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German power metal trio
Rage are back once again with their 21st recording, aptly titled, 21.
With the exception of two songs, the overall theme of the material deals
with suicide, serial killers, mass murder and murder in general. The
heavy subject matter of the lyrics matches the heaviness of the music.
For 28 years now, the band
has delivered its recognizable brand of German power metal. Their
formula has always had an original and unique flavor — bringing in
thrash, progressive and classical elements.
The lineup of mainstay
bassist/vocalist Peter “Peavy” Wagner, with guitarist/shredder since
1999 Victor Smolski back doing what he does best and drummer since 2007,
André Hilgers (Silent Force, Sinner), the band sounds as vigorous as
ever. Produced by famed knob-twirler Charlie Bauerfeind (Scorpions,
Saxon, Helloween, Hammerfall) and Smolski, the album has a warm and
rich, full-flavored sound (sounds like I’m describing a fine wine).
21 has plenty of
heavy arrangements, gruff vocals, melodic-yet-brutal chugging riffs,
fiery solos, and thunderous double bass drums. The choruses are catchy,
melodic and anthemic, and Smolski’s guitar work is extraordinary.
Rage has always pumped out
solid, quality power metal. They are consistent in their music, yet they
lag just slightly behind their German metal band peers. But this may
change with 21, and since 2010’s Strings To A Web, Rage
has been on an upward swing in momentum in the scene.
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