Jag Panzer
Formed in Colorado, USA in 1981 the band's original line-up consisted of the curiously-named The Tyrant (vocals), Mark Briody (guitar), John Tetley (bass) and Butch Carlson (drums). Quickly signing to the small independent Azra Records label their debut mini-album JAG PANZER was released in 1983. Basically a collection of demo tracks, it was a rough and ready affair of straight ahead power-metal inspired rock. The band decided to add an additional guitarist to give them an extra dimension, and with this in mind they decided to relocate to Los Angeles to seek young hopefuls. The band auditioned countless guitarists until Joey Tafolla was recruited. They headed straight back to Colorado to record their first full-length AMPLE DESTRUCTION, released in 1984. (This was later re-released in 1990 on Metalcore Records label). The album was an improvement on their debut, with Tafolla contributing guitar to the more memorable power-metal orientated material. Unfortunately, the album still only established the band as a strong underground act with minimal cult status. Dissatisfied with this lack of success, Tafolla left the outfit for a solo career and later went on to play in Alice Cooper's touring band. Shortly after his departure both The Tyrant and Carlson also left the band. The Tyrant joined Riot, albeit briefly, before forming his own band Titan Force. This left Briody and Tetley to pick up the pieces and reform the band. Joining them in this new incarnation of Jag Panzer were Bob Parduba (vocals), Christian Lasage (guitar) and Rikard Stjernqvist (drums). This line-up went on to record an impressive demo that secured them a new recording agreement with Auburn Records in 1987, resulting in CHAIN OF COMMAND being released the same year.