If American power metal is among your preferences, Jag Panzer is definitely a band that has won your endless respect and attention. Ιt is the band that had initially been carved to the fans’ memory with its prevailing debut album “Ample Destruction” of 1984, and is returning this year after 7 years of absence after “Casting The Stones” of 2004.

So what can we expect from Jag Panzer of 2011? First of all we should note that all of you who love them for their primitive past, the full speed and harshness of “Ample Destruction”, this era is long gone. Of course this is anything but negative, since the company of the gifted Harry “Tyrant” Conklin has throughout the years enriched its sound with melodic  and  multiple guitar lines (after all we shouldn’t forget they had the shredder Chris Broderick-now a member of Megadeth, among them, replaced in 2008 by an also former member, Chris Lasegue), progressive elements, and of course the infamous vocals of Tyrant, now better than ever.

The tracks of “Scourge of Light”  is the definition of melodic, tight and well played American power metal. The album starts with the dynamic and aggressive riffing of “Condemned To Fight”, filled with progressive moments, amazing solos by Chris Lasegue and the voice of Tyrant at its best.

Moreover than being clear in parts and harsh when needed, it also contains a theatrical performance, which is a rare to find combination.

Another positive thing is that the second guitarist of the band and main songwriter Mark Briody is at top form. The song “Setting Of The Sun” that follows, is a more mid tempo one, giving more weight to the chorus lines, melodic tunes and symphonic passages. It is followed by a similar style “Bringing On The End” that follows, while “Call To Arms” is a classic heavy composition in the Jag Panzer way, as also is “Cycled”. “Let It Out” is influenced in the vocal lines and orchestration from the never to be forgotten Ronnie James Dio.

One of the best and most impressive tracks of the album (and the band in general) are the epic 8 minute length “The Book Of Kells” with impressive choral and violin sections, while “Burn” starts with a piano intro to burst out into the most aggressive riffing of the album (part of it reminded me of a memorable part of Conception’s “Roll The Fire” ) and the also aggressive high pitched vocals of Tyrant.

Another favorite moment of mine is the strong and classic “Overlord”.

Overall there is not even one song which is not in high standards, both technically and synthetically, while the album combines in an unique way melody, power and emotion, having also the assistance of the crystal clear production of Jim Morris at Morrisound Studios.

If for any possible reason you have never heard f the band, it is never too late to start now and you won’t regret it. For the rest of you, if you are among those who love “Age Of Mastery” and “Thane To The Throne”, even if you haven’t been satisfied with some of their latest releases, you will be more than satisfied with this one, since it  certainly is among the best of their carrier.