Jag Panzer - Decade of the Nail-Spiked Bat

[Iced In Flames]

Anyone pick this up yet?
Panzer to me is one of the greatest bands around. And this cd is alot of their older tunes remade. If you are into old school then you should definitly pick this up!!! GREAT two disc set!

 

[JonnyD]

I havnt picked it up yet but they are a great band I will have to check it out

 

[Iced In Flames]

Definitly. If you even remotely like the old tunes you'll love em with this. Imagine the old songs with their sound now

 

[JonnyD]

Next time I have some cash I will be sure to pick it up it sounds awsome

 

[Psychonaut]

I haven't picked it up yet but I am going to. I had Ample Destruction back in 'the day' and liked it a lot. Their newer stuff is pretty good as well. I'm anxious to hear the old stuff redone with better production and stuff!

 

[sixxswine]

I picked this up while I was in L.A. didn't know a hell of a lot about the band, but took a risk. A great one at that.

 

[MRNot]

Anyone pick this up yet?
Panzer to me is one of the greatest bands around. And this cd is alot of their older tunes remade. ....GREAT two disc set!

I have been a fan for decades, and I truly enjoyed finally seeing them live a couple of times in recent years, but as I remarked on another list about this package, I was disappointed. Harry's singing seems underrehearsed (wiggling off-key all over the place), Chris' soloing is ludicrous.. All speed with no thought to phrasing or melody, and the production, though very good and contemporary, doesn't always lend itself to the tunes. For instance, "Eyes of the Night," was *HUGE* in it's originally released state, and the new sound is so dry it now sounds somehow smaller. It's still a good purchase, but it's not as cool as I'd built it up to be..

 

[sixxswine]

So their older records are better? Which would you recommend?

 

[MRNot]

So their older records are better? Which would you recommend?

Well.. Not necessarily "better" but the timing was just right for what AMPLE DESTRUCTION was.. (if you could get past the snickerable cover). If you can possibly find a copy of the (out of print) Metal Blade 1991 reissue with bonus tracks, it's a *MUST*. Other than that, I'd recommend all of their discs. Joey Tafolla made good contributions to FOURTH JUDGEMENT, but his absence hasn't hurt them in the least. Broderick is quite awesome. I'd probably say that AMPLE DESTRUCTION & DECADE.. are my favorite discs. DISSIDENT ALLIANCE is easily the least fave (different "vocalist" and they were going for what was a Pantera-like vibe.. *UGH!*). FOURTH JUDGEMENT is great, as are THANE TO THE THRONE (concept, so slightly less accessible) and MECHANIZED WARFARE. I'm least familiar with AGE OF MASTERY, but my brother swears by it..

Sorry for the ambiguity, but all their discs are worthy, it's just that I expected more from DECADE..

 

[Fangface]

old Jag Panzer : Ample Destruction (heavy and raw)
new Jag Panzer : Thane to the Throne (much more rich and complex)

 

[Briody]

I have been a fan for decades, and I truly enjoyed finally seeing them live a couple of times in recent years, but as I remarked on another list about this package, I was disappointed. Harry's singing seems underrehearsed (wiggling off-key all over the place), Chris' soloing is ludicrous.. All speed with no thought to phrasing or melody, and the production, though very good and contemporary, doesn't always lend itself to the tunes. For instance, "Eyes of the Night," was *HUGE* in it's originally released state, and the new sound is so dry it now sounds somehow smaller. It's still a good purchase, but it's not as cool as I'd built it up to be..

I would agree with this post. 'Decade' was pretty much 'setup the microphones and hit record'. No Pro-Tools cut and paste recording.

In some ways this was very cool. I'm proud of the way everyone pulled off thier parts under these conditions. It was almost like doing a live album, except with no audience (and no mistake fixing after the fact, which is common on most live albums).

But for my own personal taste, I prefer recording in the manner of 'Thane to the Throne' or 'Mechanized Warfare'. I like the big layered mix and I like playing the songs 50 times until everything is perfect. I like perfect vocal parts, perfect guitar parts, etc.

It was cool doing an album like 'Decade', but it's back to Morrisound for the next one (which incidently, we start recording in April).

Mark

 

[Psychonaut]

Of their newer stuff, I prefer Mechanized Warfare and Thane To The Throne. I didn't like The Fourth Judgement so much.

 

[sixxswine]

Thank you MRNOT & Fangface!

I will look those up.

 

[Iced In Flames]

I really dig the sound and production. I think it captures the sound of the older songs nicely.

Chris' soling is fast yes, but I dont think its as bad as you say. The man definitly has talent. And I dont think the rest of the guys would let him just throw some sloppy solo in with five million notes. I know them enough to know them as better musicians than that!

As for Harry's singing. I love it! I wasnt a big fan of the song The Church but with him singing it, it fucking KILLS! I love that version of the song!



All in all, I think its a damn good album, and I am glad to see the older songs redone. Personally I think alot of bands should do that. Once they find their tone to go back and maybe rerecord a few songs. Imagine Powerslave with the sound Maiden could have today. Kinda like Testament with First Strike Still Deadly.

 

[MRNot]

I would agree with this post. 'Decade' was pretty much 'setup the microphones and hit record'. No Pro-Tools cut and paste recording.

Ahh.. OK. Thanks for straightening me out. I didn't know that was what you guys had done. (forgive me for being an impatient bastard, but I assumed due to how long I had to wait for it that you were playing/recording every part 50 times to perfection.. *heh heh*

But for my own personal taste, I prefer recording in the manner of 'Thane to the Throne' or 'Mechanized Warfare'. I like the big layered mix and I like playing the songs 50 times until everything is perfect. I like perfect vocal parts, perfect guitar parts, etc.

Either way, I am sincerely glad you guys are still around and kicking ass.

It was cool doing an album like 'Decade', but it's back to Morrisound for the next one (which incidently, we start recording in April).

Awesome news, indeed.

 

[MRNot]

Chris' soling is fast yes, but I dont think its as bad as you say.

I'll have to keep notes (no pun) next time and try to be specific about passages I have problems with.

The man definitly has talent.

No arguments there. Considering it would seem he doesn't have an attitude to boot, he's the perfect successor to he who went before.. (OK.. Not like I know the details, but...)

..Personally I think alot of bands should do that.

Oh, me too. I love it when it's done up. (I have so many basement/indie metal albums that could benefit)

Imagine Powerslave with the sound Maiden could have today.

Frankly, I don't think that one needs it. What's wrong with the sound? (Certainly, BRAVE NEW WORLD & DANCE aren't up to snuff with it..?....?)

Kinda like Testament with First Strike Still Deadly.

Great example. That one rocks!

 

[tedvanfrehley]

I gotta say I'm not a longtime Panzer fan but I love this album! The singer sounds a tad like DIO to me, which is a good thing (despite what Tenacious D would say, hahahaha) and I love the guitar playing! Great old school sound and riffs. I can't compare it to their old releases but I can compare it to other new releases from other artists and say this thing blows them all outta the water!

A new Jag Panzer disciple,
Ted

 

[Iced In Flames]

Very true. Chris isnt one to go around bragging. He's quite down to earth and thats refreshing. Finding ANYONE who can shred like him and not having an ego the size of Yngwies head is amazing.



Nothing is wrong with Powerslaves sound. I think with a bit more low end and more bass drum it would rock. For instance if it had an Iced Earth sound. Something you could crank up and destroy shit with!



And once again. The Church kicks ass!!!



Hey Mark..... GO PENS!!

 

[MRNot]

Nothing is wrong with Powerslaves sound. I think with a bit more low end and more bass drum it would rock. For instance if it had an Iced Earth sound. Something you could crank up and destroy shit with!

Ahh.. I see. I know what you mean, but I've often considered that, esp. in light of the fact that Maiden always had a distinguished producer, some of these things must be necessary. Think about it: as busy as Maiden's music is, in order to maintain each instrument in the mix has a distinct place, you probably *HAVE* to compromise on extreme frequencies. If the kick drum was boosted, you'd probably lose your woofers in the rumble that must ensue. Since I'm not a mixing engineer, it's just a theory, but I think it's sound..

And once again. The Church kicks ass!!!

Coincidentally, I was just in Annapolis' Tower Records yesterday, and among the rock/pop bins I found that not only did they have a surprising array of Jag Panzer CDs (including DECADE..), they even had a copy of DISSIDENT ALLIANCE there. Unfortunately, all of their prices are currently insane, outrageous, ridiculous, and completely laughable.. ($17.99US or $18.99US for *MOST* independent metal on Metal Blade, InsideOut, LMP & Sanctuary.. So much for taking chances on something that looks interesting. No thanks. I'll try TheEnd online)

 

[Iced In Flames]

Thats true. It just sucks that ya can have a ton of shit goin on really and clarity as well. I think Maiden have lost some of the melody but have replaced that with the heavier sounds. Specially since Steve started doing the producing.



I cant find shit as far as Panzer goes in stores. I buy online. Tho I did buy a Tyrants EP Vinyl on ebay Cost me a good amount too.