The Rage story began in 1983, when Peter 'Peavy' Wagner formed the band's predecessor, Avenger. Roughly one year later, the debut album 'Prayers of Steel' arrived at the stores. In summer 1986, Peavy released 'Reign of Fear', recorded by a new line-up and featuring the new band name, Rage. Since then they've changed line-ups almost as often as they've released albums. Rage ranks along other German metalers such as Running Wild and Grave Digger.

EXECUTION GUARANTEED (1987, 2002) SANCTUARY/NOISE

When I finally got this band a little under my skin, with the fabulous 'Unity' album, I wanted to hear some of the earlier albums. One of my friends in the US got me this one, the bands second release. It's almost a mystery to me now why I never got into this band before. 'Execution Guaranteed' brings me some decent German metal anno 1987. It's a speed metal assault, a music form that really doesn't exist anymore, in it's original form. But already on the second track we get a more power metal (ala early Metal Church) sound. Peavy and co. delivers with a little more melody in their music, without compromising the power of the songs. The production is very typical 80's sound. It's very reminiscent of what the other galloping German bands as Running Wild and Grave Digger were doing' at the time. And Rage was just as good, if not better than those bands, back in 1987. The lyrics are what brings this album down though. I haven't heard this much crap since the early days of Running Wild, but then again, this was how these bands were back then. Everyone's favorite German drummer is also present. I've since acquired the remastered re-issue of this classic, featuring 6 bonus track. 3 of them are live recordings, originally released on the 'Power Of Metal' split album, 2 of them can be found on the 'Beyond The Wall' EP (the acoustic live version of "Dust" is only on the Japanese version of the EP tough), and the last bonus track is a previously unreleased acoustic live version of "The Body Talks", recorded in Tokyo in 1992. Thus the bonus material have nothing in common with the actual 'Execution Guaranteed' album (if we look past the live version of "Down By Law"). The artwork has also been altered, replacing the original Rage logo with an updated version. I've put up both covers.

Killer tracks: Down By Law, Deadly Error, Mental Decay

SECRETS IN A WEIRD WORLD (1989) NOISE

I don't know if there is something wrong with me. Rage just never seems to tickle my fancy as much as they do other metal fans. This album is supposedly the die-hards favorite album. But I just can't get into it. Sure, I can recognize the excellent guitar-work presented. But the almost total lack of catchy tunes, and the less then good production isn't what I expected. Then add to that Peavy's near horrible voice, and it's pretty much ruined for me. Oh well, I'll always have 'Unity'!

Killer tracks: Time Waits For Noone, Distant Voice

EXTENDED POWER (1991) NOISE (EP)

A nice little odds and sods EP. Some songs are previously unreleased, and one is from the latest album ('Reflections Of A Shadow'). It's VERY cool to have the track "Bottlefield" though. This was originally a track recorded by Avenger, the band that later became Rage. Here it's rerecorded and renamed, but still a cool gem. The new track "Woman" sucks, but the song "Ashes" is a killer power-metal song, with a haunting riff. I don't know why they included a blank track as nr. 6 though.

TRAPPED! (1992) NOISE

Shame On You Solitary Man Enough Is Enough Medicine Questions Take Me To The Water Power And Greed The Body Talks Not Forever Beyond The Wall Of Sleep Baby, I'm Your Nightmare Fast As A Shark Difference

Line-up: Peavy Wagner - Bass, Vocals Manni Schmidt - Guitars Chris Efthimiadis - Drums No Keyboards!

Rage used to be an acquired taste for me. And especially Peavy's voice was a tough nut to crack, so to speak. But I've really grown to like this band more and more, and especially their latter albums I find to be really great. Still, listening to the older albums can be quite an ordeal. 'Trapped!' is one of the albums I've listened to a tenfold of times, but never really gotten into it. Then a strange thing happens, as it has some times before. I sit down to write this little "review", and the albums sort of opens up to me. I suddenly really like what I hear! First of all, there is no denying Rage's impact on the German power metal scene. Alongside Running Wild and Grave Digger they are the 3 most important bands in the German straight heavy metal scene. There are no fluffy keyboards here, only a massive wall of guitar, bass and drums. There are no epic songs about dungeons and dragons, and there are certainly no flirtations with any radio friendly elements what so ever. This is just pure heavy metal, written and played by some of the most competent musicians in the genre. I know Viktor Smolski is getting all the rage, pun intended, these days. But Manni Schmidt weren't exactly a slacker either. His playing is really what makes this album worth while, delivering everything from smattering thrash metal riffs, to tasty solos. Another strength this bands possesses is that they really try and make something new every time they release an album. And not only that, each song represents a different side of the band. That is certainly the case on 'Trapped!'. Sure, you can always tell what band you are listening to, but a song like "Baby, I'm Your Nightmare" is quite different from "Shame On You". And everything is done justice with a terrific production. Therefore you always discover new things every time you listen to this CD. One also have to take into consideration that 'Trapped!' was released in 1992. What other bands were creating music like this back then? Rage never followed trends! Also be sure to notice the cover of Accept's "Fast As A Shark".

Killer tracks: Enough Is Enough, Take Me To The Water, The Body Talks, Baby, I'm Your Nightmare

10 YEARS IN RAGE (1994) NOISE

Rage celebrates their 10th anniversary like many others do, by releasing a compilation album. But unlike most others, they are not trying to cash in on a best-of CD. Rather this is a compilation of old demos and song ideas that were never before used. Now Peavey and the boys have finished them, and in some instances redone them altogether. The result is actually very good, and I prefer this album to most of the bands back-catalogue up 'til this release! It showcases the band from it's early days as a speed metal band, and their transition into a more classic power metal act. The songs are bits and pieces of stuff that dates as far back as to the Avenger days. "Prayers Of Steel 94" f.ex, is a rerecorded version of the title track of the first Avenger album, now with slightly different lyrics. "Destination Day" is another choice cut where the band could just as easily have been labeled a thrash band! And the last track is a medley put together by parts from "Suicide", "Down By Law", "Don't Fear the Winter", "Invisible Horizons", "Waiting For the Moon", "Enough is Enough", "Solitary Man" and "Nevermore". What a splendid way to celebrate this bands 10th anniversary!

LINGUA MORTIS (1996) BMG/GUN/DRAKKAR

This was kind of like a surprise. After almost having given up on this band, this metal meets orchestra platter actually hit me in the right place. The reasons for that might be many, but I find 2 factors to be the most important ones, 1. The orchestra and band are mixed very well together, making it sound like a natural symbiosis. Kiss, Metallica and Scorpions never quite did this as good as these guys. And be sure to remember, Rage did it before those well known acts. 2. Rage delivers some really good songs here. Especially the epic-length opening track is awesome! In fact, all of the songs works very well, and Peavy even sounds decent! Heck, now I really have to invest further in the bands back catalogue ones more, and find the albums where these songs originally appear.

Killer tracks: All of them, but especially "In A Nameless Time".

UNITY (2002) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

A friend of mine is an absolute Rage freak, and has always been telling me that they are the best band in the world. But somehow I never really got into them, despite all my efforts, and the fact that their musical style is right up my alley. But for my bachelor party he and another friend of mine brought me to Sweden Rock Festival 2002. And one of the bands playing there were Rage, touring for this album. And as I stood there listening to one killer song after another blasting through the PA system I realized I was missing out on something. So on the first opportunity I had, I got me a copy of this CD. I've never regretted it since! 'Unity' is one of the best melodic power metal albums ever, with virtually no fillers, and plenty of killer songs. It incorporates everything I love about this genre; speed, riffs, hooks, melody and some neck-breaking guitar-leads (Victor Smolski is the best guitarist I've heard since Criss Oliva (Savatage, R.I.P.) went away). They even add a little of the orchestration they've toyed with on a couple of albums on the track called "Dies Irae". I just can't get enough of this album. It's definitely on my top 5 list of 2002 releases! GET IT!

Killer tracks: All of them, but check out "Insanity" for merely a clue of how good this is!

SOUNDCHASER (2003) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

'Soundchaser' is the perfect follow-up to the amazing 'Unity'. Rage have once again created a metal monster. It is impossible to get bored with albums like this! Victor's guitar-work alone is worth the admission, just listen to that man play! The guy's a friggin' genius if, you ask me. And Peavey continues to deliver a more acceptable vocal performance. But first and foremost this is a collection of killer metal songs! This is yet another album that has no fillers. Just check out "War Of Worlds", "Secrets In A Weird World", "Flesh And Blood" and "Human Metal" for a heavy metal blast! Definitely one for the top 20 of 2003 releases.

Killer tracks: They are all great.

Peavy Wagner guest appearances:

Axel Rudi Pell - 'Black Moon Pyramid'

Related artists:

Metalium, Running Wild, Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen, Grave Digger, Axel Rudi Pell, Warlock, Unleashed Power/U.P., Saxon, Masterplan, Zillion, Roland Grapow