Chemistry class for Avenger started back in 1983 when the band first started and released two demos, a full-length release called “Prayers of Steel” and then a follow-up EP in 1985. Lead vocalist and bassist Peter Wagner had a vision in 1986 and changed the name of the band to Rage - in the future, the band would evolve into one of the best musical institutions. After a huge catalog of music history, Rage has entered the 20th century.

So what have Rage learned in chemistry class? If you take classical, hard rock, speed metal and aggression, you get a masterpiece called “Speak of the Dead”. Their heavy-duty, symphonic, aggressive power metal CD opens with two instrumentals, and with three more to come on this Nuclear Blast release, this is a highly unusual track lineup: yet somehow, Rage pulls off a killer CD that will have you kicking yourself in the ass for not knowing about them in the past. This CD will tweak your spinal cord with some fantastic guitar licks by Victor Smoiski, who is reminiscent of Zakk Wylde as those decibels wreak havoc on your brain.

It’s amazing to me that some people bypass the uniqueness of metal when they hear the word, but they should pay special attention to Rage, as these guys are an eclectic trio. “Innocent” has the marked sounds of a James Bond film-as suspense fills your surround sound in the form of rippling riffs, the chase is on-great tune! “No Regrets” is an outstanding tune that should go down in history as a classic anthem in the same way “Wind of Change” is to the Scorpions. Fucking killer tune!!!

Yet one of my favorite tunes, “Beauty,” brought tears to my eyes as I thought of moments in my life that can never be replaced and things that could never be brought back. “Full Moon” kicks into high gear with shredding guitar and power chords that are mind boggling. Don’t think for one minute that Rage has gone soft: “Kill Your Gods” is thrashing, yet it keeps the melodic style vocals but adds burnt offerings in disguise. Smoiski is on fire. Inspector Symphonic Orchestra does some great classical masterpieces as they mesh with Rage, making this a platinum seller.