New World Rising (Gate)

FOR FANS OF: Helloween, Gamma Ray, Primal Fear, Grave Digger, Running Wild, Iced EarthLet's begin this little treatise with a self-confident thesis: The long and successful career of German band Rage probably hasn't seen an album yet that reflects the positive spirit of the musicians involved, their enthusiasm, creativity and optimism as much as 'A New World Rising'. Almost two years after it's pretty dystopian predecessor 'Afterlifelines' Peavy Wagner (vocals, bass), Jean Bormann (guitar) and Vassilios "Lucky" Maniatopoulos (drums) unleash a positive, ultra-heavy thrash metal firework which blends that typical Rage sound with contemporary elements and in it's entirety represents probably the band's most diverse work to date. "This applies not only to us, but to everyone: We need to get out of the destructive mindset that iscurrently omnipresent. A lot of people think the world is about to come to an end, everything is interpreted in a negative way, and some of it is evendeliberately controlled because it's easier to manipulate people with fear. That's why our message is: Think independently! And don't believe everything you're told!" says band founder Peavy Wagner, explaining the basic tenor of 'A New World Rising'. The band has recorded thirteen new songs at their own Lucky Bob Studios in Leverkusen. Peavy: "The tracks on 'A New World Rising' are direct and catchy but at the same time playfuland multi-faceted without losing themselves."