Search - Jag Panzer :: Mechanized Warfare

4.5 stars. JP rules

General Zombie | the West | 01/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album isn't quite as consistent or unified as 'Thane to the Throne' was, but it's still damn solid, and probably a bit more varied. It's the same basic formula- classic metal but a bit slower, quite a bit heavier and even more grandiose and epic. It's a good formula, and they can ride it for quite a bit longer if they keep putting out work of this quality.



JP clearly know what they're doing. Conklin is the best classic metal vocalist around, and Briody and Broderick are as fine a guitar duo as any, with a crushing intensity that many of their influences, but while retaining the penchant for melody that they had. And Broderick is the best shredding lead guitarist outside of prog-metal, bar none, though it would be nice if he slowed down a bit more often. The rhythm section is a bit less stereotypical, not using the straight 1-2 patterns as much as most metal rhythm sections do.



It opens with 'Take to the Sky', which is quite possibly the most metal song ever written. As far as soaring, epic choruses go, 'Take to the Sky', has probably got the best one I've ever heard.('Flight of Icarus', might beat it. Might.) Yet, it still has some great, intricate rhythm guitar work under the verses, and, the solo rules, as usual. 'Frozen in Fear' is a faster, Maiden-ish piece with some great lead licks, and what may be the best all around performance I've heard from Broderick. Very catchy, too. 'Unworthy' is a longer, more atmospheric piece, with a rather affecting mood, and some nice choral backing vox. 'The Scarlet Letter' is the second best track on the album, behind the opener. The vox are brilliant, wide-ranging, and the song has got a great unrelenting intensity, coming from the constant, alt-picked riff. It's got a great harmony lead and the solo is awesome.(But aren't they all? This one is particularly awesome, though) 'Cold is the Blade' is another epic, melodic track. Slower and more low-key than 'Take to the Sky' but it has the same basic feeling. Another great, immediately memorable song. 'All Things Renewed' is the longest track here, with some very good, extended soft sections, and some pretty, softer vox from Conklin. Another epic track, for sure, but in a different way than from what preceded it. Everything else on here is at least pretty good, though definitely not on the level of the aforementioned tracks. Still, nothing that needs to be skipped over.



Yes, this album rocks. Get it now."

Get this!

Aias | Right behind you | 12/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the CD that JP fans have been waiting for! I have their entire catalogue and this CD in incredible! The only better CD is 'Ample Destruction.' This CD covers a wide variety of styles and lyric content.



Do yourself a favor, pick this up and remember why you love METAL in the first place!"