Albums of Purgatory interview Jag Panzer

Firstly, whats the band up to right now?

We're wrapping up our new album. A double release entitled 'Decade of the Nail Spiked Bat'. It's rerecordings (totaly from scratch) of our out-of-print early material.

How would you describe the Jag Panzer sound?

Straight up metal. No gimicks. Screaming powerfull vocals, over the top guitar. Lots of melody. Good memorable songs.

How did you get involved with the band?

I formed it with 3 friends I grew up with (Harry, our singer and John, the bassist). We were heavily into bands like Sabbath, Rainbow, Riot and UFO. We thought it would be cool trying our hand a playing music. I come from a totally non-musical household, so it was different for me.

Can you remember your first gig (how did it go)?

Yes, we played 'Smoke on the Water' at a high school talent show. We sucked. We didn't win.

Are you involved in any other projects and if so how do they compare to Jag Panzer?

I'm not personally. But our other guitar player Chris has been filling in on guitar with Nevermore live. He and our drummer are also playing on the new Ballistic album. I"m too busy with Jag Panzer stuff to do anything else.

What are your favourite Jag Panzer tracks?

Probably 'Cold is the Blade' from Mechanized Warfare and 'Tragedy of MacBeth' from Thane to the Throne. I really like the melodies on those 2 tracks.

What are your favourite all time songs?

Kill the King and Gates of Babylon from Rainbow. Nightfall from Blind Guardian. Number of the Beast from Maiden. Hallowed Land from Paradise Lost. Sign of the Southern Cross from Sabbath. Stagefright from Witchfynde.

What the first record you ever bought?

I think it was a Chicago album, before I heard metal. I started buying vinyl in elementary school.

Which album was it that got you into metal and can you explain why?

'Machine Head' from Deep Purple. I was floored when I heard the guitar riffs. I must have been 10 or 11 years old. It couldn't believe how much better it was then other music.

Whats the last album you purchased and what did you think of it?

Stille from Lacrimosa. It's cool. A bit light for my tastes, but very different sounding.

What would be your dream band line-up?

Dio on vocals, Wolf Hoffman on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, Niko McBrain on drums.

If you could do a cover for a tribute album to any band, which song of which
band would you pick and why?

It there was a Witchfynde tribute album, we'd be the first in line. Great band. Totally underappreciated.

What do you think of the position of metal and music in general today?

As a fan, it's great. The internet allows you to check out 50 new bands a day if you like. As a musician, it could be better. The underground is getting a bit trendy, bands are selling because of hype and promotion instead of album quality.

Which other bands stand out for you at the moment?

Blind Guardian. Great band. Excellent musicians. Good discography. There are no weak links in Blind Guardian.

Do you have any funny stories about the band you can share with us?

I'll have to get back with you on this one! I'll need clearance from my band mates before I start talking!

and finally, what do you see in the future for Jag Panzer?

I'd like to get some more countries exposed to our music. We've never been to South America or Japan. It would be nice to go there.