Search - Jag Panzer :: Casting the Stones

Panzer's newest release "Casting the Stones"

R. Isner | Richmond, Va. USA | 05/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Looks like the reviews are mixed. In my opinion this is the strongest release since Fourth Judgement. Not that the other albums in between were weak by any means but this one everything just seems to come together. More pronounced keyboards in certain songs bring a depth missed in prior releases. Vocals (both lead and backing vocals) are stronger. Songwritting both music and vocal has matured and the band sounds like they all showed up on the same day. Tracks 2,4,6 and 7 are worth notable mention. Not every song is going to tickle your fancy. I don't like every song and there's other Panzer albums I like more songs but even with that said, this is their best "collective effort as a group" to date since Chris Broderick joined the band. This is certainly an album worth adding to your power metal collection."

Average at its best

Douglas Hernandez | 09/04/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is mild power metal, very melodic and with enough substance but lacking in strength in many areas. While that could be a problem to those who are expecting a more heavier approach, it should be noted that this is the style that Jag Panzer has adopted for their past few releases. The album still contains some interesting ideas, and the material can still be appreciated for its honest, simplistic style. Conklin's singing shines throughout the duration of the record, his voice is versatile enough to give power to those catchy choruses that pop in from time to time. Some songs, though, do not do much until you hear them for 3rd or 4th time. "Battered and bruised", for example, has one of the most interesting moments at the 1:40 mark that lasts for more than a minute and shows just how stylistically diverse they can be, while on songs like "Cold" the simplicity turns into a mediocre moment with a very standard verse/chorus pattern. It's not very often when a brilliant song like "Starlight's fury" works from beginning to end in all aspects. So overall, this record works on some levels, but given JAg Panzer's level of musicianship you kind of wonder how much more could have been done to make the album more enjoyable."