2015 press with thick booklet and newliner notes by Mark Briody and Harry Conklin

Once the `Tyrant´ Harry Conklin hadreturned to the fold, and the Colorado chain gang had produced TheFourth Judgment, they were embarking on a streak of productivitythat would quickly surpass the band´s 80s output in no time flat.The Age of Mastery was the next statement in this sequence, anattempt to expand upon the Panzer revival, the unhinged leatherrebels of the 80s expounding into a mature, melodic territory. JoeyTafolla had once again parted with the squad, but the band made anadequate choice in Chris Broderick (who would go on to Nevermoreand Megadeth) as the cult shred legend´s replacement, so the Jagwould not be at a loss in this area for the immediate future. TheAge of Mastery is a bit of an anomaly, for while it presses forwardwith both the legacies of their 80s material and the melodic surgeof the previous year´s comeback, there is a hint at a widerambition here which will carry forward into the following albumThane to the Throne, a progressive slant that proves the band werenot content with merely rehashing themselves, despite theirnewfound motivations and career second wind. That´s not to say theexecution here is well enough rounded, and the mix of suchmaterials with a `Lustfull and Free´, or `Iron Eagle´ creates ajilted experience that feels more like a pair of diverse EPs tackedtogether than a pure, consistent effort, but thankfully there isjust enough here to enthral and immerse a listener into the broaderfield of ideas. `Iron Eagle´ is the gateway, a roll of melodicmuting given graceful airs through the insertion of early, tautleads that hook off the verse and offer ballast to Conklin´sefficient if average lyrical patterns, similar to the material onthe previous album. There are some nice touches of backing, malechoral vocals, and I love the percussion ringing off against thelead sequence, though the solo itself feels like little more thanindulgence that eludes the memory. `Lustfull and Free´ feels likethe band returning to the virile and infectious explosion of 1984´sAmple Destruction, though polished and given an elevated sense ofatmosphere. `Sworn to Silence´ fords into darker climes,essentially a mix of melodic heavy and thrash metal with a greatchorus and charging axes, while `Twilight Years´ bounces is apersonal favorite here, a bouncing juggernaut of melodic mutes thaterupts into a memorable, fluid chorus and a fairlyprogressive/power bridge. After this potent initial outburst,featuring some of the highlights, the record levels off somewhatand becomes a more muted palette of color, competent and yetsomewhat less inspiring. For instance, the bridge and lead of theband´s cover of `False Messiah´ (from ex-Virgin Steele stringerJack Starr´s solo effort Out of the Darkness) are well crafted, butthe surrounding environs are less notable; `The Age of Mastery´pumps along at its mid pace, but its not until the twisting,serpentine melodies of `Displacement´ that we get another rouserwith a progressive presence that hints at the myriad possibilitiesthis band might explore as they proceed into their mid life.`Viper´ is a soon forgotten rocker, and `Take This Pain Away´ failsto truly function as a soaring power ballad. Conklin seems shaky inthe verses as he hits a mid range, though its interesting to hearhim paired with a violin. We next have `Chain of Command´, a trackthat would naturally have appeared on Panzer´s yet unreleasedsophomore studio effort. It´s an acceptable piece of melodic powermetal which once again utilizes some strings, but not ultimatelymemorable. As compensation, `Burning Heart´ is a great, brazenspike of inspiration driven deep into the listener´s icy chest, allcrystal melodies and excellent presence of John Tetley´s basslines, with Conklin transforming into some ethereal, female entityin the chorus. The curtains of The Age of Mastery are drawn with`The Moors´, a pretty ambitious piece with choral arrangements,strings and an epic composition which is about half on, half off,or better yet a glimpse into the crystal ball of the band´s nextfull-length. There are enough ideas present on this fourth albumthat the long-term Jag Panzer fan must surely listen back with somefondness, at least for a handful of the tracks, but it´s true thatthe album just feels off as far as its presentation andconsistency. What is perhaps most important about The Age ofMastery is that it shows a band about to embark on a conceptualphase of their career which elevates them from mere power/heavymetal to something more substantial and interesting

Track listing:
1. Iron Eagle
2. Lustful And Free
3. Twilight Years
4. Sworn To Silence
5. False Messiah
6. The Age Of Mastery
7. Viper
8. Displacement
9. Chain Of Command
10. Take This Pain Away
11. Burning Heart
12. The Moors

Condition cover: mint / stillsealed

Condition cd: mint

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