Review by Tymell for Jag Panzer - Ample Destruction (1984)

It hurts to give something like Ample Destruction a lower score, not just because it's a very well-regarded album in general, but because I can honestly hear all the skill and real passion that went into it. It's not an album that's coasting by on the bare minimum or simply riding a trend. But intent and core talent can only go so far, and I'd be lying and pandering to the heavy metal masses if I said I actually enjoyed this.

It's certainly not an unpleasant listen. It's big, bold, ballsy heavy metal from a time when new forms like thrash and power metal were just starting to emerge, and you can hear the influence on (or at least connection to) bands like Liege Lord or Virgin Steele loud and clear. It's still rooted in NWOBHM approach, but pushing things in terms of speed and epic sound, not entirely dissimilar to Manowar's works, but perhaps a tad more razor-edged and less theatrical.

But all that said, there's just honestly very little here that grabs my attention, every time I put it on it ends up being the very definition of background metal: fine to have on, but leaving no real impact or desire to return to any tracks or moments. It might in part be the production, which sadly lacks in weight, but it also feels like the song-writing just doesn't measure up to some contemporaries of the time. Jag Panzer have obvious capabilities, especially in Harry Conklin's outstanding battle cries and banshee wails, but the way it's put together and presented just does nothing for me.

Choice cuts: Cardiac Arrest, The Crucifix