When I saw that MetalReviews had received a new release from Jaguar, I immediately thought this must be a remastered / re-released album from the 1980's. As I popped in the CD and played the opening title track, I was 99.9% sure that this must be some sort of re-release. Wrong! Jaguar recorded the Run Ragged album in 2002, and have released it via Angel Air Records this year.

While many NWOBHM bands have either called it quites or simply changed their sound, Run Ragged rocks just like the early days of the NWOBHM era over 20 years ago. This album is full of raw energy, never stopping for a ballad and never giving the listener a chance to catch their breath! As Raven once described their music as "athletic rock," that term seems to apply to this release as well. Vocalist Jaime Manton shines on this album. His delivery is slightly raspy and very forceful, yet charismatic at the same time. The guy sounds like he ate nails for breakfast and then washed it down with a pot of coffee. This intense energy gives the songs a good kick in the ass to say the least. As expected with a release of this genre, the guitar work is frantic and very much in the forefront of the sound. There is plenty of shredding and soloing distributed throughout the album and the bass guitar is exceptionally good. Just a guess, but maybe bassist Darren Furze is Steve Harris fan? He really gives this album an Iron Maiden feel with his style and his active presence on each and every song (the bass guitar riffing in the opening track is a fine example). There simply isn't a bad song on this album. At just over 39 minutes, it's a good thing that there is no wasted space on this album. The entire album features classic style choruses and riff driven songs similar to vintage Saxon and Judas Priest. The fans of more melodic songs will appreciate songs like As the Crow Flies, Nailed, and No Changes Given.

Fans of NWOBHM will certainly want to scoop up this album. As there aren't too many bands playing this style of music these days (Raven is still playing good old fashioned NWOBHM), Run Ragged is a breathe of fresh air for those of us who still enjoy this type of music. Run Ragged has a natural flow from beginning to end, and it's over before you know it. Play it loud!