It damn well broke my heart to see Mr. Popoff's Brave Embarrassment last issue that pretty much crucified the well being of longtime underrated power metallers Meliah Rage. Then looking at this month's Brave Picks placement, the Bostonites have lost a few friends over time. To each his own, certain scribes not keen on addictive power chords, molten melody lines and a bombastic, seasoned approach. This record was signed, sealed and delivered for over a year now to Screaming Ferret Records, who in turn inked a distro deal in Europe with Escapi. Seemingly back on their feet again, Meliah Rage are used to industry-caused delays and political meandering, but they've weathered the storm since their Epic deal went sour in the '80s. The 2004 version of the five-piece is topped off with new screamer Paul Souza, who easily fits the mold as replacement to the departed powerhouse Mike Munro. Meliah Rage's fourth proper studio album (not counting last year's Unfinished Business) is '80s vigour and pomp from the get-go, yet lacks most of the stale cliches that some ignorant acts still rest on. Barely Human is far from an identity crisis - fans know what to expect and the band delivers. Simple. And obviously this formula is above the heads of some, right between the eyes for others. 'Hate Machine', 'Wrong Place, Right Time', the breathless closer 'Motor Psycho' and the speed-friendly 'Invincible' are top notch bulldozers that will have you sweatin' bullets. The title track and first video is a droning sludgefest on which Souza absolutely. The slowest track on the record, 'Ungodly' is a deep psychoanalysis; Souza's poignant vocal presence touches upon every nerve ending as the track builds to an unforgettable chorus. Main writer/guitarist Anthony Nichols has a propensity for ingrained emotional swings, overlapping depressing riffs upon riffs of immense variety. While instrumental cut 'Rigid' may be a little long-winded, it barely takes the steam out of this piston-pumping, fist-waving road test. Love 'em or hate 'em, Meliah Rage have a tight grasp on the concept and commitments of metal.