603 - Agent Steel Bleed For The Godz 1985

Agent Steel, known only for 2 albums, an EP, a couple of compilation tracks and two video releases (all within a 4 year period), have, thanks to their great talent, withstood the test of time and can now be recognized as one of the definitive American power metal bands. Perhaps considered too 'different' in their heyday (popular between 1985-1987), Agent Steel's main uniqueness came from singer John Cyriis' astounding voice (a Halford/Tate/King Diamond amalgam) and his speculative lyrical ideas, as well as the fast, crunchy, hookladen and surprising melodic guitar work.that recalled the best of the then-popular San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal scene. Juan Garcia is a talented guitarist and has a knack for coming up riffs that are propelling and catchy. "Bleed For The Godz" starts off with some crazy riffage and then continues into a full out speed attack. The chorus of this song is one of the best things ever made in power/speed metal.

157 - Agent Steel Agents Of Steel 1985

Agent Steel were undeniably one of the most classic speed metal acts in the eighties, whether you liked their style or not. "Skeptics Apocalypse" has a certain raw edge over the band's later recordings, which gives this album some additional boost. The first half is essentially faster and more furious than the second, therefore resulting in something of a dual nature. In addition, the vocals of John Cyriis are pretty much in the love-it-or-hate-it category, with an extremely squeaky tone that you may find either perfectly fitting or downright terrible. Anyhow, Agent Steel's vintage sound remains kind of appealing even today, featuring some great riffs and first class guitar work, and the most unrestricted and ultra-fast tracks like "Agents Of Steel" and "Bleed For The Godz" are still second to none in all their rage.