On their seventh full-length release, Vengeance, through Niji Entertainment Group (the late Ronnie and Wendy Dio’s label), the band continues their trademark riffs, pounding drums and thunderous bass rhythms in a true hard rock/metal fashion.
Feinstein is a master of the almighty riff — simple-yet-strong, memorable and catchy as hell. His leads are very proficient, too. He can tear it up, but he is still one of the most underrated guitarists in rock and metal today. He also has a distinctive snarl to his vocals that fit perfectly with The Rods’ tone.
Canedy is no slouch himself when it comes to monstrous drum fills and rock-solid beats. On Vengeance, the band creates catchy rock songs that will make you throw the horns in true old school fashion. There's not a clunker amongst the bunch — all 11 tracks are killer, anthemic rock songs.
The production on Vengeance is solid — loud, clear and not too polished. Every instrument is prominent in the mix. The Rods’ sound reminds me of another three piece band that is similar in song structures and musicality — Anvil.
"Raise Some Hell" starts off in classic Rods fashion; crunchy riffs, sneering vocals and catchy anthemic choruses. My favorite song, "I Just Wanna Rock," is so damn catchy and infectious. The first couple of listens, I kept repeating this song and could hardly get through the whole CD in one sitting. It’s a great sing along song that provokes chanting, fist pumping and uncontrollable head banging.
"The Code," featuring Dio, is one of the last two songs he recorded before his death, the other being “Metal Will Never Die” from Feinstein’s solo album Bitten by the Beast. The chugging riff, monstrous drum fills, awesome bass run and vibrant guitar solo goes well with Dio’s wonderful vocals.
This is great hard rock/metal album full of catchy, anthemic songs. I urge you to pick up Vengeance and to also check out the Rods’ back catalog as well. Some releases are a bit hard to find, but they are truly hidden gems.
(Released May 24, 2011 on Niji Entertainment Group)
