Cage is a power metal band from San Diego, CA, USA. The name conjures both images of unbreakable steel and an inescapable trap. Fitting name for a heavy metal band force, right? Cage started out in 1992, when grunge, despair, and flannel shirts pushed the arena metal sound of the 80’s into the realm of extreme un-coolness. Following no trends, this band opted to listen to their musical hearts in an uncompromising way right from their earliest beginnings. The band recorded an still un-released debut album, set to be released in 1995. But it wasn't until 1998's 'Unveiled' album people from all over the world really started to discover Cage. Proud inheritors of the classic US metal legacy, these guys are as true as they come both heavy metal, and their deep rooted Faith.

"100 % American Metal"

HELL DESTROYER (2007) DESTROY ALL RECORDS

The American heavy metal scene was always a bit different then the European one. When the Europeans started the NWOBHM movement, American fostered the birth of power metal. But when the Europeans adopted what we today label power metal, they added keyboards, progressive tendencies, symphonic elements, basically creating "power" metal that had no real power. However, the Americans have always carried on with their own brand of classic metal, and Cage is such a band. Playing metal that is heavier than classic metal, yet not as fast as thrash, that is where the real power metal lies. And Cage fits the term really well. 'Hell Destroyer' is the bands 4th album since their interception in 1992. It is chock full of pummeling bass, galloping riffs and powerful soaring vocals, all given ingredients in this kind of music. Cage delivers on all accounts. Sean's voice is worth the price of the CD alone. He reminds me of such legends as Ski (Faith Factor, ex-Deadly Blessing) and James Rivera (Helstar, Seven Witches, Distant Thunder etc.). The stellar production of the album also gives compliments to the powerful music.

'Hell Destroyer' is a concept album, written as a mythological take on the battle between good and evil, and more accurately the battle fought by Jesus Christ on a cross at Calvary more than 2000 years ago. Sadly the concept makes the album a bit too long. And some unnecessary narrated tracks, and instrumental interludes prevent me from giving it a full score. I would have preferred an album with the 12-14 best tracks crammed into one CD. Even though I like all of the songs, one by one, I still find the overall impression a little lacking in creativity. But there are definitely some highlights here. "Christhammer", "Rise Of The Beast" and "From Death To Legend" can all but heads with other power metal bastions, like Iced Earth, Helstar and Metal Church.

My European version of the album comes with a bonus track. Entitled "King Diamond", this song is about the very same man it is named after. Although the lyrics to the track are not printed in the booklet, I am not sure that the song is paying tribute to him. From what I can gather it is talking about King as a sinister son of the Devil, a man out to deceive us all. The song also mentions many of King Diamond's and Mercyful Fate's song titles, as well as a take on the insane falsetto King himself is so known for.

Killer tracks: Hell Destroyer, Christhammer, Rise Of The Beast, From Death To Legend, Fire And Metal, Metal Devil, King Diamond

Cage also appear on:  

V/A - 'Metal Power - Volume 1'