Nine years of official existence, four albums (including this one) of pure Metal majesty, an ever-growing base of followers in the Heavy/Power Metal field and - most of all - the now indubitable conclusion that every single CAGE album is better than its predecessor; and - really hope - worse than its successor. Not that many bands can attribute such a healthy status in their personality, can they?
From the Unveiled (1998) days, whoever was not 'trapped' in the no-Metal-bands-exist-in these-Alt/Grunge-years would surely notice a debut album presenting a band willing to depict the most bonecrushing elements of both European and US Heavy/Power Metal. Indeed, CAGE's debut CD did strike rather hard those days denying the seeming decadence of pure Metal music. Of course, with limited changes of gaining good promotion/distribution in that anti-Metal era, Unveiled would have not such gigantic impact worldwide (Europe was, ahead, the best market place) but the sting was growing fatal. Hence, the San Diego, CA quintet - originally formed back in 1992 - exchanged this archetypal recognition for more hard work plus astonishing performances in support of bands like DOKKEN, IRON MAIDEN, W.A.S.P. and DIO, not letting aside the fact of performing on the METALLICA-headlined Holland's Dynamo Open Air in 1999 (European mags will always adore this band, I assume).
The Astrology (2002) album, heavy as steel and deadly as hell, is the CD that has so far received more warm critics all around. And, the truth is, who would defy CAGE's unique willpower in writing grave riffs accompanied with pounding drums will having some razorblade vocals on top? And you know what? The third one, Darker Than Black was even better! Scoring grand ratings in reviews worldwide, it's not exaggerating to note that this is the way 'true' Heavy Metal must sound in the 21st century. Take it or leave it (the hall, you...huh...), in other words.
So, enough with the sponsorship. You get the album - not to forget, MTM Music will release in Europe/Australia, Destroy All Records will handle North America, Asenath Records will deal with Mexico and Dynamo Records is in charge for Central/South America - and you look at the gimmick cover. The 'Icarus' warrior could be more blazing but the whole artwork and colors really place you in the middle of the battlefield in the first place. The cover is both futuristic and old-school, raising the appetite in maximum level. Proceed...Hell Destroyer can as well destroy your ears. Lots of double drumming - some in ultra-speed tempos - is what first comes in notice. CAGE is even hungrier now. The guitar duo, on the other side, spits fire and Peck's voice is rather demonic. CAGE succeeds - both musically and, as it seems, lyrically - to mix the American Metal formulas of 'cult' bands (referring to the 80s US Metal maniacs) like OVERLORDE, OLIVER MAGNUM, EXXPLORER and SACRECED RITE with the Painkiller-influenced sound of bands like BRAINSTORM, KILLING MACHINE and (not that relevant herein) SACRED STEEL(?).
Another partial sum refers to the likes of ICED EARTH, METALLIUM, ONWARD and mid-career HELSTAR or DESTINY'S END. And - of course - the ghost of Painkiller floats all around (this is not obvious but you'll notice the comment due to subsequent facts like the production or the instrumentation anger). The story of this concept album travels through time from the Crucifixion up to a modern day New World Order, to a demonic invasion of the earth and finally the resurrection of the Metal Devil himself 100 years after the end of the world, reads a Press release sheet and I have no doubt - even if the promo copy does not include the lyrics - that you'll feel the same way. Enough intros/intermezzos/outros are included giving added 'life' to a songlist whose value will surely be upgraded accompanied by the lyrics' reading.
Hell Destroyer sees CAGE rolling on like thunder and this album should be played again and again in maximum level; King Diamond, salutes thee...The music CAGE performs is not innovating (by any means) but the way they're presenting it surely requests the maximum of hope for Metal music due to bands like this one.