Rage are back with a new album, and little lineup change, Mike Terrana left for Masterplan and was replaced with André Hilgers (Axxis, Silent Force). After the somewhat disappointing (I guess that's a matter of taste) Speak Of The Dead, Rage is back with an album that is much more traditional and fans of Soundchaser and Unity will certainly welcome this return in style.

I've been a fan of Rage for many many years and over the years, never did Rage release a "bad" album. And while the previous album didn't really make my clock tick, this new offering is something else altogether. Simply put this album is KILLER ! Its as good as if not better than Unity and not far off Soundchaser. The album is filled with memorable to classic songs one after the other. The formula is simple, square if not cubic riffs for aggressive if not thrashy sometimes verse and incredibly melodic (even majestic) choruses. At first listen the album seems so simplistic but yet so terribly efficient. The songs are flow naturally and there are no boring moments whatsoever. If you like chorus vocal melodies that will stay with you forever after the first two listens, then this new Rage album is for you. There is nothing new per say, no experimentation (I for one I'm grateful about this). Everything is in place, the rhythm section is as is always the case with Rage very tight, the guitars are perfect, both rhythm and melodic riffs are a true testament to Victor's virtuosity. There is almost no progressive moments, and that is not something that I miss, while I loved some of the prog elements Victor brought to the band I find that the more straight-to-face blend of Heavy Metal that Rage plays is now a second skin for this band and that little or no experimentation is required. Every song is killer here but I still have favorites, like Drop Dead, Long Hard Road, Mouth of Greed or the final epic track Lord of the Flies. 10 songs, 10 demonstration of Pure Rage Metal.

If you're a long fan of the band, you can buy this album with your eyes closed. The special edition contains a DVD with the Wacken Open Air 2006 Live show with orchestra. I've heard many times that this show was simply awesome, so I'll definitely pick up this version on my next visit to the CD store, and if you like Lives, then I suggest you do the same. For people who don't know Rage, this is a perfect album to start listening to their unique blend of Heavy / Power Metal. There is no orchestra on this album but believe its not missing ! An incredible album, definitely a worthy contender for Album of the Year. Two thumbs up !