In 1981 a band called Jag Panzer was formed in Colorado. Since then, Jag Panzer has released quite a lot of albums and its line-up has had some changes... The current line-up still has three original members left (Harry Conklin, Chris Broderick and John Tetley). Although they've released already 8 studio albums (this being the 8th), Jag Panzer has remained relatively unknown all these years.

The material on 'Casting the Stones' is of quite even, good quality. There are loads of melodic solos (which are more or less felicitous) and groovy guitar riffs (sometimes backed by synth parts). There are even some progressive elements such as time signature changes. In order to diversify their songs, Jag Panzer has used bells, a sitar etc. on this album.

Jim Morris (Iced Earth, Savatage) produced this album at the legendary Morrisound Studios (Nasty Savage, Death, Cannibal Corpse) in Tampa, Florida (and I must say that the production has been done quite well.). However, I would have made some changes to the mix (once again, cymbals need work). However, it's nothing grave (cymbals occasionally lacked some clarity). Another issue regards mastering, which sometimes caused distorted or clipped sounds (probably because the levels have been mastered too high).

With Casting the Stones, Jag Panzer has taken a step towards more diverse, even progressive metal. For example, traces of bands like Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall and Queensrÿche could be heard. However, Casting the Stones could have been better. Although there weren't any songs below average, there were only few really memorable songs (such as Cold and Precipice). Fans of traditional & power metal will most likely find this album interesting.

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- MAGE (13.10.2004)

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LINE-UP:
Conklin, Harry "The Tyrant": Vocals Briody, Mark: Guitar Broderick, Chris: Guitar Tetley, John: Bass Stjernquist, Rikard: Drums
Producer:	Morris, Jim
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Feast or Famine 02. The Mission 03. Vigilant 04. Achilles 05. Tempest 06. Legion Immortal 07. Battered & Bruised 08. Cold 09. Starlight's Fury 10. The Hearkening 11. Precipice