Year: 2021
Total Time: 50:04
Label: Steamhammer
RAGE, one of Germany’s most influential bands and one of the forefathers of the Teutonic metal sound are back with a new release (their 26th if we count 1985’s “Prayers of Steel” under the name AVENGER) this year.
In my opinion without RAGE we can hardly speak about Power Metal the way it evolved in Europe during the 80’s and the 90’s. Without them we can hardly discuss symphonic metal as they were the pioneers of the genre. And last but not least, without RAGE we can hardly imagine what could have been the evolution of the speed/thrash scene of the 80’s, as the band contributed significantly to the genre’s most technical, experimental and melodic side.
Having said all of the above, I think that it’s justified to compare RAGE’s contribution to the metal scene with that of bands such as IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST. For 35 years and more, they’re contributing with a huge catalogue that doesn’t include not even one bad album, instead it’s full of innovative cycles for the band and for heavy metal in general.
Behind the metal machine that we’re discussing, there’s the band’s bassist and frontman mr. Peavy Wagner, a man who gathers all the characteristics of a leader and he who took many times the difficult and risky decisions for the band during RAGE’s long history. After the collaboration with the guitarist and vocalist Marcos Rodriguez and three studio albums from 2015 to 2020 as a power trio, the band becomes once again a four piece with the addition of the guitarists Jean Bormann and Stefan Weber while Vassilis Maniatopoulos stays behind the drum set to rule the beats as he’s been doing since 2015.
So what does the new album bring to the fans and the metal scene in general?
The melodies and the quality song writing are always present so no surprises there. In general, I found the production bolder and fuller than that in its predecessor, “Wings of Rage”. But I’d say that the guitar duo hasn’t yet unfold its full potential. It’s not easy to come after such a talented guitarist as Marcos and I am eager to listen what more Bormann and Weber will bring to the sound of Rage in the future.
“Resurrection Day” kicks in with a beautifully composed and arranged orchestral prelude which leads us to the epic self-titled song. “Virginity” is the third track and the first single and video that was released for the new album. Monster riffs, tasty chorus and the first real headbanger of the album. The track “A New Land” that follows is exploring the more power metal side of the band offering a widely open chorus with a double kick pattern that’s building up to the elaborate riffing of the verses. Tasty soloing and a classic 90’s structure. “Arrogance and Ignorance” is surely one of my favourite songs in the album. Unprecedented quality in its arrangement, melodic parts that shine and a vocal interpretation that’s extreme and unusual for Peavy. The backing vocals during the choruses are masterfully executed and as always, the lyrics are well written and to the point. “Man in Chains” is a strong arena song while “Age of Reason” is a speed metal anthem. “Monetary Gods”, the second video for the album and a song with very deep social and anti-war lyrics, classic RAGE structure, catchy melodies. “Mind Control” is a MAIDEN-like dual guitar metal mid-tempo track, with old-school heavy vibes.
“Traveling Through Time” has an Irish folky vibe something that was a surprise to the first listen, in my oppinion the weakest track of the album. “Black Room” is a classic power metal ballad leading to the track that closes the album, “Extinction Overkill” which comes to remind us RAGE’s dynamic force with its aggressive riffing and speed and melody.
While “Resurrection Day” is a good album there’s an aspect I’m missing from one of my favourite bands: the innovation. After the well-received “Wings of Rage” which was somewhat of a stylistic compilation of all of RAGE’s periods I was hoping for a little bit of a change. Like what has been the Lingua Mortis period or later the Smolsky/Terana power trio. Well, that is not the case. RAGE have come back with a 12 track 50-minute album, the classic qualities are present, it is a good album BUT the line-up change hasn’t led to a stylistic rejuvenation at least not for the time being. So I’m sitting back, listening and enjoying the RAGE sound, but as a loyal fan of the band I’m waiting their next step hopping for a surprise.
Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Yiannis Tziallas
Related Link: RAGE – Official Page
