The Bottom Line
The long-running German power metal band delivers an album of symphonic metal.
Pros
- Epic songs recorded with an orchestra.
Cons
- The two halves of the album don't blend together very well.
Description
- Released in North America May 16, 2006 on Nuclear Blast.
- Album produced by Charlie Bauerfield (Helloween, Blind Guardian).
- This is Rage's 17th album.
Guide Review - Rage - Speak Of The Dead
The German band Rage has been around for over 20 years now, and they're still not running out of ideas. The first 8 songs of Rage's latest opus are part of "Suite Lingua Mortis," recorded with the Minsk Symphonic Orchestra. The remaining half of the album is more straightforward songs.
I like the fact that the orchestra is an integral part of the songs, not just background. The dynamics and musical complexity of the first half of the album are outstanding. It's very theatrical, but sometimes goes a little over the top.
The intensity ratchets up a bit on the second half of the album. The riffs are grittier the vocals a little more aggressive, although there is still plenty of melody. They may have been better served releasing these as two separate albums, or even reversing things so the suite is the second half of the CD, but it's still a solid and enjoyable effort.
