Rage of Angels

Item: Rage of Angels
Author: Doug Van Pelt

(1989)

Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

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Label Regency RecordingsHeaven's Metal #19March 1989

glam metal heavy metal melodic metal

It's here and it smokes. This Connecticut quartet is too hot to handle. Buy this album as soon as you get a chance. It's melodic, biting metal at full tilt. "Leave You Nor Forsake You", a great message in song, starts the album with a headbang. "Reason to Rock", which previewed on the "East Coast Metal" album, keeps the pace movin' with a fast number that has singer Dan Mariano screaming his lungs out. The double guitar assault of Frank DiCostanzo and Greg Kurtzman chop and wail with reckless abandon without sounding loose. The rhythm section of drummer John Fowler (We're talking HOT drummer) and bassist Dale Glifort lay down a solid foundation that's relentless. I was somewhat disappointed in the fact that the production smoothed out some of the raw energy that I heard on some of ROA's demo tapes two years ago. The production is good, but could use some mega-buck beefing up. On its own merits though, this album stands tall as a very professional metal album that's capable of mass popularity. They fit right in with the aggressive sound of Motley Crue. "Somebody's Watching You" is a fun rocker that slows down for a bridge, where Dan says, "Ya know, everyday we take for granted/ That if we would die/ That we would go to heaven/ But what we don't realize is that one day/ We're gonna have to account for all our doin's/ So, while you're out partying and living it up/ Just remember that no matter where you go/ What you say or what you do/ Somebody's watching you!" It's the kind of thing that sobers up partyers, ya know? "Do You Still Believe in Love" is the first single from the album, which was a good choice. It starts off with what sounds like a nice double lead guitar intro. It showcases ROA's melodic songwriting and playing, plus Dan Mariano's quality voice. "Are You Ready for Thunder" is a power rocker with a Northeastern accent. Dan's voice has a tough edge to it here that adds a sense of conviction to the words. John's double bass drums are quaking throughout this song. Crank it up! This album is one of the hottest Christian metal albums released, joining the growing ranks of professionally produced music for God.