Artist: Jag Panzer
Title: The Scourge Of The Light
Type: Album
Label: SPV

Jag Panzer are promoting this album as a return to their roots, their original style and sound. Of course most such claims turn out to be nonsense but I can’t see any Jag Panzer fans being disappointed by The Scourge Of The Light. Christian Lasegue is back on guitar following Chris Broderick’s departure for Megadeth which may provide part of the answer behind this fantastic return to form, but whatever the reasons Jag Panzer fans will surely rejoice when they hear the likes of ‘Condemned To Fight’ or ‘The Setting Sun’. Indeed this is probably the strongest, most consistent set of songs the band have delivered since the great Thane To The Throne album in 2000.

This album was recorded in the legendary Morissound studios in Florida under the guidance of Jim Moriss and the experienced producer has shown a total understanding of the Jag Panzer sound. The balances between clarity and power, quality and vitality have been expertly maintained. Bassist John Tetley has gone so far as to describe The Scourge Of The Light as the finest sounding Jag Panzer album ever. So they have the sound and the songs on this one, not to mention some fabulous individual performances. Harry Conklin gives a vocal performance of power, precision and range that rivals any of his career, the guitar solos are both exuberant and skilful and the rhythm section of drummer Rikard Stjernquist and bassist Tetley pin everything down with unquestionable authority. It’s about time that Jag Panzer started receiving a bit more widespread acclaim for their supreme US power metal. They’ve delivered the album – the rest is up to you.

http://www.jagpanzer.com