RAGE: Xiii (HEAVY METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Rage for once took its time before offering its thirteenth studio album, "XIII", which was released in March 1998 in the middle of the melodic heavy metal revival. At this time, the band will realize its dream, namely a complete record made of tracks created with the Lingua Mortis Orchestra.

Under the direction of a Christian Wolf who became a producer, Rage offers us here a huge record, full of emotions, power and grace. At the same time brutal, dark - certainly the darkest of the band's career - melodic and symphonic, "XIII" is a gripping and mysterious work like its superb introduction, 'Overture'. The marriage between the guitars and the classical instruments is perfectly done even if Sven Fischer and Spiros Efthimiadis are less honored.

The quality of composition highlights magnificent titles of a flawless melodiousness, sung by a Peavy Wagner in a state of grace. 'From The Cradle To The Grave', 'Days Of December', 'In Vain', 'Just Alone' and 'Immortal Sin', are all heavy tracks with intense choruses, benefiting from superb orchestral arrangements. With 'Heartblood', Rage shows that it can still be furious but above all he offers us 'Changes' which, in three parts and nearly 15 minutes, gathers all that the band knows how to do better. Symphonic and full of superb melodies, this title presents the perfect marriage between the two genres and justifies the existence of this disc. Finally, by covering the Rolling Stones' 'Paint It, Black', Rage adds to the dark and dramatic dimension of the record by proposing a symphonic version of this hit with a beautiful rise in power.

"XIII" is a superb achievement for Rage and should be listened to by any fan of heavy music with symphonic tendencies. We know that it will be difficult to do better, but the band will take up the challenge with "Ghost" just as catchy. - Official website

RAGE

XIII

GUN RECORDS

HEAVY METAL