Despite 'Hell Destroyer' being their fourth studio release, this is my first real taste of 'Cage' and I'm certainly impressed by these US Power Metallers. Musically they conjure up images of old school bands like 'Judas Priest' and 'Iron Maiden', but with a hefty slab of US Metal ala 'Vicious Rumors' and in particularly 'Iced Earth'. The line-up although relatively unknown is brimming with talent, vocalist 'Sean Peck' is nothing short of top notch, in the vein of legends 'Rob Halford', 'Ralph Scheepers' and 'Matt Barlow', while dual guitarists 'Dave Garcia' and 'Anthony McGinnis' can blaze away with the best of them. 'Hell Destroyer' is a full blooded concept album based around Armageddon, whilst dealing with power and destruction, past, present and future. Unfortunately for 'Cage', 'Iced Earth's' 'Something Wicked' saga is at times uncannily similar both musically and conceptually and while I'm not suggesting any form of plagiarism (especially with similar release dates), ultimately doesn't do 'Cage' or 'Iced Earth' any favours despite both being superb albums.

After a short menacing intro, it's straight into the thundering title track, a pure fist-raising dose of punishing Power Metal, 'Sean Peck' delivers with venom, while the fret pairing of 'Dave Garcia' and 'Anthony McGinnis' unleash some monstrous leads and solos- quality! Not quite as brisk, but just as uncompromising is the more melodic 'I Am the King', which highlights a strong riff and a killer chorus on some downright hearty lyrics. More narrative follows before the onslaught that is 'Christhammer' a punishing cut brimming with blistering rhythm work, ungodly vocals and more scorching guitars. 'Born in Blood' continues in a similar vein but with a hearty slice of 'Iced Earth' style galloping rhythm, before borrowing from 'Iron Maiden' with their trademark mid tempo lull, ultimately though it all comes off outstandingly. The evil groove of 'Abomination' ensues in plodding fashion, highlighting a powerful fist-raising chorus and more excellent lyrics which 'Sean Peck' delivers flawlessly. The concept is strongly maintained with the spoken 'Inauguration', before the slashing gem 'Rise of the Beast', a track which nicely incorporates an 'Iron Maiden' style guitar fuelled instrumental break and clever use of chanted passages. Slightly reminiscent of 'Primal Fear' mainly due to the screaming vocals of 'Sean Peck' is 'Bohemian Grove', a brisk, uncompromisingly ripper, which is given an extra twist thanks to the introduction of a haunting melody while 'Dave Garcia' lets loose some glorious solos. This gives way to 'From Death to Legend', which nicely mixes the sound up thanks to some sublime neo-classical inspired rhythm and guitar work, while 'Legion of Demons' is a well penned Power Metal treat, that despite losing a little momentum midway, picks up with plenty of glorious free-flowing fret work. After the brief respite of 'Betrayal', it's into the more melodic 'Fall of the Angels', which at times is reminiscent of 'Rob Rock's' solo work, but with the punishing vocals of 'Peck', whilst 'Fire and Metal' incorporate some 'Manowar' elements but thankfully avoid being cliché as 'Cage' notch up another quality cut. The tempo falls for the subtle intro to 'Beyond the Apocalypse' before proceeding as another pulsating dose of Metal interspersed with contrasting Maidenesque melodic passages. 'Metal Devil' brings about the end of the concept in superb fashion, a fabulously penned track, fuelled by a cutting chorus, while closing with a fantastic foreboding wind-down that's laced with fitting sound effect- top drawer!

One of the finest Power Metal concept albums to date and my choice for album of the year 2007!