The first trace of this speed metal outfit can be found in the LA, Caifornia located band, Sceptre. Brazilian born João Campos, later to be known as John Cams, John Syris and John Cyriis, released some demos under that name in 1983 and 1984. One of the songs on those demos were called "Agents Of Steel". In 1984 they changed their name to Agent Steel. In 1988, after 2 albums and an EP, they called it quits. But in 1999 the band once gain reformed, this time without Cyriis. They were forced to change their name to Order Of The Illuminati, due to legal problems with their former vocalist, for a short period of time. But they finally managed to secure the rights to the name, after an agreement with Cyriis. So now their name is once again Agent Steel.

Classic Agent Steel

SKEPTICS APOCALYPSE (1985, 1998) CENTURY MEDIA

Finally I've completed my Agent Steel collection! I found this, their debut release, for sale at Sweden Rock Festival. And getting the re-released version, with bonus tracks, for merely 11$, was for me a great deal. I've looked forever for it. The speed metal performed here is outstanding, and this band was about the best in their genre. The only thing sad about them was that they never had top production. They have an unique sound, and all the tracks are phenomenal (well, the 2 bonus-tracks aren't of very high quality though). Still I like 'Unstoppable Force' a bit better, but there aren't that big of a difference. A MUST!

Killer tracks: Agents Of Steel, Taken By Force, Guilty As Charged

MAD LOCUST RISING (1986, 1999) CENTURY MEDIA (EP)

This is a re-release of the band's classic EP. Originally released in 1986, this edition is from 1999. I thought is was strange hearing it after being used to the 'Unstoppable Force' album. It's a cool EP, but I dislike putting instrumental stuff, and a cover-song on a 4 track EP. A must for fans though. "The Ripper" is a Judas Priest cover.

UNSTOPPABLE FORCE (1987) COMBAT

I heard Agent Steel's 2nd album through my brother, about the same time it came out. I remember the song "Rager" standing out as killer. After rediscovering the band, the whole album stands out. It's just incredibly good. John Cyriis is an excellent vocalist, and I hope he resurfaces in the metal-circuit soon. This CD is one of the best albums in it's genre. A MUST!!

Killer tracks: Never Surrender, Unstoppable Force, Chosen To Stay

Agent Steel # 2

OMEGA CONSPIRACY (1999) CANDLELIGHT

Agent Steel return with a new vocalist on this reunion effort. And what a singer he is! At first there was of course the obligatory missing of Cyriis, but after two or three songs I was amazed. This is really a killer record. It contains so much power and energy. And it's a testimony that the thrash metal scene still has relevance in the new millennium. Excellent!

Killer tracks: Know Your Master, Bleed Forever, Awaken The Swarm

ORDER OF THE ILLUMINATI (2003) SCARLET

The Agents of Steel returns with yet another killer album. In my opinion, this one is even stronger than it's predecessor, being more reminiscent of the older material. Especially the opening track, "Avenger", sounds like it could have appeared on either of the bands first 2 albums. Thus the band returns more to their speed metal roots, a genre that not many bands follow anymore. Kudos for that! The lyrics are of the usual sci-fi/conspiracy kind that we have grown accustomed to from these guys. Me personally could have done without titles like "Earth Under Lucifer", but it usually doesn't bother me that much, as the music is what is really doin' the talking. And the music absolutely rips!

Killer tracks: Avenger, Ten Fists Of Nations, Enslaved, Insurrection, Apocalypse

EARTH UNDER LUCIFER (2003) SCARLET (EP)

Earth Under Lucifer Mad Locust Rising (Live 2003) Unstoppable Force (Live 2003) Agents Of Steel (Live 2003)

Nifty little EP containing 1 album track, and 3 killer live-tracks. And to be honest, it's the live tracks that attracts me the most here. All are from the early albums from the band, but now of course sung by new vocalist, Bruce Hall. And much to my delight, he does an excellent job singing them! Not that I thought he couldn't sing them. It's just that he really manages to sound like Cyriis here, and that was a huge surprise. Essential stuff for fans indeed.

Bernie Versailles guest appearances:

Steel Prophet - 'Dark Hallucinations'

Fates Warning - 'Still Life'

Powergod - 'Bleed For The Godz: That's Metal - Lesson 1'

Juan Garcia guest appearances:

Reverend - 'Play God'

Powergod - 'Bleed For The Godz: That's Metal - Lesson 1'

Related Artists:

Death, Testament, Redemption, Steel Prophet