CAGE „Darker Than Black”

Let me start this review by saying that this disc just simply blew me away. Cage hail from San Diego, CA and have been on the scene for roughly since 1996. Cage consists of five members that are hell bent on putting there style of metal back in the mainstream and keep it there. The band consists of Sean Peck (vox), David Garcia (guitar), Michael Giordano (bass), Mikey Niel (drums) and Anthony McGinnis (guitar). Lets brake this work of art down.
1. Darker then black
This is a very short narration that opens up the CD and gives it an Erie feeling. Most openers like this are a waste of space but not in this case.

2. Kill the devil
This Is a very heavy track to open the disc with and a good choice. Driving dual guitar work with a sound that will crush you and a story that is the opposite of most heavy metal bands today for it is a tail of a crusade to kill the devil rather then glorify him

3. Chupacabara
A thick and crunchy tune about a mythical animal thought to exist in the southwest of the USA. So like the animal this song is strong and takes a huge bite out of your soul.

4. Blood of the Innocent
This track is a haunting one that leads you into a world of heavy guitar riffs and hooks. This track is layered like no other track on the disc and takes you on a roller coaster ride that will leave you begging for more.

5. Eyes of Obsidian
This is by far the one track on the disc that really shows you what Peck is able to do with his voice. Very clear but strong enough to crush your skull.

6. Philadelphia Experiment
This track takes you to an area that a lot of bands have not gone to. This track is about the legendary tale of the US government's attempt to tinker with the unknown in the shipyards of Philadelphia. Like the tales of the experiment the song is mysterious and haunting with a thundering sound that will have you head banging from the first note.

7. March of the cage
The title of the track should tell you all you need to know. On this one the band takes you by the balls and will not let go till the closing note

8. White magic
This is the most unique cut on the CD for it is where Peck tries a couple different vocal styles and pulls them off well and It really fits the song. Throughout the song you will hear him sound a lot like Danie Filth from CRADLE OF FILTH and at other times he sounds like KING DIAMOND but the thing about it is he blends them well and it just adds to the thick riffs and the over all heavy sound of the track

9. Door to the unknown
Another skull crushing track that will simple blow you away with the sound. Very mystical

10. Secrets of Fatima
Another government conspiracy type of subject here. The guitar work on this one has a great gallop to it and Peck displays the CRADLE OF FILTH voice at times again but just to add a little extra to the already great vocal work.

11. Wings of destruction
Great headbanging riff that never lets up. On this one there is a gallop to the drum work that will give any double bass fan something to cheer about and at the same time it is topped off with a great guitar riff that does not do anything but make the overall sound of the song heavier.

12. Chupacabra
This a different version of song #3 for it is the same music its just that this time the vocals are done in Spanish.

Summing up the whole disc would have to go like this. All out incredible and will leave you breathless. If you love your power metal thick rich and beefy then you will absolutely love this CD. Anyone that is a fan of the style of metal created by the metal God HALFORD will love this disc. Heavy guitar that will crush your skull with a drum sound that will have you playing air drums till your arms are weak. The bass is enchanting but heavy at the same time and what can be said about the vocals other then incredible. In my opinion this is by far the best CD to be released this year and I cant wait to see this band take the overall metal scene and show them what they have got. Look out for cage for they are coming and they are taking no prisoners.

note: 10 out of 10