Rage
The Devil Strikes Again

For a music listener, whatever the genre, there comes a time when one needs to move away from so-called "mainstream" bands and start exploring others, perhaps those only heard of by name. In the field of heavy metal, this comparison can be made with any 16-year-old discovering the world of Heavy Metal and naturally draws closer to Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Metallica... But then? There are two choices: Either you cling onto these bands, learning every note and word to the point of boredom, or you try to expand your musical repertoire by seeking out other bands, which often didn’t have luck on their side, thus denying them the fame they deserved and keeping them from being "popular" like the aforementioned bands.

The Rage fits perfectly into this concept. Founded in 1983 by the indomitable Peter "Peavy" Wagner, this German trio brings forward a raw and direct Heavy Metal, with influences from Speed and bordering on Thrash. A band that has never taken breaks, periods of reflection, or anything else, consider that in almost 33 years of activity, Rage has produced an impressive 22 albums, 10 EPs, and various collaborations with bands like Gamma Ray, and a long association with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, inaugurated in 1996 with the release of "Lingua Mortis." Arriving in 2016, what more could one ask of such a band? Furthermore, Rage is a group to be respected for upholding the concept of "consistency," so unknown to some bands that refuse it too often just to stay on the crest of a wave and not sink. "The Devil Strikes Again" is no more than the confirmation of what has been said, an album that does not experiment, does not change sounds, but is simply a punch in the teeth, and for every Heavy Metal fan, especially Germanic ones, it is nothing more than daily bread.

It begins with a bang with the title track, a menacing and unstoppable riff, an engaging drum that will make you tap your foot to the rhythm, and a Peavy who, with his raw, rough voice, accompanies us on this journey. Certainly a well-achieved piece. "My Way" was already released as a single, and it definitely makes its mark, with a bass that seems unstoppable and an excellent solo. The new lineup does not seem to have caused any weakening in the Rage camp, as some thought. "Back On Track" is another perfectly crafted song, with the usual menacing and granite riffs that give you goosebumps. Excellent chorus, where Peavy's rough voice proves to be truly captivating. "The Final Curtain" moves on a well-executed mid-tempo, with some slowdowns perfectly embedded in the track, which comes out absolutely approved. "War" is undoubtedly one of the best tracks on the album, with a truly excellent bass, taking us back to the glories of "Soundchaser," released back in 2003, to which Peavy had indeed promised that the new album would recall its sounds. For once, statements like these have proven to be true. With "Ocean Full Of Tears," we return to the speed so familiar to Rage, with a drum performance worthy of a 10 out of 10, and a spot-on chorus, one of my favorite tracks. To think that the title made me think of a ballad... "Deaf, Dumb, And Blind" stands on an absurd riff, so compelling that it's one of the most successful songs, even if I expected more from the chorus, but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. "Spirits Of The Night," also anticipated by an excellent video, boasts one of the best riffs of the album, and here Peavy gives his best, almost echoing a certain Boltendahl (Grave Digger... anyone?), whose voice inspired many. "Times Of Darkness" progresses slowly, then explodes with an excellent pre-chorus and a slow but functioning chorus. The album closes with "The Dark Of The Sun," whose beginning is ear-splitting and powerful as only the Germans can do, proceeding with a track that goes well beyond compelling.

What to say about albums like these? This "The Devil Strikes Again" demonstrates that Heavy Metal is not solely supported by Iron Maiden and company but that even "secondary" bands can churn out albums that can even be superior to those released by more renowned bands. I repeat, consistency is a value known to very few bands, and Rage is one of the few among these. If you have never heard them, I recommend giving them a chance. I hope they leave you speechless, as they left me speechless a few years ago.

"Rage is like ham and mushroom pizza at a pizzeria, in moments of indecision, you can never go wrong."