On disc: Cage

 
 Unveilled
 
 Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 Astrology
 
- Amir Djawadi -
 
 


 
 Astrology
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 Hell Destroyer
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 Science Of Annihilation
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 Supremacy Of Steel
 
- Umberto Mino -
 
 

Supremacy Of Steel

(Music Buy Mail - 2011)



 
 

 

Oh oh.... American metallers Cage are back with this new Supremacy Of Steel to confirm their state of grace in this last years, and guess... they in good shape!!! Another good album from this San Diego, California guys, another milestone of American metal, another gem that probably not a big number of people will listen to, another lesson of violence.... By the way let's start with this review!!



Supremacy Of Steel starts with Blood Steel and it's clear that the magic moments of their Science Of Annihilation is not over with that CD, and in fact we can appreciate also the other songs like King Of The Wasteland or the anthemic Metal Empire (true metal will never die!!!!!) or the  King Diamond / Mercyful Fate inspired moments of Annaliese Michel, and the magic guitars in Flying Fortress... Too many good episodes in a solid album of true metal (will never die). If you the possibility, buy also the DVD. A chance to appreciate how good they are live on stage!!!



Not so many words to spend about this album, only one order: buy it! And spread the word, because Cage are back, and will take no prisoners! For true metal people!

 
 










Umberto Mino


  
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Science Of Annihilation

(MusicBuyMail - 2009)



 
 

 

The San Diego band Cage is presenting their 5th album Science Of Annihilation - and their fans will know what to expect! Its probably a matter of taste, but they deliver one great album after another.

With a spoken words intro The Power That Feeds they open up the album, but then they storm off with Planet Crusher! Fast drumming, heavy riffs and high-pitched vocals, but also a cool lead guitar part and some sing along chorus. Towards the end of the track they slow down and get doomy for a moment, just to pick up speed again. You might get more easily into Scarlet Witch, if this is your first encounter with Sean Peck and his mates. This track is catchier and even if speedy, varies in speed a bit more. Guitarists Dave Garcia and Anthony Wayne McGinnis can't just deliver fast riffs, they can also do melodic leads! But the Cage songs are guitar-driven and so their riffing is essential for the bands sound. Another fast one which can hook you up is Spirit Of Vengeance. At Black River Falls they surprise with a balladesque passage - and slowly the add heaviness, aggression and speed up again. A bit different they present themselves at Power Of A God... A different drum pattern, a bit symphonic and not as fast as at other tracks - instead the guitar solo is a fast one. And then they storm off again for Speed Kills. The high-pitched screams are back! Another good one to check out is Stranger In Black with its melodic refrain, but at the other hand this one has all the trademarks of the Cage sound. A surprise is Die Glocke, a fast one with English lyrics, even if the title might indicate something different.... Only during the refrain they use the 2 German words. Even if Spectre Of War is about 2+ minutes its a kind of interlude... They start slowly into this melodic tune which shows more of Peck's range, but then it becomes a heavy mid-tempo track. Time for the title track! Another fast, guitar-driven track. A quite typical Cage tune where they pick up the title of the previous track - cool idea. Great guitar play. And with At The Edge Of The Infinite they come to an end. Again they use spoken words, but in the back you can hear Sean singing. The short track is intense and slowly fades out with acoustic guitar.

Everybody who loves modern power metal and high-pitched vocals should find in Science Of Annihilation a real treat. For their fans it's another must-buy!
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Hell Destroyer

(MTM Music - 2007)



 
 

 

The San Diego quintet is now presenting their fourth album called Hell Destroyer. The band of singer Sean Peck created a concept which starts with the Crucification and leads to a nowadays New World Order. In 20 tracks they tell this story - and its not the first time they have a concept, but at Astrology it was a bit different. Their second release was not a true conceptional album, but all songs been linked to a zodiac sign.

Musically they are still sticking to US power metal, perhaps too much cliché for some, but that's just a matter of taste. The album's title track is a fast double-bass drum-driven track with powerful, heavy riffs and the typical high notes you find in US metal -, but all well done! Perhaps the high notes are a bit too Halford-ish... With I Am The King they show themselves more traditional and with a catchy hookline. An ear-catcher! Between some songs are spoken word parts to support the story. The title Christhammer sounds quite cheesy, but fits to the story and actually the songs is sticking out. Catchy, riff-based and with a cool lead guitar part... Tempi changes and different vocal styles. Cool! On Born In Blood they surprise the listener with some sound elements they haven't used in the past... as it even gets a bit progressive. But I don't want to go into details, coz a concept album should be seen in its wholeness and to pick certain songs won't do!

As a bonus track they added King Diamond, a track they wrote to honor one of their faves and so there are musical and lyrical references to the master.

The CD comes with a 20-page booklet with is kinda illustrating the story as well as some liner notes and lyrics. Nice package! If you don't know Cage, then check out Christhammer and Abomination. US metal and power metal fans won't be disappointed!
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Astrology

(Omega - 2000)



 
 

 

Last year the one of the hottest newcomers in power metal! With the track at RockHard's Unerhört sampler of unsigned bands they convinced a lot of people! Soon they got an offer to play at the Dynamo open-air! Fans and critics took the by storm and soon a deal were offered. Their debut Unveiled shows the way they chose. Astrology is presenting the band as a strong act which has the talent to take part in the premier league of power metal bands! I hope that they can soon present the material of Astrology live on stage!
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Astrology

(Omega - 2000)



 
 

 

Hey, I know this name, metal fans who know the metal scene will say... And they are right! The band is from San Diego, USA and caught first attention with the song they had on a compilation of the German RockHard maga­zine. The compilation Unerhört presented unsigned bands and Cage got a lot attention and also some offers.

Now the American quintet return with a new album which is called Astrology. They present pure power metal and 12 tracks which all are linked to an astrological sign. The topic is not a top topic in metal, something new. The album was recorded at the Castlewood Studios in Las Vegas under the command of Norwood 'Woody' Barber. The in 1993 founded band of singer Sean Peck presents traditional metal with modern elements. Typical metal vocals are part of their music as well as screaming guitars and killer riffs of guitarists Eric Horton and Dave Garcia. Mike Giordano on bass and drummer Mikey Niel are the rhythm section and add the power they need to the sound of Cage.

They shared the stages with bands like Iron Maiden, Dio, Judas Priest, Fates Warning and Exodus in their home country. For later this year they plan a tour through Europe to convince the fans on this side of the Atlantic ocean.

If you like traditional metal and don't need special effects and surprises, but want a decent quality, then buy this one! No risk!!! - Still fun !?!?
 
 










Amir Djawadi
(translation: Claudia Ehrhardt)

  
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Unveiled

(Omega - 1999)



 
 

 

The San Diego five-piece played at 1999 Dynamo Open-air for the very first time in Europe... And it was very successful for the true metal maniacs from California. RockHard named them "Best newcomer band of 1999"! In the States the quintet was founded in 1992 and played their true metal which includes speed and trash metal elements as well as up-to-date power metal. Cage opened for bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dio, Exodus and Fates Warning! Now their debut is out in the stores.... Unveiled!

This is not the invention of a new musical style, but it's good true metal. Singer Sean Peck sings not just about daily life, some lyrics are full of social crtitism... Others are more Sci-Fi which is reflecting on the cover artwork. The Californian quintet won't follows any trends. I hope they'll come back to Europe in the year 2000 to conquer the European fans. They proofed their live abilites in the States, now they have to come to Europe to conquer fans on this side of the Atlantic ocean... Hey guys, we are waiting for you!

Recommended tracks: Buried In A Box, Unveiled, Shoot To Kill
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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