I am really not sure that it is about providing a good PR for a new album, it feels too much from the heart. Not that a PR move isn't from the heart, partially maybe, as more is from the mind. A move was made for the fans, and for the artist itself, it needed that spark of motivation in order to kick things back into gear, to resolve hardships that became unbearable and continue forward without hesitation. This is about not giving up, and I know that if it would have been my case, I would have reacted the same. The US Heavy / Power Metal act JAG PANZER, had already given up on itself after members left and there was no wish to fill in the ranks. However, public demand, interest in the older material, and opportunities that came along with it, made the existing mates to reforge their alliance to the name and heritage. Thus, "The Deviant Chord", released by the band's German label, SPV / Steamhammer Records, was conceived into the night's cold air. The Jags are back for another run of old school swiftness.

One of my personal causes of admiration for JAG PANZER is the fact that no matter the decade, they never let go of their musical approach, whether a new trend is in town or an emerging musical movement is looming, they remained true to their own. Here and there they have been perfecting their methods upon unleashing their fine brand of British meets American melodic Heavy Metal, yet, in the overall, it has been an resolution carved in stone.  Therefore, the surface of "The Deviant Chord", six years after its predecessor, swept the dust off and revealed the band's usual songwriting abilities, mixing powerful lyrics and tremendous playing abilities. The style of the riffery and lead guitar efforts didn't explore new horizons, yet instigated surges of energy and a flavorful melodic spirit that has been the band's bread and butter over the years. In addition, the constant great performance of the vocal line of Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin once again proved a vocalist that his voice is far reaching and never ending, lateral with the music.

Generally, the record's material felt very much in the eras of "The Age Of Mastery" and "Thane To The Throne", a somewhat breathing epic album with a few shards of loosened up songs. Actually the closing track "Dare" had my foremost attention, showing charged up beats and mighty riffs alongside a powerful chorus that manned the wheel with grace. The impressive balladry effort of "Long Awaited Kiss" will certainly not exemplify the 80s sweaty Power ballads, I believe that it is beyond those. Honestly, this is a true kind of Metal chant that isn't common. The Tyrant portrays ample tenderness, making the experience emotive. "Salacious Behaviour" and "Fire of Our Spirit" crossed the swords of British Metal, more in the verge of IRON MAIDEN type of melodies to be exact along with vigor that is equal to early LIEGE LORD and METAL CHURCH, for a fact a divine incitement.

JAG PANZER's carrying on forward is an important stance for old school Heavy Metal in the USA. Additional bands need to have the guts to make swift comebacks, unleash their will power and abilities upon an audience that should get to know them. "The Deviant Chord" is what JAG PANZER fans should expect and rejoice, along with other Metalheads that live for the quality in the genre.