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Almost 2 years have passed since their latest release 'Wage of Disgrace'. 'Blinded by Rage' is the fifth record of this Austrian death metal band. Back then I was rather positive about this combo and that isn't going to change with this new album. I like the heavy crunchy riffs, and the aggressive low grunts combined with the more screaming vocals really impress. I get the idea that Stefan Traunig is using his voice very natural without any force.

The first song "Hide and Seek" sets the standard for the whole album. Fast parts are changed by slower more groovy ones and the melodic guitar leads do the rest. Besides the good vocals, the riffs of guitar duo Sopracolle/Maierhofer are amazing. Extraordinary riff follows riff, sometimes reminding me of Arch Enemy, All That Remains or At the Gates. Add the at times devastating black metal kind of tempo to it and a metal core touch and you should have a picture. Variety and melody go hand in hand with heaviness on this album. No clean singing shit on the album, so this band is a good example of making a good melodic death album without using clean singing or keyboards (at least I didn't hear any, except on the cover track).

Lots will say that they use several known styles and are because of that not original. That might be the case, but I have to ask you to listen a little bit further than that. Lost Dreams is better than a lot of their colleagues, just because the execution of the songs and the riffs are so good. Fans of Arch Enemy and other bands that have great heavy riffs on the menu will be pleased with this album. The more often I listen to it, the higher the rating will get I'm afraid. They have really convinced me with this album. The least heavy track is the cover, so don't let that one mislead you.

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