UMUR
"The Age of Mastery" is the fourth full-length studio album by US power/heavy metal act Jag Panzer. The album was released through Century Media Records in September 1998. It´s the successor to "The Fourth Judgement" from 1997 and features one lineup change as guitarist Joey Tafolla has been replaced by Chris Broderick. The former left once before in 1986 (to pursue a solo career) and his second stint with the band would be relatively short as he returned in 1995 and left again in 1997 after recording "The Fourth Judgement".
Stylistically the material on "The Age of Mastery" is a continuation of the US power metal/heavy metal style of "The Fourth Judgement". Thankfully the band realised that their failed attempt at playing groove metal on "Dissident Alliance" (1994) was a huge mistake, and "The Age of Mastery" cements that fact, being the second release in a row in the band´s usual US power metal/heavy metal style.
Jag Panzer are very well playing and lead vocalist Harry Conklin is skilled vocalist with a powerful set of pipes. He can sing both high pitched screaming vocals and more low end rough vocals. The instrumental part of the music features elements from both power metal, traditional heavy metal, the occasional thrashy riff (listen to "Sworn to Silence" for proof of that), and also more than a few nods toward neo-classical heavy metal (and the even more rare nod towards 80s progressive metal). It´s like listening to early- to mid 80s Fates Warning/Queensrÿche combined with Dio and Judas Priest. There´s that epic atmosphere to it all, but also some pretty basic heavy metal riffs and rhythms, which keep the material grounded and raw. Considering that "The Age of Mastery" is a 1998 release, it must have sounded incredibly old fashioned upon release, because there´s nothing on this album, that you wouldn´t immediately associate with 80s US power/heavy metal. To fans of the genre (including me) that´s of course a great treat, but I understand if some contemporary listeners found it hard to appreciate.
"The Age of Mastery" features a well sounding, detailed, and powerful production, which suits the music well, so upon conclusion it´s a good quality US power/heavy metal release from Jag Panzer. When all the positives are said, the songwriting aren´t fully up to par with the most prolific acts in the genre, and that´s where Jag Panzer lack the final touch. It´s good quality music, but it only on occasion touches excellence. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
