The super-group known as PLACE CALLED RAGE was formed way back in 1995 to record an album representing the Long Island (NY) sound.
From California to the Jersey shore, even Seattle had their own sound, but no one band ever represented one of the greatest musical hot spots of the world; Long Island has always been the go to place for great musicians.
Along came 4 top guys; the great six-tring scorcher Al Pitrelli, (Alice Cooper, Asia, Savatage, Megadeth), vocalist Tommy Farese (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Rondinelli), bass player Danny Miranda (Blue Oyster Cult, Queen) and Chuck Bonfante on drums from great melodic rockers Saraya.
They got as well a little help from some friends such as refined keyboard player Mark Mangold of Touch / Drive She Said.
There was virtually no budget for this album, and somehow they managed to record it in one week at Millbrook Studio NY, engineered by Paul Orafino (Tyketto).
It might be best to describe the 'Long Island' sound of Place Called Rage as classic hard rock with melody and a bluesy approach. Most of the songs - provided by Pitrelli & Farese - were recorded in one take with no overdubs, and the adrelaline put on these tunes can be heard with pleasure.
As usual, Al Pitrelli rocks with his trademark thick sound playing interesting riffs & solos, Tommy Farese's vocals are earthy and the rhythm section is solid and deep, while Mark Mangold's fills provides melody to the music.
Overall, this is a classy album of authentic American Hard Rock that transcends any particular sound from any specific region.
"Place Called Rage" was released privately only In Japan, in limitited quatities.
These songs have never been performed live anywhere as well, as was a one time colabaration on a project that was never meant to be.
Luckily, after all these years of cult status, "Place Called Rage" it's being officially released for the first time, remastered with a 24-bit processing.
Despite the argued low budget this recording sounds fantastic, vital and with a sweaty vibe. It's a credit to these skilled musicians that this album sounds this good.
"Place Called Rage" is pure bluesy Hard Rock with the groove of Badlands and the melody of Tyketto, played and recorded with class.
Strongly Recommended
01 - I Know Where You Been
02 - Place Called Rage
03 - Trapped
04 - Take It Lying Down
05 - Someday
06 - One Child
07 - What These Eyes Have Seen
08 - Can't Find My Way Home
09 - Jenny Doesn't Live Here Anymore
10 - Thunderbox
11 - Where Not Coming Home
12 - Chained To A Maniac
Al Pitrelli - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Tommy Farese - Lead Vocals
Danny Miranda - Bass
Chuck Bonfante - Drums & Percussion
Mark Mangold - Keyboards
PLACE CALLED RAGE – PLACE CALLED RAGE (2012)
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