CAGE

San Diego-based Cage is a cornerstone of the American Power Metal (USPM) revival, characterized by a sound that leans much closer to thrash and traditional heavy metal than their European counterparts. Formed in 1992, the band spent the late 90s and 2000s perfecting a 'Science of Annihilation' aesthetic that prioritizes speed, aggression, and technical precision.

Their sound identity is built on the dual-guitar attack of Dave Garcia and the soaring, multi-octave vocal acrobatics of Sean Peck. Critically, they are often cited as the spiritual successors to Judas Priest's 'Painkiller' era, pushing that specific template to its logical, high-gain extreme. While they have remained largely underground, they maintain a fierce cult following in Europe and the US metal scene. Their career arc is defined by a consistent dedication to 'pure steel' aesthetics, avoiding the trend toward symphonic or pop-influenced metal in favor of a raw, muscular approach to the genre.