It's unfortunate that Agent Steel never broke out as big as some of the other California Bay Area Thrash bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Exodus and Slayer. They are a great thrash/power metal outfit that has gone highly unoticed; having a stealth like effect which compliments their band name. It's hard to believe that after 20 years Agent Steel is still kicking. They have released four full length albums and one EP over that time period. They have also had some line up changes to solidify a unit that seems to be their best to date, stepping up the game a notch. The production, musicianship and song writing have improved with each album and their lastest offering "Order Of The Illuminati" is no exception.

"Order Of The Illuminati" continues in the same style as their third release "Omega Conspiracy". There's still plenty of killer guitar riffs, (which have a metallic edge to them) and layered guitar harmonies. They even use some acoustic and clean guitar passages. The vocalist has an incredible range, from low, subdued singing to high pitched, falsetto wails. He can best be compared to vocalists such as Geoff Tate, Rob Halford, Alan Tecchio and even the former lead vocalist of Agent Steel, John Cyriis. The drumming is phenomenal. It's pounding with quick double bass drum kicks, like a pulsating assault cannon . The lyrics continue to deal in topics that are "X-Files" in nature. They are controversial and contain thoughtful subject matter; thinking man's metal if you will.

So far I like this album better than the last. It's the kind of CD you can put on your stereo and feel the energy of each instrument pounding through your speakers. It's a blistering assault of thrash/power metal that will leave you on the floor wanting more!

The Japanese release is on King Records and contains a bonus track, "Brainwashed".

I'm glad Agent Steel has decided to continue to create some excellent metal and give some of the other bands in the industry a run for their money. They have an updated sound and production much better than what they used 20 years ago, which helps add alot of power to their blistering attack..

I recommend this release to fans of old school Queensryche, Hades, Heathen, Metallica, and Judas Priest.