Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Rage
Title
Seasons of the Black
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2017
Style
Power
7/17/2017 - Review by: Eric Compton
A fluid reminder that Rage is recreating the same magic of old
Record number 23 for these German power-thrash masters. If you enjoyed the band's comeback effort, 'The Devil Strikes Again' (2016), then you will certainly love this. It's nearly cookie-cutter in terms of personnel, production, and artwork. Guitarist Marcos Rodriguez produces with the band and Karim Konig created the artwork once again. The group gets an assist with mixing and mastering from the esteemed Dan Swano (Katatonia, Opeth).

If 'The Devil Strikes Again' was Rage's rebirth, think of 'Seasons of the Black' as the band walking instead of crawling. This post-Smolski era of Rage has rejuvenated Peavy and I like that he's surrounded himself with young musicians that were fans of the band prior to the collaboration. The last album possessed the mid-90s tendencies, crossing paths with 'Black in Mind' (1995). Here, I can't help but think of 'Trapped' (1991) and 'The Missing Link' (1993) as fluid reminders that this new Rage trio are recreating the same magic of old.

The title track is the perfect opener, a fast-paced chainsaw riff with Peavy's mid-register bellow. It's addictive, erupting in a crescendo of fast fret at the 3:00 mark (highlighted by cymbals and timing changes). "Serpents in Disguise" is an 80s vibe, a driving rhythm with an elementary approach that is right out of the 'Trapped' catalog. The chorus is harmonized and reminiscent of German power metal's need for "unity through sing-along". "Walk Among the Dead" is one of the most abrasive cuts, a jagged host of down-tuned riffs and quick pace that has hints of thrash before hitting a gang chorus that is fairly accessible. But it works well contrasting with the faster, brutal style. In fact, the only soft spot on the record is a short instrumental called "Gaia". Everything else is power chords played on 11.
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    4 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: RAGE
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
21
2012
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton5/3/2012
3.5
From The Cradle To The Stage
2004
SPV/Steamhammer
Eric Compton12/14/2004
-
Seasons of the Black
2017
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton7/17/2017
4
Soundchaser
2003
SPV/Steamhammer
Eric Compton11/6/2003
-
Speak Of The Dead
2006
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton5/4/2006
-
The Devil Strikes Again
2016
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton7/22/2016
4.5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: RAGE
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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