Rage - Afterlifelines Review

Of course it’s about the talent. I have no doubt success around Metal music is about the talent. Talent is what makes this machine goes on and on, but talent alone is not enough. Never enough. There has to be some level of persistency. My guess it must border the level of stubbornness. Very near the border. There has to be some level of resilience. A band must endure many things to reach the top, or, at least, to establish itself. It’s the nonstop trying, but trying even harder and harder. Harder enough to be doing for many years as Rage have been. When I think of a band that has persisted a lot Rage come immeadiately to my mind. With Peter “Peavy” Wagner as the only founding member, actually the founding member, Rage have been around since 1984 as Avenger. However, the band had to change names because there was another band with the same moniker. As Rage the band got a record deal at Noise, releasing their first official LP, “Reign of Fear,” on May 12th, 1986. So, this album “Afterlifelines” is a celebration of their 40th anniversary. Isn’t there a more proper way of celebration than releasing a double album? I guess there isn’t.

Regarding to “Afterlifelines” this recording definitely has what it takes, presenting Rage’s broad artistic range, from hard, fast and thrashy to anthemnic, symphonic and lavish. “The first CD is entitled ‘Afterlife’ and comprises songs that we recorded as a trio, while the material on the second CD ‘Lifelines’ also includes
classical orchestral arrangements,” explains singer and bassist Peavy, describing the 21 songs, including intro, interlude and outro. There is no other way to explain this album: a hodgepodge of everything the band has done around the years. Throughout the songs my dear child of the night will find everything written above, and more, the spirit of a band that never gives up because this is what Rage are made of. It’s so cool to realize the band came with some unusual themes as devastating amount of plastic drifting in our oceans in “Toxic Waves,” while “Dead Man’s Eyes” is about the extinction of orangutans. Metal bands must have an agenda I always say.

Musicwise, “Afterlifelines” is an album of very few surprises. “Cold Desire,” for instance adds a coat of symphonic music contrasting to the avalanche of guitars and Peavy’s vocals while “Life Among the Ruins” was a little more anthemic with those vocals that we singalong without even noticing. The initial twin guitars of “Root of Our Evil” gets the fans by the guts with an exciting tune that gets a little symphonic and a little cadenced. The guitars do the magin in the song, if you know what I mean. So, this is the album in short. A reunion of Rage’s best moments in these 40 years. A celebration of a very brave career.

Rage “Afterlifelines” will be released on March 29th via Steamhammer / SPV Records.

Track Listing

CD1