Panzerballett - "Panzerballett" Review

Artist/ Band: Panzerballett
Title: Panzerballett
Label: Bad Lands Records
Year of Release: 2006
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Wow, I was surprised when I put in the self titled debut by Panzerballett. At first with the name and the tank on the cover, I was expecting some power metal band but pleasantly I found an amazing mix of instrumental music bordering on progressive, fusion and jazz with a metallic feel throughout. Not metallic enough to be classified under progressive metal or jazz metal but heavy enough to be something different than my ears are accustomed to.

The differences to my ears is the inclusion of the sax, dual guitars and the absence of keyboards. The music this band creates is both energetic and fun unlike most bands in today’s music. The guitarists are unique as well, they don’t show off with mindless shredding. All the musicians are able to create thoughtful music that has substance rather than a bunch of show offs. I would be interested to see where they go from here.

I would have to recommend this to fans of classic and modern fusion fans. I really think this is a landmark album that hopefully will be in every fusion fan’s vocabulary. The band also has a page at MySpace, so you can hear for yourself.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on February 7th, 2007

Tracks:

1. Zehrfunk

2. Reload

3. Aspirin Smoke

4. Schmitz Kadtse

5. Iron Maiden Voyage

6. Abkrassen

7. Meschugge

8. Zickenterror

9. Outtakes