UMUR
"Citadels on Fire" is an EP release by US, Texas based power/thrash metal act Obscene Jester. The EP was released through Chase Records in 1989. Originally only on cassette tape, and it wasn´t until 2015 that the EP saw a CD release through Divebomb Records. Obscene Jester proved a short-lived act forming in 1987 and disbanding in 1991 after releasing "Citadels on Fire" and a 1990 demo. A debut album was alledgedly recorded but it was not released because the band split-up, and it has yet to see the light of day (as of November 2024). Obscene Jester played one reunion show in 2015, featuring Jaret Reddick of Bowling for Soup on vocals replacing original vocalist Sammy Stovall (who performs on "Citadels on Fire").
Stylistically the material on "Citadels on Fire" is thrash metal with a lead singer who sometimes sings a little more melodic and therefore enters US power metal territory. Not completely unlike a contemporary act like Intruder (from Nashville, Tennessee). Although the band do venture into both melodic US power/heavy metal territories and even could be labelled a bit progressive at times ("Apocalyptic Prophecy" is a good example of all their stylistic elements on display), this is however still mainly a thrash metal release featuring hard edged thrashy riffs and rhythms, blistering lead guitar work, and a nice portion of aggression.
"Citadels on Fire" is well produced, featuring a powerful, detailed, and effectful sound production, which suits the material perfectly. It´s an EP release worth spending your time on if you enjoy artists who combine thrash metal with US power/heavy metal elements. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
