent progressive metal stompers like the folksy dirge of “The Setting of the Sun” and the eerie stomp of “Bringing the End” are among the strongest the band has done in many years. “Cycles” is a bit uneven with excellent, crackling verses but a bit of a forgettable chorus, but on the other hand, “Burn” is possibly my favorite on the album, at that. With a piano lead-in exploding into a cacophony of melodic riffing and somber vocals, “Burn” shows how far the band has come in terms of complexity. Excellent!

The traditional romps of “Condemned to Fight” and the excellent, headstrong “Call to Arms” are here in full force as well. “Overlord,” as well, could be a Maiden song, if not for its hymnal choirs and virtuosic leads. “Let It Out” and “Union” are the most traditional on here, packing safer grooves and more predictable twists, but still being pretty damn good anyway. “The Book of Kells” is a somber, epic closing track that packs some killer hooks and definitely sustains interest all the way through, even if it isn’t quite the best on here. It’s a good way to close out the album.

The only complaint I really have with this is the same that I’ve had with every recent Jag Panzer album: the choruses are just not as good as they could be. Some of them are pretty good, like “Call to Arms” or “Bringing the End,” but a lot of the time, they just sound so restrained and phoned in. The anthemic, modern power metallish technique Conklin is using just doesn’t bring out his full power; that’s the best way to say it.

Stand at rest, troops. The mission is finished. It has been a successful one, at that – just don’t wait another 7 years before an update, if I might request…

Originally written for http://www.metalcrypt.com

A lot of listeners weren't too keen on the previous Jag Panzer album, Casting the Stones, since it took a more modern, crunchy turn from what they were likely used to. I didn't mind it, but let's face facts: the Colorado power metal legends had already evolved so far from their roots on the mighty Ample Destruction that such minor changes were to be expected. As long as they don't write and release Dissident Alliance II, I can sleep at night, and the Panzer's own seven year hibernation has finally ended with The Scourge of the Light, a tighter and controlled effort that brings them back to the sounds of the 1997-2001 era, in which the band had transformed into a glinting, melodic and professional entity with hints at progressive metal.

In essence, it's a step back, but also a step forward. There is a general lack of the explosive passion of the band's brighter years; The Fourth Judgement could run this into the ground on sheer energy alone. A lot of this is due to the production, which is so incredibly clean that had the engineer scratched his jock itch during a lead sequence, you'd probably hear as if it were in the cubicle next to you. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because it brings out the very intricate melodies being woven through cuts like "The Setting of the Sun" and "Overlord", and gives the Tyrant a clean slate over which to flaunt his veteran pipes, which are admittedly solid throughout the entire play list. Christian Lasegue, who had appeared on the band's Chain of Command album (released 17 years after its recording) returns to replace Chris Broderick (now in Megadeth), and he and Mark Briody are a dynamic and fluent team, leads bristling off in either direction and rhythms complex enough to hold the curiosity even when the heart roams elsewhere.

"Condemned to Fight" is a fairly strong opener, giving the guitars a chance to flex and Harry a chance at a half-decent chorus, but the slower "Setting of the Sun" has a more interesting riff structure in the verses, and "Bringing the End" continues this trend, with the addition of a pretty ballsy, swaggering guitar line here that returns in the chorus. I didn't love "Call to Arms", though it was fun to hear the band go all Maiden, and while immediately accessible, "Cycles" and "Overlord" didn't leave a lasting impression, nor the more old school sounding "Let It Out". But the next piece "Union" is one of the more interesting on the album, refined melodies threading through another of their brighter mid-paced numbers, and once "Burn" picks up from its piano intro, it too soars. Closer "The Book of Kells" is the most ambitious track, 8 minutes of slowly rising, epic thunder, and it also stands as one of the better composed.

All said and done, The Scourge of the Light is another good album in a long stretch that has suffered only a few (considerable) hurdles, and I can't think that fans of Thane to the Throne or Mechanized Warfare are going to scoff at it. There are certainly a few tracks that some might deem filler, and I found a lack of fire in about half the album, but then I'm an old hanger on to the displaced illusion that we might someday hear something as decadent as another Ample Destruction from these guys. I've never been a huge fan of the guitar tone used in their 1997-2001, since I've always felt it was thin and processed, and I don't exactly love it here; but performance-wise this band is the very definition of professional, and they tend to wring out some depth from their riffs due to their skill level, and this 9th album is far from run of the mill power metal.

-autothrall
http://www.fromthedustreturned.com

Alright demons and witches, grab your steel gauntlets and take cover: Jag Panzer is on the prowl once again. Harbingers of bringing the power back into power metal, Jag Panzer continue their fiery legacy throughout “The Scourge of the Light,” which releases Jag Panzer’s steel-bending projection into an array of dynamic crafts not unlike their previous achievements. The underrated band responsible for monumental classics like the ripping “Ample Destruction” return with a rocking album still singing the song of true metal despite a lengthy gap between their last release, proving once and for all Jag Panzer is one of the greatest American metal bands the U.S. of A will ever fathom. Even though the record isn't as energetic or rocking as "Ample Destruction," Jag Panzer is still explosive as all Hell throughout "The Scourge of the Light," a fact the listener will immediately garnish once the rapid riffing and soaring vocals of "Condemned to Fight" initiate.

And wow, Jag Panzer are definitely rocking like a classic group. Classic is essentially what they go for here, as the musical blueprint is highly based off verse-chorus textures layered in intoxicating grooves, flashing solos, and fiery speed in the vein of old-school power metal, yet including a incinderary edge I'd say is fond of Judas Priest or other speed metal bands; don't assume I mean "worship," because Jag Panzer is in a league of its own. There aren't many dynamic or complex transitions between tracks, but Jag Panzer pull it off with Harry Conklin leading the battalion while the other tanks roll in with pride. And speaking of Conklin, he totally dominates the album; his voice is in pristine conidition, able to hit notes higher than the sky to no default, making it one of the band's best releases over their lengthy career. In fact, I’ll put my Iron Maiden t-shirts between two pieces of bread and eat the Eddie sandwich if “Burn” and the mighty “The Setting of the Sun” aren’t some of the best Jag Panzer songs ever written.

“The Scourge of the Light” is also a colorful record, as Jag Panzer illuminate in more ways than what you’d expect from their basic metal approach. The turbo riffing and frisky melodies throughout “Condemned to Fight” fade into the Celtic-influenced epic “The Setting of the Sun,” which depends heavily on mighty atmosphere and Conklin’s phenomenal vocals; it’s easily my favorite song. Mid-paced structures dominate “Bringing on the End” whereas “Cycles” and “Let it Out” return to the speedy sanctuary before “The Book of Kells” concludes “The Scourge of the Light” with another folk-inspired saga pinned largely on sorrowful semblance. The variety Jag Panzer shows keeps the listener eagerly awaiting whatever spin they next apply, and the total disregard of poor ideas among their different approaches makes for a well-written release with many fantastic tunes that I can’t seem to ignore.

“The Scourge of the Light” has no mask, no gimmick, no falsehood, and certainly no mercy for trends; it’s simply heavy metal in its truest form. But then again, what else could one expect from Jag Panzer? Conklin sounds wonderful as always and the remaining members do a bang-up job instrumentally and are definitely at the top of their game. While it’s clear “The Scourge of the Light” can’t brush up to the group’s early masterpiece, the record still ignites the embers of classic metal and is certainly worth a purchase for fans both old and new. Definitely recommended.

This review was written for: www.Thrashpit.com