SKY OF RAGE is a Metal band formed in 2011 in Borlänge, Sweden. Thanks to the idea of ASTRAL DOORS' Guitar Player, Joachim Nordllund, the band came to be. The band's music is a mix of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Martin Haglund, the former guitarist of ASTRAL DOORS, handled mixing duties for an album that was released in the later stages of 2012.

Every track on album of SKY OF RAGE is interesting but only four tracks really caught my attention. "Stardust", the album's opener, displays a definitive guitar riffs & clear rhythmic section, which along with the soaring vocals, will attack at will. I also noticed a few Progressive Metal features around but still a smooth track. "Countdown" reminded me of the atmospheric flavours of JORN, with hard as a rocking riffing and great keyboards. The catchy and very memorable chorus on this one is a big plus. On "Shape of a Giant" it kept me tight to DIO and HEAVEN AND HELL with these hefty gloomy riffs. The course of the song was rather intriguing and kept my interest. "Sky of Rage" is another great listener, with ample Metallic riffing, rhythm section itching METALLICA. The melodic chorus really felt like DEEP PURPLE while the an 80s direction seemed to be the pillar for the amazing guitar solo & excellent enigmatic linking the tough sound with the placid keyboards. Beautiful melodious, but charismatic, voice of Staffan „Stiff" Carlsson reminds me a joint venture of Jorn Lande, Tom S. Englund (EVERGREY), DIO and other classic vocalists.

"Liar" features the progression of DREAM THEATER songs. The rhythm section blasted with the great abilities of Mika Itäranta (bass) and Tomas Friberg (drums) and fantastic guitar playing of Janne Cederlund and the lead fretwork by Joachim Nordlund. "Slave" is nice ballad; maybe can be called an epic, with likeable riffing and tremendous drumming. The whaling and grooving of Zakk Wylde can be noticed on "If There was a God", a mighty headbangable song with its heaviness. "Speed Of Light" takes an interesting path of old DIO and BLACK SABBATH while also sharing the boardwalk of the spacy STAR ONE, with an elegant modern flavor. No doubt about it a high level of Metal songwriting. Sounds of battle and quest for glory will be uncovered on "Soldiers in a Line" & "Reclaim Your Rights" serving tough riffing but never letting go of the melodies.

After repeatedly listening to this one, I can safely say that SKY OF RAGE presents a very high level of experienced musicians. This is a special gift for Hard Rock / Metal fans. I'm sure that fans of ASTRAL DOORS, EVERGREY, JORN, DIO, BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN AND HELL wouldn't be disappointed.