Ragenheart - Ragenheart

July 28, 2010

Reviewer: M.J.

Release Date: April 23rd, 2010
Label: Metal On Metal Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Illusion Of Life
2.  Child Of Rage
3.  Winds From The East
4.  Black Gold
5.  The Spartan
6.  Here I Am
7.  In The Name Of God
8.  Talos
9.  The Amulet

Total playing time:  48:50

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*Comments:

Ragenheart’s eponymous debut album comes four years after the release of their well received five track In the Name of God demo. For fans, it’s been a long time coming and while they may rejoice at its arrival they may also be slightly disappointed since the five demo tracks have found their way on Ragenheart; disappointment, only for those looking for all new songs. I am actually quite pleased to say those five songs have been reworked/re-recorded and are joined by four new songs which show the band’s growth and are some of the best tracks on Ragenheart.

For prospective new fans, Greece’s Ragenheart create a mix of progressive and classic heavy metal that could easily be compared to Magnitude 9 and early Queensrÿche.  Even though rooted firmly in 80s metal they have a modern polish to their sound. Their expertise lies in slow building atmospheres and brooding dark melodies that utilize the expressive vocal skills of John Koroneos. Angel’s guitar work is tasteful and soulful while showcasing his considerable talents as a guitar god in the making. The rest of the band is very solid and more than capable at executing this thought provoking material very well.

In analyzing the five older songs, it is clear that they have retained most of what made them special in the first place but now have the proper production behind them. The sprawling epic, “The Spartan” is a tour de force flaunting a strong Iron Maiden influence in its storytelling and song structure. “In the Name of God” and “Child of Rage” still pack a punch but with remarkably more conviction than I felt on the demo. “Here I Am” has been extended but not to much benefit while in contrast “The Amulet” is much better at a shorter length.

As far as the four new songs I have a hard time picking out a favorite in the bunch but tend to lean toward “Black Gold” and “Talos” for their emotional range and musical prowess. They alone make this album a worthy purchase. Maintaining a degree of consistency in sound and quality is not an issue despite the span of time from original conception of some of the songs; they each reveal nuances and careful details the band has worked hard to present. Most importantly for the flow of the album, nothing sounds out of place or comes off as filler.

Besides releasing the normal jewel case version, the band has made a special tin case edition available which includes the booklet, CD and two exclusive photos. Ragenheart’s artwork was created by multitalented guitarist Angel and it’s a fitting visual representation of the band’s name. Ragenheart have a lot to offer and they have the potential to be as popular as a band like Evergrey. This fine debut should open many doors on their way to realizing that prediction.