VÄNLADE - Rage Of The Gods

October 20, 2015, 8 years ago

(Metalizer)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.5

review heavy metal vanlade

VÄNLADE - Rage Of The Gods

Kansas metal merchants, Vänlade, has old-school metal roots running through its veins. It’s obvious these gents grew up jamming to Maiden, Priest, Helloween and Metallica, among others. On its sophomore release, Rage Of The Gods, the band blazes through ten scorching tracks. The instrumental title track kicks things off with Maiden-like dual guitar melodies and fierce Euro-influenced riffing, setting the bar high right off the bat. 

First song proper, “Frozen For All Time”, is decorated with galloping rhythms, harmonized guitar leads and the excellent high-pitched ’80s metal styled wails of Brett Blackout Scott. The battering ram riffing of “Jaws Of Life” ups the ante with some thrashy speed metal, while “Hail The Protector” is decorated with pulsating basslines, gang chanted vocal harmonies and down-stroked riffing, á la Iced Earth and Metallica, invoking an ’80s Euro power metal presence. The 8-plus minute “Æons Of Madness” lacks a bit of ferocity, but it contains many layers of depth and variation with an emphasis on dynamics. Carnicidal” is a thrashy speed metal delight, complete with Metallica-esque riffing. Closer “As Above, So Below” contains a Euro power metal vibe and probably the album’s catchiest chorus. Rage Of The Gods is one tasty slab of old school heavy metal with a fresh approach. Well done fellas!



Featured Video

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

Latest Reviews