Released by: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: June 28th, 2017
Genre: Metal
Links: http://www.rage-official.com/
Line Up:
Peter “Peavy” Wagner: Vocals & Bass
Marcos Rodriguez: Guitar & Vocals
Vassilios “Lucky” Maniatopoulos: Drums
Tracklist:
1. Season of the Black
2. Serpents In Disguise
3. Blackened Karma
4. Time Will Tell
5. Septic Bite
6. Walk Among the Dead
7. All We Know Is Not
8. Gaia
9. Justify
10. Bloodshed In Paradise
11. Farewell
Though I have not been a fan as long as I would like to have been (somehow they never got on my radar early on,) but I have been a big Rage fan since the late 90’s. I’ve always enjoyed their high spirited, high energy brand of Power Metal. I was lucky enough to catch Peavy Wagner’s side project Refuge last year at ProgPower, which may likely be my only opportunity to see any incarnation of Rage live. However, I’m pleased as can be to be able to say a few words about their upcoming new album Season of the Black.
Longtime fans have watched as Rage has released numerous albums, some outshining others by great lengths. There was a patch of time that the music just wasn’t up to their usual standard- still good for a spin or two, but not as longlasting as those early records. Since last years The Devil Strikes Again, and a much more solid line-up, Rage returned to form in a huge way. That upward climb continues with Season of the Black. Sounding re-invigorated, Wagner is joined by Marcos Rodriguez and Vassilios “Lucky” Maniatopoulos, the same line-up as the previous album, and have formed such a great, cohesive unit. I’d go as far as to say that the last two releases (more so this one) rival even some of their more classic albums of yesterday. Tracks like “Blackened Karma,” “Walk Among the Dead,” and “Bloodshed In Paradise” would fit perfectly during their heyday…let’s hope there’s another heyday coming their way again.
Rage is one of those bands I just can’t help but love. The bulk of their music was always the perfect way for me to center myself and put me in a good mood. They’ve never been the most flashy band or about strict technique- they just strap on their instruments and bang out some kick ass, catchy as hell, tear your face off metal music that isn’t trying to change the world but simply makes it a better world to be in. If you’ve ever loved this band, show some support and grab Season of the Black. They’ve even gone as far as to add a little extra something for the effort on top of such an excellent album.
Written by: Chris Martin
Rating: 8/10