Astrology

Album Review

Cage's second release, Atrology, is as over the top and pretentious as power metal gets — in a good way. Clocking in at a hefty 70 minutes, and referencing the usual suspects (Priest, Maiden, Helloween, Savatage), the disc features 12 songs (plus nifty intro) dedicated to the 12 signs of the zodiac, and resulting in a semi-concept album sure to entertain committed power metal enthusiasts. Stand-out tracks like "Psychotically Deranged," "Souls and Flesh," and "The Astrologicon" offer stellar musicianship, lightning fast staccato riffing, generous use of melodies, and, of course, soaring, ear-piercing vocals from the barrel-chested Sean Peck. In short, everything necessary for a solid European power metal platter — making it even more remarkable that the band hails from sunny San Diego. A worthy American entry into the over-crowded power metal scene.