Classic heavy metal band from Colorado Springs - Colorado, USA. They started out in the early 80's, then with the name Tyrant. In 1982 they changed their name to Jag Panzer, due to another band named Tyrant. They released their first album called "Ample Destruction" in 1984, and have been around ever since. They have a classic metal sound, in the same vain as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Manowar, Dio etc. But they are also comparable to the newer power metal bands like Iced Earth. Members have also appeared in Alice Cooper, Riot, Satan's Host, Ken Tamplin and Titan Force.

THE FOURTH JUDGEMENT (1997) CENTURY MEDIA

Jag Panzer play good old fashioned traditional heavy metal. No sub-category needed! "The Fourth Judgement" gives us yet another fine metal CD indeed. I must admit, it took some spins to really get into it. In fact, I even put the CD away after the first listening, as it didn't sit well at all. But some months, and some extra spins later, I'm really enjoying it. Vocalist Harry Conklin reminds me at times of Blaze Bayley (on his solo-efforts). And the song "Shadow Thief" has a strong Iron Maiden feel (minus the guitar-solo in the middle). The other tracks are varied metal (even adding some violins here and there, giving the music a Celtic feel) with power and melody. The band also spice up the songs with tiny little details, that it some cases makes the entire song. Maybe I miss a few more hooks, to really make it interesting. But this is being picky. Just listen to the title-track; what metalhead cannot like this kind of well written metal song?

Killer tracks: Black, Ready To strike, Shadow Thief, Judgement Day

THE AGE OF MASTERY (1998) CENTURY MEDIA

I was new to this band when I first picked this album up, although they've been around almost as long as I've been a metalhead. And at first I was not impressed at all. The only thing that stood out was Harry Conklin's strong voice. But I'm glad to say that it didn't take long to find many excellent tracks here! Jag Panzer is simply a good metal band. They have this sound that is a mix of all good metal bands around. They are not copying anyone, but find themselves amidst the finest names in metal. Sometimes Harry's voice sounds like Bruce Dickinson or Ronnie James Dio, other times like Eric Adams (Manowar) or Matthew Barlow (Iced Earth). So if you like good old classic metal, get Jag Panzer. And to top it all of, I've been informed that this is one of their weakest efforts! So I can't wait to expand my collection.

Some of the songs on this album are re-recorded older songs. But I have no idea which songs they are.

Killer tracks: Iron Eagle, Twilight Years, The Age Of Mastery, Viper

THANE TO THE THRONE (2000) CENTURY MEDIA

Another fine metal album from these Americans. It always takes 2 or 3 listens to really get into the albums Jag Panzer delivers, and that was the case with this one too. But then the band reveal some great songs, and a killer vocalist! This band take what was good in the 80's, and combine it with the power metal from the 90's. And they do it well. It's hard to pick favorites, because all of the songs are good. The one that really sticks out, is "Insanity's Mind". After a short classical interlude in track 7 (the only track that doesn't feature any of the members playing), the band breaks into one of the coolest riffs ever to hit my CD-player! And that is saying a lot! I love it when bands gives me surprises like that. Power metal the old school way! I don't know if the whole album is a concept, but at least half of it is about the classic Shakespeare drama 'MacBeth'. Another album I truly recommend.

Killer tracks: The Prophecies, Insanity's Mind

MECHANIZED WARFARE (2001) CENTURY MEDIA

Jag Panzer have become one of the most dependable provider of classic US power metal. You know you'll get quality when these guys offers a new silver disc. 'Mechanized Warfare' is yet another CD filled with crunching guitar-riffs and aggressive, yet melodic vocals. And, like it's predecessor, there is virtually impossible to choose favorite tracks. They are all of equal quality. What sets this band apart from the masses is the use of a rich choir as a background, giving the music an epic flare. It's also great to listen to music that is not over-produced. The production has got just enough meat to make it sound heavy, and all the instruments are well balanced. Nor do the band or the vocalist at any time outdo each other in the mix. The line-up for this band has been the same on these last 3 albums, so it shows that the members are used to each other, so to speak. The band sounds tight. I guess there's not much more to say, other then that any lover of US power metal should give this one a spin too.

Killer tracks: Take To The Sky, Frozen I Fear, Unworthy, Cold Is The Blade (And The Heart That Wields It), Power Surge

Joey Tafolla guest appearances:

Tamplin & Friends - 'An Axe To Grind'

Tamplin - 'In The Witness Box'

Related artists:

Alice Cooper