Sunday, February 17, 2019

Wrath - Rage (Combat)



If you are familiar with Wrath's early records, you will be very surprised how mature this album is.  And if you are a new fan because of this album, a trip into the back catalog is more than required.  There is nothing accidental here, at least nothing appears to be at first.  Rage must've been very carefully planned, and even more perfectly executed.  It is also a record which reunites singer Gary Golwitzer with the band.  Golwitzer initially left back in 1988, and later resurfaced with Stygian.  The first two records with Golwitzer on vocals truly define what Wrath was always about.  His vocals always added a certain personality to the band.  Besides the singer, this incarnation of Wrath includes bass player, Gary Modica,  and guitarist Scott Nyquist; both long serving members.  Completing the band are two newer additions, guitarist Rob Noon, and drummer Jake Fromkin.  As a unit, Wrath works perfectly, this record is certainly a proof of that.

Wrath was always a heavy metal band that got progressively heavier with times.  It didn't always serve them well, and now, having gone the full circle, they are back doing what they do best.  The songwriting here shows a lot of experience.  The songs are catchy, heavy, full of twists and turns, and the vocals just soar above it all. 

The band sounds very tight, and the songs are well arranged making the music just flow.  There is an element of class in what Wrath is doing.  All the tracks on Rage give a solid punch, and their cover Motorhead’s Ace of Spades is just the icing on the cake, and a nice tribute to Lemmy.  Rage is just a solid dose of Chicago style metal that will leave you shaking for hours to come!  Welcome back!!!

Mark Kadzielawa

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