CAGE - Hell Destroyer
June 26, 2007, 17 years ago
(DA)
An almost 80-minute religious concept album, following the Devil’s minions since the crucifixion through the UN’s fictitious appointed, omnipotent world leader to the death and resurrection of all mankind and a final warning surrounding the Dark One’s eminent return. The San Diego outfit imparts this parable through 20 tracks (some nothing more than voiceovers, monologues or segues) and a closing (European-only bonus) tribute to King Diamond, utilizing song and album titles in the lyrics. The opening title cut is the upbeat power metal Cage does so well, as is ‘Rise Of The Beast’. ‘Cremation Of Care’ is solely backwards-recorded spoken word. Should keep the fans busy deciphering! ‘Legion Of The Demons’ is the most ambitious, commencing with another of vocalist Sean Peck’s old tricks - mock news reports. Towards album’s end, the intensity and triplets magnify, a three-headed barrage of ‘Fire And Metal’ (bet Joey DeMaio is pissed he didn’t record this one), acoustic-begun, but otherwise raging ‘Beyond The Apocalypse’ and the concluding ‘Metal Devil’. Easily my favourite Cage disc since Unveiled!
