The Missing Link

The fossilized Soundchasers on the cover, and the very familiar Perfect Man vibe given off by the opening riffs to "Firestorm" had me juiced up that The Missing Link was going to be a loving throwback to the 80s Rage sound. It certainly incorporates that to a degree, although it's very firmly rooted in the more direct nature of their output for the following decade, and a pretty natural successor for the previous year's Trapped! There are plenty of new ideas to be found here; clearly Peavy and Manni Schmidt were far from finished exploring their fretboards, and while it doesn't quite rise to the level of catchy ambition that the band had achieved in the past, its a workmanlike, well-written affair which substantiates the Germans' legacy and keeps a promising window open to its own future.

I know more than one Rage fan who was introduced to the band through this very album, and it remains their favorite to this day, and while I can't hang with that, I think it's an understandable perspective as I have very few criticisms of this one. Most of the tunes here have key hooks carried into good choruses, and there's a thundering positive energy here which isn't to be denied. A track like "Refuge" is nearly as good as anything they'd written before, from its sticky chorus in which Wagner lifts his voice, to the driving bridge & lead. They still can rip out some street-level, fist-pumping tunes like "The Pit and the Pendulum", and yet the speed and finesse are writ large over half the bloody album, there's rarely any need to slow down because they can remain pretty damn consistent and memorable with velocity. Peavy's range is intact here, even if he's not using quite as manically as the past, but I particularly like his more painful sub-shrieking tones that give the songs like "Lost on the Ice" a sense of tension and nervousness. As a trio, the proficiency level here is so high that I'm not sure many other bands on Earth could have compared in 1993...

But...there's something about the mix on this album which rubs me the wrong way...it's hard to pinpoint, because when I dissect the individual vocal lines or guitar tones it all sounds right. However, when it's all flying at my face I feel like some of the higher drums, maybe the crash, drag a little much into the speakers and it's off-putting. The guitars are bright and loud, but there's just some kind of air or hiss to the whole thing that has followed me like a black storm-cloud from my original cassette copy, to the CD, to the mp3s I ripped, to streaming versions I've heard on YouTube. I did check out the Dr. Bones Records remaster and I do think that addresses it to an extent, if you were interested in this one the first time I'd advice you to head straight to that version, but ultimately, despite some really good tunes, that has always clung to my impression of The Missing Link and held it back slightly from reaching the heights it would otherwise attain. The depth, richness, and ambition to create power/speed metal with the distinct Rage personality is present just as it was with a Perfect Man or Secrets in a Weird World, but it falls just a little short of even Trapped! in the presentation. Still, if you were to ask 19 year old Autothrall if he thought the trio were even on the precipice of producing a stinker, the response would have been a resounding 'fuck no', and that stands. This is a legacy band with so much great material in its arsenal that a randomized playlist would prove nigh on endless; The Missing Link is no slouch and it would have numerous worthy representatives on that list.

-autothrall
http://www.fromthedustreturned.com

To come straight to the point, Rage´s seventh album convinced up to a certain point with its solid song material that did not lack of highlights. But it also showed significant differences in quality between the single songs. Some really unspectacular tracks appeared, too. Therefore, the tradition-oriented full-length is not able to compete with their best outputs such as the reckless debut. I cannot deny that the mature song structures showed sometimes the band´s compositional competence, but did the majority of the pieces actually have that certain something? I do not think so. It soon became clear that many tunes lacked of spontaneity.

Admittedly, "The Missing Link" had its excellent moments. The minimalist yet catchy chorus of "The Pit and the Pendulum" unfolded its long-time impact, despite - or precisely because of - its repetitiveness. Furthermore, the melancholic "Certain Days" did not lack of power while successfully conveying the feeling of being lost in a credible manner. No doubt, the music matched very good with the lyrical content of this piece. And, also remarkable, this song offered a stirring chorus, too. But in general, exactly the choruses marked the weak spot of the full-length. Some of them did not even achieve a mediocre level. Because of their inconspicuousness, one had to listen very well in order to identify them. This cannot represent the intention of the initiator. For example, the choruses of the first two songs completely failed to hit the nail on the head. They appeared totally unimposing and semi-finished. Aggravating this situation, the band operated like a driver in a low speed zone. The musicians seemed to be afraid to give full speed ahead. Despite some faster parts, mid-tempo was dominating. Due to the fact, that this leisurely rhythmic approach was relatively often combined with harmless riffs, some songs were slightly tedious. The absence of unpredictable breaks and surprising twists was regrettable. Unluckily, the ordinary vocal performance of Peavey did also not remedy the situation. It failed to shine with power or flexibility.

In view of the album´s playtime of almost sixty minutes, the overzealous band seemed to follow the dubious motto "quantity before quality". By omitting two or three of the uninspired tracks, the album would have been more compact and much better. Nevertheless, the full-length offered a handful of well elaborated songs. "Lost in the Ice" stood out, not only because of its length of nearly ten minutes. Its mighty and dynamic construction showed dramatic sections as well as speedy parts. Melodic interludes were also integrated without endangering the power of the track. The result was that it scored with a brilliant flow - and it was not one second too long, in sharp contrast to the whole album. And for the sake of completeness, I have to mention the double bass attacks and the memorable chorus that characterized the fast-paced "In Her Diary´s Black Pages". These tunes as well as the vehement yet catchy title track ensured that the full-length could definitely not be categorized as a flop.

When taking into account that the album was equipped with a powerful sound, in particular in view of the punchy guitars, it would be unfair to say that "The Missing Link" joined the ranks of mediocre traditional metal releases. But its noteworthy ups and downs prevented the undisturbed enjoyment of the record. Main composer Peavey was obviously not immune against less creative song arrangements. What remained were five very good occasions to bang your head - and a lot of less exciting heavy metal songs that illustrated the necessity of the skip button.

I could say it's one more Rage's masterpiece, probably their best work in these almost 30 year career, could list song by song (giving the maximum grade for all!), could also repeat the same old history about gather melodies and heaviness, but everything would be insufficient to describe accurately the genius of "The Missing Link".

This record consolidated what had began a year earlier with "Trapped!". Peavy finally managed to put Rage as one of the greatest bands in the world, making it an exponent of german metal, using a formula that pleases both power metal and thrash metal fans, which became a trademark of Rage: speed, aggressiveness, grace, technique and catchy melodies.

The Missing Link is essentially a power metal record, with some very fast songs, some other really heavy, but all, without exception, with catchy and energetic themes and chorus. Well, still nothing new, but here comes the difference: it's virtually impossible to press the infamous "skip" button on the CD player! It's impossible not to listen to the whole album from "Firestorm" to "Raw Caress", without interruption! It's impossible not to be swayed by its heavy and limpid riffs, well structured songs with outstanding issues.

All musicians in their prime: Peavy, the perfect balance between the 80's high tones and today's bodied bass vocals; Manni, again creating incredible riffs and brilliant solos without resorting to tiresome shreddings. Chris with his fast and accurate double bass as always! Anyway, the apogee of Rage's classic lineup... To close with a flourish this phase that yielded great records and leveraged this great band to the world stage!

I dare not to point what's better or worse, because the whole album is fantastic, worthy of 100%.

This is it folks... We all asked for the perfect album, well here it is. This is the purest, most honest piece of music you'll ever come across: A band performing in harmony with every ounce of energy each member possesses driving them towards their ultimate goal of perfection. It is an album that possesses heaviness, atmosphere, speed, brutality, melody, and energy, everything, in perfect balance. It’s easy to see what Peavy and the boys were going for here: create an album in the style that has gotten us here but execute it in a way to show everyone "this is what we do and we'll do it better than anyone else!" The pure fact that this album embodies everything that RAGE has been and will ever be, yet it’s fresh and infinitely listenable, blows me away.

The 3 members had it all working for them on this release, from the organic touch of the music right down to the mindblowing production, everything is flawless. First off, the bass. You will never hear any other bass with that gritty distortion as Peavy has it. The mixing is perfect; the second guitar has its appearance but plays second fiddle to Peavy's furious bass lines. The bass has a tone of pure destruction. It is distorted but tight and punctual rattling through each song. To think that Peavy can pull off these amazing basslines and still sing ANYTHING is remarkable, yet Peavy delivers his vocals flawlessly live. On to the vocals: You will never find a more inspiring vocal performance than the one on this cd. Peavy does not have the greatest voice in all of metal, nor is it the most technical; he simply lets it all flow out and leaves his soul out there for everyone to hear. The vocal performance is stunning, including several guttural screams that blew me away. His voice has the mighty ability to dictate the mood of each song from sadness to aggression, and anger to harmony. The lyrics follow suit. Some of the most compelling lyrics around, each word flowing with the mood of Peavy's voice and the riffs of Manni. The riffs! The riffs on this cd are incredible. They are melodic, heavy, and rhythmic. There are thrash riffs, speed riffs, power riffs, even some doomy feeling going on in this masterpiece. Again, each riff, each lyric follows the theme of the song in each and every example. Then in comes Chris, a mighty drummer who has the ability to create his own beats, some which I have never heard in any other metal drummers’ styles. He has an uncanny ability with subtly progressing beats within the measures. The drumming again as with everything else is dictated by the flow of the song, Chris, like Manni and Peavy, was feeling all the right things at the right time on this release.

Now for the music: The first track is nothing but the perfect opening of an album. This is perhaps the most diverse track on the cd embodying elements of thrash, power, and speed metal wrapped into a crushing, yet melodic tune. Then comes Nevermore with some of the best lyrics you will find in any metal song. It is a crushing tune that will send you head careening through your desk. Then comes the speed metal anthem 'Refuge'. The chorus is an absolute classic and carries perhaps the catchiest melody of all time. Up next is the groover, "Pit and the Pendulum". The main riff in this song is amazing and near the middle of the song is played so infectiously that you'll forget your on earth and assume you've died and gone to heaven. Rage mix it up with the next track sending you a speed/thrasher that will break every last bone in your body before its end. Then comes perhaps the highlight of the album "Certain Days". It is a monster with atmosphere, chaos, and anger. Peavy's guttural screams and the extra sound effects in this one put it over the top. The bass lines in this song are utterly amazing and the guitar riff is fantastic. This one will grab your nuts and rip them off. They keep the foot on the gas with "Who Dares?" a speedy thrasher with some great lyrics. The man riff in this song is one of the best ever recorded. 'Wake Me When I'm Dead' is a more experimental speed thrasher of the highest order. Then comes the epic 'Lost in the Ice', featuring a monster riff toward the middle. It is 9 min long and is exciting the whole way through. Then comes 'Her Diary's Black Pages' a thrasher that hints towards the 'Black in Mind' album. This is followed by the title track which is one of the catchiest songs on the album. It closes with Raw Caress; one of the greatest RAGE songs, amazing lyrics, stunning vocal performance; this song has it all. If you're lucky enough to have the Japanese version you will be treated to a bonus track, Another Kind of Madness, an acoustic song, but by no means a ballad and you'll realize the meaning of life, so listen to this cd and be amazed.

First off, I must state that Rage is one of the greatest speed metal bands of all time, and definitely one of, if not THE greatest band to ever come out of Germany. I would highly suggest picking up any of their albums, and they are one of the few bands who's new material I actually enjoy. This album, however, is the high point in Rage's existence.

This is one of the most powerful albums of all time and borrows many themes from prog metal. Missing Link makes you want to be a hero somehow, anyhow, whenever you listen to it. Its lyrical themes are interesting and the choruses in just about ever song are catchy as hell, especially Refuge and Certain Days. Peavy's voice is PERFECT for the kind of speed metal Rage plays, the perfect blend of heaviness and power; I could not imagine a more perfect combination of singer and song. The scream on the track Certain Days is one of the best screams I've ever heard. Also, the CD release of this album packs as much material as possible onto the disc.

Now, onto the instrumental aspect of the album. I'd first like to state that the tone of all the instruments is perfect. The drums are on this album are so crisp and clean, it sounds like Mr. Efthimiadis is in the room with you. The guitar tone manages to be completely heavy and completely powerful, without being too much of either, just like Wagner's vocals on the album. The bass, although slightly too quiet throughout the album, has an interesting tone, with the mid levels being brought out.

All three members are masters of their instruments, and the song writing is incredible throughout the album. Every riff on the record is brilliant. The tempos throughout the album are perfectly blended, with just the right amount of slow, fast, and medium riffing. Manni Schmidt's solos are another highlight of the album, the have the perfect blend of shredding and melody, however the album could use a few more solos. You know the album is good if the only thing I have to complain about is the number of solos!

This record is full of attitude, and you can tell the guys aren't faking it, but it's the style in which Rage brings their attitude through that makes them one of the best bands in the history of metal. The aggressiveness is all there, but it is a subtle aggressiveness. This album will take you through a range of emotions: making you smile and making you scowl. You are guaranteed to feel satisfied at the end of a listen through this record, whether its your first or your hundredth.

Rage was my favorite band back in the old days. Unfortunately their publicity kept in low standards despite their creativity and performance. On the one hand this was a good issue because this prevented the band from being commercialized ( something that in my opinion happened a few years later with the album ¡End of all Days¢), on the other hand it was pretty bad for a band like Rage not to be recognized in full and in all over the world.

So, after the successful Trapped, which was the beginning of a new era for the band, they entered the studio in 1993 and came out with the most raw and aggressive album ever made. Creativity and aggression in on high levels and this results in a masterpiece of speed /thrash metal. Firestorm opens the album and this is the correct title for what will come up next. Superb guitars, excellent vocals from Peavey sounds very mature and on the rhythm section the person responsible in my opinion for the aggression of the album, Christos with devastating drumming, showing exactly how the drums should be played and how the drum sticks should crash. Nevermore is a slower song but with same energy, followed by a smasher, Refuge. Melody and aggression become one, and the party just starts. The Pit and the Pendulum is a rhythm song with a nice chorus and here is where the band takes a gear down, because From the Underworld continues and makes you feel that you are listening to a fire holocaust. This song exists to remind us why this band sounded unique. The combination of power and melody was the bands trademark. Certain Days is a rage classic with straight forward riffs and nice chorus. Then comes a trilogy of speed and aggression Who Dares, Wake me when I¢m dead and the monumental Lost in the Ice a 9 minute song length with an orchestral intervention worth listening . This was the second attempt of Rage using an orchestral part, before it was the introduction of Secrets in a Weird World. Unfortunately this became a habit for Peavey later on and had fatal consequences. Her diary¢s black pages roll on with the same aggression and rhythm while The Missing Link (The thing that made us think) delivers a nice chorus and the same awesome guitars and rhythm drums. The album finishes with what was introduced, a smasher. Raw Caress is a fast and straight forward song with amazing rhythm section by Chris who is torturing the drum kit and perfect combination from Peavey and Manni (an exceptional guitarist, left the band after the tour).

To conclude all of the above I would like to say that this was the album that gave Rage respect and recognition from many people. This creativity continued with 10 years in Rage the anniversary album, and Black in Mind which was a very nice record more specifically a continuation of how the band should sound, and then the decay. A lot of experimentation followed which had an immense impact on the band and its members. Fortunately there are records like The Missing Link that reminds us of a band that was not following the specific currents of that era and produced pure and authentic music, music that the band loved to play. I had the fortune to see them live back in those days. Rage-on!