"Carved in stone" CD by Rage

by Jürgen Tschamler (30.01.2008) Rage are not lazy. In early 2007, they released "Full moon in St. Petersburg", now the new studio album is due already, too. And with Andre Hilgers as their new drummer, the trio goes back to Rock. "Carved in stone" has little in common with "Speak of the dead" and its very classic and symphonic character causing some hot discussion among Rage fans. On "Carved in stone", they kick down the speed pedal again and got back to heaviness. As little experiments as possible seemed to be the motto of band leader, Peavy, because speed-like smashers, like "Gentle murders", "Drop dead!" and "Lost in the void" shave your skull like in the good old "Back in mind" times. Smolski delivers great riff carpets with no compromises. One of the few songs that are a bit more playful and experimental is called "Lord of the flies" and closes this great, edgy Rage album that will satisfy especially all early fans of the band. After more than 20 years in the Metal business, Mr. Wagner still has enough potential to not be called a deadhead. Respect!