Ten years have passed since these guys from San Diego decided to form CAGE. Even their first attempt back then, Unveiled (1999), was a nifty work; CAGE strikes back again. After their magnificent album Hell Destroyer (2007) and one change in the lineup - Norm Leggio (ex-PSYCHOTIC WALTZ) in the drums - their new unholy child Science Of Annihilation will tie you down and make your ears bleed.  A worthy continue of Hell Destroyer, still with lots of JUDAS PRIEST (of course; just see them performing live and you will be persuaded) references and more.

This release is about speed and power with distinct reference to JUDAS PRIEST mainly. In all songs there is a razor sharp riff that will remind you of the Tipton/Downing duo. Sean Peck's contribution in this album is catalytic as he achieves lines of Rob Halford and partially has the evilness of King Diamond.

After the The Power That Feeds intro, Planet Crusher opens the curtains to a vigorous stage, full of sharp riffs and blasting drums. Scarlet Witch follows and gallops along mightily with an interesting bridge and a scent of modern progressive sound. In Black River Falls it is time for Peck to include King Diamond's wavelengths among killer guitar hooks and the amazing melodic break. Spirit Of Vengeance is a punch in the face, full of aggressive guitars; I dare to say that are quite reminding me of Painkiller stuff. Operation Overlord presents the same influences. Power Of A God has a ferocious veil, with devastating percussions and cursed riffs. Speed Kills with the phenomenal bridge and Science Of Annihilation walk a step further and reach the limits of Thrash Metal. Especially Science Of Annihilation has some EXCITER features.  Stranger In Black and Spectre Of War  are mid tempo tracks with evident IRON MAIDEN influences and Die Glocke is altering from heavy to Thrash through a pandemonium of sounds and astonishing solos. Definitely, one of the best tracks of the album.

Sean Peck without doubt has done excellent job, with vocal chords that travel us in the history of Metal. The Garcia/McGinnis duo does beget a wonderful riff background, and Norm Leggio, new behind the drum set, brings the storm with every song. Sadly the production does not help him much, as in the previous album the sound was slightly better, at least at the percussions sector. But it is a slight deviation and this release is a hell of an album to own. The effort each band member has invested makes Science Of Annihilation a bewildering package.