American progressive metal super-project of PYRAMID will release their new opus “Rage” tomorrow, including a Limited Editon version into a 2-CD set. Next to Lance Sawyer, the mainman of this band, participate some of the best musicians from the current scene: Tim “Ripper” Owens (ex- Judas Priest, ex- Iced Earth, among others), Andry Lagiou (The Harps), Harry “The Tyrant Konklin (Jag Panzer) on vocals,
Mike Abdow (Fates Warning) on guitars, Chris Quirarte (Redemption) on drums, just to name some of them.
Once again, Pyramid choosed the best for the mastering of “Rage”, and Maor Appelbaum did amazing job at Appelbaum Studios (Armored Saint, Dokken, Queensryche, etc) .
Musically, “Rage” is all you would expect from a Prog Metal outing and probably a bit more. Arguably the biggest name on the album, Tim “Ripper” Owens is nothing short of astounding. Now into his 50s, he is supposed to be formularized, dependable, or (gasp) on the downslope. Nope. With each endeavor, he has continually exploded in every direction, each with brilliant intensity. “Rage” just may be the album he was born to record. Even if his vocal style(s) isn’t quite your cup of tea, his power is undeniable.
The inclusion of Andry Lagiou is a special treat. Although she appears only sparingly with Owens, their chemistry is extraordinary (even if they were in different studios, different time zones, etc.) Personally, I would like to see more time dedicated to the other world-class talent here.
The instrumentals that bookend “Rage” showcase the band quite nicely, yet I feel each artist deserves a bit more time in the spotlight. This album is far more than Tim Owens, et al.
As such, I am listing all the players’ names below. Each is an amazing artist, worthy of a deep dive.
As you see, “Rage” is subdued ‘Revisited’, as most of these songs were part of PYRAMID first album but here are completely re-worked, augmented, with these superb musicians playing, and a biggest production.
At almost an hour an a half in length, this album can be challenging at times. Many layers, colors, and shapes. While this is decidedly not a casual listen, it is well worth the time to discern and dissect and enjoy.
Tracklist:
CD1
01. Greed (08:18)
02. Empty Roads (08:43)
03. Rage (05:40)
04. Beast (11:18)
05. Control (07:45)
06. Magic (05:20)
07. Tyranny (06:42)
08. Slayer (10:16)
CD2
01. Dungeons And Dragons (20:25)
Line Up:
Tim Ripper Owens (KK Priest, ex-Judas Priest, ex-Iced Earth)
Harry Conklin (Jag Panzer)
Mike Abdow (Fates Warning), etc
PYRAMID (ex Judas Priest & Fates Warning members) – Rage [Ltd Ed 2-CD set] (2022)
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