Jag Panzer
Ample Destruction

THE REVIEW

The Jag Panzer. Remember the discussion about the other review? The one about the oblivion? Well, in that fabled place, they could easily be there too (and the proof is the fact that there wasn't even a review about them yet... you bastards, you let me do it, and I'm certainly not a great reviewer!). Only, unlike the Letters to Cleo, Jag Panzer belongs to that category of bands that should not be in oblivion. Why? Because the Panzer were able, with just one album and an EP, to give the "go" to American Power Metal.

I know many of you might have turned up your noses now. Don't worry, this is first-wave Power Metal we're talking about, but don't think of fairies, dragons, castles, and annoying symphonies. Here we're talking about hard, nasty, and violently played metal, following the lead of masters like Riot, Accept, and Judas Priest, although there's always an eye on melody. It ranges from the double bass + screeching guitar of "Generally Hostile" to the acoustic guitar of the concluding semi-ballad "The Crucifix", from the impact force of the opening "Licensed to Kill" to the steady rhythm of "The Watching", always staying on high levels. A note of praise goes to the emphatic and powerful voice of singer Harry Conklin, who would have a great influence on American metal in the '80s.

Unfortunately, despite the undeniable influence that will be recognized by insiders only, Jag Panzer will not have great luck. First of all, this album achieved only modest success at the underground level due to the poor distribution by the Azra label. This led the aforementioned Conklin and guitarist Joey Tafolla to leave the group shortly after the album's release, seeking better fortune with other projects. From here on, for Panzer, it was a whirlwind of line-up changes that led to nothing concrete. They would find a stable form only in '97, when Tafolla and Conklin rejoined the group, but by then the right moment had passed by thirteen years, and Power Metal was in the hands of the Germans, transformed into something that has nothing of its initial spontaneity and violence. And so it goes until today: our guys have lost Tafolla again along the way, but three original members (Conklin, guitarist/keyboardist Mark Briody, and bassist John Tetley) are still here, kicking ass at concerts and occasionally presenting a new album, although the last one dates back to 2004.

It's a pity to leave them in oblivion; if you love fast, powerful, and well-played Metal, or if you think Power is that sugary and whiny genre offered by Hammerfall or Stratovarius, check this out!