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This CD is very good and is a fine addition to the Agent Steel catalog. It is not, to my ears, all that reminiscent of the classic Agent Steel sound, mostly due to the vocal differences between Bruce Hall (on this CD) and the earlier singer John Cyriis. The songwriting here is also a bit different, more evolved I'd say (and I mean that as a positive, even though I absolutely adore the first few Agent Steel releases). Bruce Hall here has a somewhat grittier, huskier sound that works well for these songs; in fact, I don't know if the Cyriis sound would have worked all that well for the types of vocal lines featured in these particular tunes. In my view, Hall is a better _singer_ than is Cyriis, though Cyriis is a better screamer (and in fact, one of the best that ever was at screaming IMO). It is really a shame that Hall was saddled with following Cyriis, because he (Hall) is really, really talented and is in some ways significantly better on the whole (this will be sacrilege to some), but most people focus disproportionately on the screams, an area in which Cyriis is an metal voice icon (e.g., if you think the long opening scream of 'Queen of the Reich' is cool, you will love Cyriis, who can do that type of thing at will, making it seem effortless). Overall, this is a crushingly good listen. Garcia and Versailles are both 'on their game' and the musicianship overall is bad-ass (Juan and Bernie seem to not get as much credit as they deserve for being such an outstanding guitar shred tandem). I also noted that the production quality is supremely good - in particular, the CD has a lot of power in the low frequencies without being muddy at all, and the tight, syncopated bass and guitar lines seem to just jump right out of the mix. Bravo.
Long time fan of Agent Steel, and a fan of the Bruce Hall years. This album in particular, I was happy to finally get around to adding to my physical collection.
The version I bought from the 2015 (2020?) reissue by Pacheco Records, however, has bad mastering or quality control. Disappointment hits immediately from the get-go on the intro to the opening track, "Avenger." And unfortunately, it does not let up from there. As the crackle, snaps, and pops are prevalent on EVERY song, at almost EVERY interval in the runtimes, throughout the ENTIRE album.
I love Order of the Illuminati. And maybe I got a bad cd from the distributor here? But if this is the norm from this release, then I cannot in good faith recommend this version to any Agent Steel fans. Find you an older release. Or the mp3s that sound much better for hang-banging too. Without the defects.
This is it. This is the future of Heavy Metal. Agent Steel has now become one of the major contenders in Heavy Metal today, and with "Orders Of The Illuminati" there is no denying their staying power. Incredible!!! I love this CD, it's a wonderful mixture of old-school Metal, and old school Thrash. Bands like Forbidden, and Iron Maiden quickly come to mind when listening to this masterpiece. It's incredible, and should be considered one of the best Metal releases in 2003. I'm very happy I took a chance on this band. They opened my ears, and brought me back to the great days of Metal when it ruled the music scene.... Don't hesitate on purchacing this. It's old school through and through. It's one of the best purchaces I've made in a long time. UP THE IRONS!!!
Hello, I've always really liked this band so I'm a little biased. I really enjoyed this album, its good to see them back..matured..polished and HEAVY AS HELL!!! I highly recommend this disc =)
Released in 2003, ORDER OF THE ILLUMINATI is the fourth full-length album by Los Angeles’ Agent Steel (who relocated to Florida at one point). It’s the second opus with singer Bruce Hall, who quit the band after a dozen years in 2010. Bruce apparently got frustrated by constant comparisons to John Cyriis, who sang on the first two albums, SKEPTICS APOCALYPSE (1985) and UNSTOPPABLE FORCE (1987). I favor Hall because he has more diversity. Cyriis is really good, of course, but — let’s face it — he’s basically Geoff Tate on helium, although he’s exceptional on the haunting slower stuff.
With the revolving door of musicians, Agent Steel is basically guitarist/composer Juan Garcia and whoever hooks up with him, usually guitarist Bernie Versailles. Cyriis’ current version of the band, however, doesn’t include either unfortunately. Meanwhile Garcia & Versailles’ version of Agent Steel have released an EP & full length album under the moniker Masters of Metal (but haven’t released anything since 2015).
As for ORDER OF THE ILLUMINATI, it’s superior to UNSTOPPABLE FORCE and more of the same power/speed/thrash featured on OMEGA CONSPIRACY (1999), similar to Helstar from NOSFERATU-onward. While Hall shot for a slightly harsher, more diverse style on his third and final album with the band, ALIENIGMA (2007), he’s still fairly diverse on this one and OMEGA CONSPIRACY.
This is a solid disc from beginning to end with lyrical themes revolving around conspiracy theories, aliens and ominous prophecies. It’s just superb heavy power/speed/thrash with melody and melancholic acoustic pieces interspersed. “Insurrection” slows things down and sounds like it was influenced a bit by Saviour Machine, but it eventually thrashes out.
Fans of latter-day Helstar, as well as Sanctuary/Nevermore, Crimson Glory, Ripper-era Priest and heavier Rush, should love this.
I just got a copy of this their 4th album and yeah its everything a metal head would want from what is undeniably seasoned pros and veterans of the thrash metal era. I was a convert to their cause back in 1986 when my friend played me what was probably the most brutally advanced slab of white noise i had ever heard. When he finally relented in his persistency at keeping all in suspense and produced the legendary Mad Locust Rising Ep on vinyl i was totally caught by surprise and rushed out to buy a copy toute de suite!! I still treasure it to this day as it must be worth a fortune now! The sheer velocity of the surging complex multi layered riffs and thunderous drumming like nothing on this earth fused together by a man who had the most ridiculous voice ever you either love or hate, like a high pitched air aid siren. But it worked!! That man was John Cyriis a founder member, sadly not present on this offering, though you will not notice as Bruce Hall could be his doppelganger as he matches him note for note but has more depth coming across more like a Halford/Dickinson hybrid. Man they even left Slayer in the shade and that was at the time of the much lauded and over hyped Reign In Blood! Yet there was something very special about Agent Steel they werent singing about the usual cliche topics most metallers were. There was mention of ancient lost civilizations like Atlantis, Alien technology and Annunaki godz! They were conspiracy theorists i guess only i didnt notice it at the time coz the music just overwhelmed me which was the most innovative metal i ever heard. So to this album. Avenger opens in fine tradition as the riffs build hard and fast and we are at full gallop as they surge fwd with a great production from veteran guitarist Bernie Versailles who joined on that infamous Mad Locust Ep. Ten Fists Of Nations maintains the controlled assault with a very infectious intro riff as Hall really soars with some powerful vocals finishing off with some lovely acoustic guitars and singing. The guitar solos from Bernie Versailles and the legendary Juan Garcia are out of this world creating some gorgeous harmonies together and both make a splendid team that goes back to the 80's! Earth Under Lucifer brings more of that amazing wall of sound catchy riffs you've heard a million times but who cares when its played with this much passion! The lyrics are worth reading as they have really done their homework on the New World Order thats taking shape on our planet indeed look at the cd mount and if you read carefully underneath, "Novus Ordo Seclorum", creepy or what??! There are some nice eastern touches like on Insurrection which is easily one of the best songs they've ever written as it builds beautifully on picked guitars and Bruce really comes into his own as he sings his heart out here! Some great old school thrash moments too really make this a classic tune that will have you humming all day. And the record gets a lot faster as it goes along which is a relief as most of these old school boys run out of steam. Not Agent Steel! Its great to know Karlos Medina from Evildead is on board on bass too as his songwriting contributions of the past were just amazing. But you gotta stay till the end to hear the best song here and thats Human Bullet which comes crashing in with some bone crushing riffs and mind awakening lyrics about our shadow theocratic govt and their New World Order conspiracy.Its sung with such passion that it makes you wanna do some research! We may just be in for an Earth Under Lucifer!! People should really investigate the Illuminati, its got me hooked and make Agent Steel unique as they must be the only band that write about them. This record is every bit as great as Unstoppable Force and better than Omega Conspiracy and you will not be disappointed as it delivers on every level. Not quite the Mad Locust Rising Ep but hey what could ever be??!! I think they outdid themselves on that one.
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