Rage needs no introduction as a band that has flown the flag of German heavy metal since 1984. They are described as one of the big four of German power metal. With 30 years of experience and has released an impressive 24 (or 26 if you count the “Avenger” & “LMO” releases) albums, the band’s pedigree speaks for itself.
Their current lineup features Peter “Peavy” Wagner, who is a founding member, on lead vocals and bass with Vassilios “Lucky” Manaitopoulos on drums who joined in 2015, as well as Jean Bormann and Stefan Weber on guitars since 2020.
The album begins with “Memento Vitae (Overture)”, a beautiful, symphonic introduction. It throws you straight into the triumphant beginning riff of the title track “Resurrection Day”. A great track that doesn’t let up from start to finish, and showcases the talent of the guitarists in this line-up.
While listening to the album, I am struck with how the tracks have an insanely heavy driving rhythm, yet the melodic aspect of the songs are not lost within the heaviness of these riffs and both the vocals and guitars are masterfully combined to allow this all to shine together.
“A New Land” is a really catchy one, and I love the nasty vocal right at the very end, which cleverly carries through to the beginning of “Arrogance and Ignorance”.
There are some very cool melodic intros to some of the tracks such as “Man in Chains” and “The Age of Reason” but they soon turn back to the vigorous pace that is prevalent across the album. “The Age of Reason” has some stunning drumming by Manaitopoulos, and is topped off with jaw-dropping solos.
“Travelling through Time” has an almost folk-like feel to it, a bouncy fun riff, and a call of “Rise, Brothers, Rise /Rise, Sisters, Rise” it made me wish I was hearing it at a festival with an ale in my drinking horn. This was one of the standout tracks for me.
“Black Room” was a shift from the frantic pace of the album, it’s full of feeling, from the provoking lyrics, the expressive vocal performance, to the emotive guitar solos, it is soul-stirring.
Rage has proven once again why they are one of the best heavy metal bands in the world.
For fans of heavy and thrash metal, “Resurrection Day” is a must-have for any metal maniac’s collection.
Rage: Facebook
Release Year: 2021
Label: Steamhammer / SPV
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
