You don't change a formula that works. This should have been the motto of "Soundchaser", Rage's 17th album, which was released just over a year after its twin brother "Unity" in autumn 2003. It's a twin because the cover is almost identical, with the mascot as the headliner, and because Rage remains on this melodic power Metal path that suits them so well.
After a pleasant introduction, 'Soundchaser' immediately gets the ball rolling. 'War Of Worlds' and 'Great Old Ones' are two excellent tracks, both very Heavy and direct, as is 'Soundchaser', a unifying hit for concerts with its unstoppable chorus, or 'Flesh And Blood', which is Heavy, technical and melodic, and 'Defenders Of The Ancient Life', which is short, nervous and very powerful.
With 'Falling From Grace', Rage offers us an epic and technical power ballad with the delicate vocals of Helloween's Andi Deris, and with 'French Bourrée', a composition inspired by Bach that allows the musicians to show their dexterity, notably Smolski who is very comfortable in this classical register at the doorstep of progressive music.
But Rage also knows how to offer tracks that recall a more symphonic past. 'Secrets In A Weird World' is more laid-back and orchestral, with sumptuous piano parts set against a more melodic passage in which Smolski plays a memorable solo. As a real guitar hero, he has the intelligence to put himself at the service of the songs to stand out from the simple German power Metal. His melodic, technical and fluid playing, which marries marvellously with Mike Terrana's powerful hitting, is combined with Peavy's captivating voice and confirms the excellent unity of the band already present on "Unity".
Rage probably signs its heaviest record but conforms to its guiding idea of never neglecting the melodies. "Soundchaser" is thus a record just as indispensable as "Unity" was. In two albums, the German band has managed to relaunch its career with brio and presents itself as a reference in terms of melodic heavy Metal music.