The Juke Box Media release of 'Symphonic Extrmeties' did well for Ultimatum, and soon they were signed to Rowe Productions, the label run by Steve Rowe of Mortification fame. So in 1998 they released their second album, named 'Puppet Of Destruction'. It features artwork designed by Scott Waters. Mike Lynch had now left the band, and Sean Grieco joined instead. Tom Michaels was still around on bass, but only listed as an additional musician. Unlike on the 'Symphonic Extremeties' promo picture, he was not on the official photo for this new release.



In 1998, heavy metal was considered uncool by the popular mass media. Some underground bands, such as HammerFall and In Flames were getting some attention. Nevertheless, metal was generally still pretty much declared dead. Moreover, thrash metal was in an even worse state. This is the year Ultimatum recorded their sophomore release! 'Puppet Of Destruction' might have been their second full length album, but it was in fact the first one intended to be one. 'Symphonic Extremities' was merely 2 demos put together on one disc. Therefore, as you can see, 'Puppet Of Destruction' is a piece of Christian thrash metal history, released by a band in it for the music, and the ministry. In addition, they administered both very capably.

Musically they refined their sound, and went for a more straightforward thrash metal sound here. Reminiscent of bands like OverKill, Exodus and Metal Church, Ultimatum wear their influences on their sleeves, but keep from sounding like any clone band at all. Songs like "Never", "Mortal Stomp" and "Gutterbox" are infectious numbers that grabs your attention already on the first listen. Other songs will slowly creep up on you with repeated spins. The band also chose to re-record "World Of Sin" for this album. 'Puppet Of Destruction' is one of those rare albums that doesn’t have any fillers. So the only downside to the original album was the mastering, making the overall sound a bit thin. Thus the Roxx Records reissue from October, 2009 was a very welcome addition to the collection. The whole album was finally remastered, with help from Ysidro Garcia, the producer on the bands 'Lex Metalis' and 'Into The Pit' albums. The update in sound makes the album shine in a way it was originally intended. There is a lot more depth in the sound now, and the tin-can mix of the original release is now forgotten. The new version comes complete with a 3 bonus tracks; a demo, a re-recorded song, and the Testament cover the band recorded during the 'Puppet Of Destruction' sessions.

Very good molten metal frenzy! I own this album and Into The Pit, and while I prefer tha latter a tad more, this cd still get's regular spins on the ol' stereo. Never, Puppet of Destruction, Gutterbox and World of Sin are my personal favourites. A very good sophomore release!

I still love this album. Hated the original mastering, but am much happier with the mastering on the re-issue. The triggered drums are a bit "digital" sounding, but that's what was available in 1997 when this album was recorded. Despite that, I still think this is a great album. The title track, Never, Mortal Stomp, Gutterbox are all songs we have continued to play live. Never has been played at nearly ever show.

We re-recorded Mortal Stomp in 2008 for a compilation CD. It was later added to the Puppet remaster. I really like the sound on the new version.

Puppet is another good album. A lot tighter sounding than it's predecessor. "Mortal Stomp" is one of my favorite Ultimatum tunes.

PUPPET OF DESTRUCTION was my introduction to Ultimatum. Back around 2001 or so I was placing an order w/RadRockers.com, who have always had an annoying rule that your minimum order amount has to be at least $25. The two CDs I picked out totaled just under that $25, so I was flipping thru the catalog looking for something relatively inexpensive that would get me over the top. Lo and behold, the listing for PUPPET OF DESTRUCTION sounded promising -- I believe it said "for fans of Testament, Exodus, and Overkill" or words to that effect, and it was about five bucks, so I sez SOLD!

I forget what the two other CDs I ordered in that batch were, but whatever they were, they didn't get nearly as much play as PUPPET when it arrived. Yeah,the production was a little tinny, but the songs kicked ass!! Even though the disc was two or three years old by that time, I even did a quickie review of it in my column at Detritus 'zine. If I dig that column up I'll post it here. I didn't know much about the band at the time so I think I made some lame joke about Scott possibly being related to Jeff Waters of Annihilator (original huh?) and noted that the Exodus similarities were such that "if this Christian metal stuff doesn't work out for them, they could always tour clubs as 'Fabulous Disaster, A Tribute To Exodus.'"

A while after buying PUPPET I got the Internet at my house so I checked out Ultimatum's website, which led me to Ult's No Life Til Metal site, which eventually led me here. So who knows, if I hadn't risked that five bucks I might not even be a member here. I guess it's all part of the Circle Of Life.

ok...time for me to weigh in! i have a copy of both..i love the remaster.sounds like ult and the band are right in my living room jamming!(dont i wish).the quality of this cd is very very clear and defined! "never" will always be my favorite lyrically..speaks volumes of the bands postion of not comforming to the standards and sellin out! "mortal stomp" and "gutterbox" and "world of sin" are heavy hittin..thrash metal at its best! i think one thing i love about this band is scott's clear vocals.other thrash metal bands have lead singers that are very hard to understand..not scott.also,i have often told robert that his guitar playin is very defined..robert plays with passion..its felt in your heart.not just playing.but,believin in his guitar and clear confidence in what he is playing. i dont know as much about sean and steve's playing as much but,on this cd they clearly make their mark too! this is a must for anyones Ultimatum collection.of course,my copy came with the demo cd "fatal delay"..scott,dont hate me but,i love this as well.clearly this is why the band was offered a record deal.i was so convinced after the first 2 mins.very ruff but,yet,the bands humble beginnings.i love this version of "plea for holiness" and often i have pulled this out for my devotion/worship time.sends my plea to heaven with that of the band! anxiously awaiting the next cd to review! remaining a very proud and humbled promotional manager!

Not sure if I'd call this one total thrash yet. More like power-groove.

not saying that particular cd got offers..i am sayin i can see why they would have offered..because even back then the band showed such strong potential. my bad..btw this stupid modem and typin quickly..again,my mouth gets ahead of my words..and of course,threats of taskykakes! lol! sorry,my point not clear

This came out and I realized Ultimatum was serious. How many christian bands have done some good demos and disappered? It was great to hear this straight up American power metal band with some heavy thrash leanings really crank it.

I also picked it up cheap years ago from RadRockers. I liked the songs, but the production was a disappointment (though the packaging looked great!). A quick look on the net revealed that others felt the same way, which was good to know. I lucked on an ebay copy of Until the End, which just blew me away, and i knew I had to hear more of these guys.

The recent re-issue brings out the power and depth of the songs, and it really is like hearing a new album.

"Puppet of Destruction" is my second favorite Ultimatum platter.

It was also my introduction to the band back in 2003.

I had actually met Ult at another forum at that time called "Christian 80s Metal". I met Ult first - then found about the band.

Anyway ... I was flat out floored when I got this. It's still a pretty regular player for me today (7 years after first getting it). I've bought this album twice (like I have with other Ultimatum albums as well).

I like the original mix myself. I guess the triggered drums sound a bit industrial to me - and I'm a huge fan of industrial and goth music as well.

Plus it just has lots of nostalgic value for me.

Great album. I just cranked it yesterday in fact!!!

Puppet... is my favorite Ultimatum disc (although I've never heard Into the Pit). The songs are great, and the sound on the remaster is really good too.

Puppet of destruction is my second favorite just behind Into the Pit. The remaster really brought it to life!!!

I have the 2-CD version with the bonus disc and the cover is signed by Robert and Scott.

"neck snappin,fist pumpin,headbangin...HEART OF METAL...!!!!!!" sweeeeeeeeeeet! if you all havent gotten "Into the Pit" i have one question for you...Why not?"

Just jammed this again today. Great album!

2 more years followed, and then in 2000 Ultimatum recorded their third full length disc, entitled 'The Mechanics of Perilous Times'. Originally scheduled to be released through Rowe Productions also, the band opted to release the disc themselves in the U.S., while Gutter Records, a division of Massacre Records, released the disc in Europe in March 2001. During this time Ultimatum played various shows across the country to promote the disc, including the 2001 Stryper Expo. Also during this year, long time bassist Tom Michaels left the band and was replaced by California native Rob Whitlock. Ultimatum performed their first show with Rob at the Metal Marti Gras festival in California in August of 2002. They were also represented on a compilation CD released for that occasion, entitled 'Extreme Mardi Gras 2002-The Extreme Compilation', released on Roxx Production.



This is the album where Ultimatum perfects their style. It's not all that different from 'Puppet Of Destruction', still it just delivers so much more. Firstly it just sounds so much better, and secondly it has even better songs. With a much more clear production, fast thrash metal mongers like "Temple Of The Spirit" and "Greed Regime Inc." and "Violence & Bloodshed" comes to life. The boys are obviously heavily influenced by bands like Exodus, Annihilator and Testament. But I also detect some Vengeance Rising similarities here and there. And I'm not talking about the obvious cover-version of the classic song, "Burn". I discover cool little details in their playing every time I listen to this CD. Their brand of fast, speedy riffs, neck breaking stops, pummeling drums and thunderous bass is higly infectious, as all great metal should be.

This album should have a warning sticker that you might hurt yourself whipping your neck around. Thing rocks hard.

Great album! Probably my fourth favorite from the band.