RAGE FOR ORDER

Hailed as the "thinking man's metal band"'s transition from guitars-only to synth-integrated, the band's sophomore effort is no drop off or disappointment; it is in fact an improvement and a step into their future mantle as leaders of the Prog Metal sub-genre.

1. "Walk In The Shadows" (3:37) clearly a big arena favorite. Sounds like ever other hairband anthem from the 1980s. (8.5/10)

2. "I Dream In Infra Red" (4:17) a lot in common with DEF LEPPARD. (8.667/10)

3. "The Whisper (3:37) sounds like OZZIE. Though on the polished, higher-skilled level of the pile, this is still pretty straightforward hairband music to my ears. (8.667/10)

4. "Gonna Get Close To You" (4:37) the first fairly interesting song I've heard. (8.75/10)

5. "The Killing Words" (3:56) another unusual and unique soundscape over which singer Geoff Tate delivers a commanding stage-centric performance. Unfortunately, the chorus brings us back into stereotypic hairband territory. Very cool instrumental passage in the third minute. (9/10)

6. "Surgical Strike" (3:19) an anti-war song that predates the high tech battle tactics of our modern "remote control" military. This is another mostly-pure metal song in the same world as Ozzy and Iron Maiden. (8.5/10)

7. "Neue Regel" (4:54) another unique (for its time) and unusual song construct (with lots of cowbell) and another masterful OZZY-like performance from frontman Geoff Tate. The chorus is, unfortunately, a bit of a step down from the verses and instrumental passages. (8.75/10)

8. "Chemical Youth (We Are Rebellion)" (4:14) another more circumspective social commentary rendered in a different, even clever way. (8.667/10)

9. "London" (5:07) nice DEF LEPPARD-like soundscape over which to deliver a eulogy of London town. The best chorus on the album. (8.875/10)

10. "Screaming In Digital" (3:36) another more creative song construct--using more effects and odd techniques than most metal bands ever use--but then the choruses are straight metal. I like the melodies here (but not the sound of the drum's snare). (8.875/10)

11. "I Will Remember" (4:27) acoustic guitar delicately picked over low basso profundo drone. Speaks a little of the future hit, "Silent Lucidity." Quite an unusual vocal style and range on this one. Is it still Geoff Tate? Great use of the acoustic guitar--especially the Spanish guitar as the solo instrument in the third minute's instrumental passage. Geoff's voice is almost choir-boy angelic. Nice! (9.25/10)

Total Time: 45:41

A 1980s hairband with a conscience. To me it's still bombastic 80s hairband metal.

B/four stars; an excellent addition to any prog lover's music collection--especially if you have leanings or loyalties toward the 80s metal scene.