Thrown back into the giant intestines of the past, a decision to deny the process of evolution and maintain the life of the fire to remain burning forever. It sounds quite familiar, and it has been going on since Modern Metal became kicking doors open. Traditional or extreme, it is not relevant, as long as it sounds old school. Metal bands like the one in question right here, RAGING DEATH hailing from Poland, have been loyal to their own truth, the music which they were bred upon and what better way to respect its gifts by preserving it. That is what they have been doing since their emergence from the streets of Zory. Newly signed to the Italian Punishment 18 Records, the Poles issues their self-titled debut, spreading their eight tracks speed racing Thrash Metal blizzard from beneath the graves. Also, and quite an aspect to retain, is the old sound, and somewhat the vapor, of an era that is constantly meant to be revamped.

Signaling their direction to the era of the mid 80's, back when Speed and Thrash gathered much more attention, RAGING DEATH's no compromise toughness if evident. These guys came to crush, and in a kind of looseness that was meant to spread the word around of old school Thrash Metal. Taking a few pointers of early KREATOR, early VOIVOD, TANKARD and several bits and nits of American Thrash Metal, I couldn't bear notice of how these guys sound like their country mates DESTROYERS, another old band that is more than worth mentioning. RAGING DEATH's main riffery is just a little above the basic level, tending them to be similar to the classic acts, but rather well played and with the band's production values sounds quite nostalgic. I might add that it is rather fun and serves as a good remembrance. On the other hand, I can put my finger on my main issues with the band. It starts and ends with the vocals and rhythm section. The vocals, in general, decently ring, however, it become and annoyance, especially with a few of the high pitch notes, while also being a tad repetitive with its vocal, supposed melodic, rhyme. Rhythm section wise, mostly the drumming, at times lost its composure, lack of sync while attempting to performing something slightly constructive. The beats aren't always in the right places and for the carefully listening Metalhead it might be noticeable.

Since old school is the band's main code of honor, their track of thought was towards what sounds and feels like the old days of chaos. Thrashing and speeding has been their main course of action, a kind the produced simpler arrangements that came out no more than solid. It would appear that RAGING DEATH wanted to go somewhat beyond the average old school experience by adding a few above basic Thrash / Speed Metal pieces, yet I ascertained that they are better off being the old school monster they aspired to become. "Challenged By The Unknown", the last chip in the block, is the near perfect harmony between Teutonic and American Thrash, finding those tasting riffs, inspiring solo efforts and course of burning speed and slow tempo heaviness, a sort of track that would make you raise your fist up high. The tune "Raging Death" is the band's answer to the Teutonic attacks of the mid 80's, almost the image blasphemy in its nature, without sounding satanic, just mainly on the attack with a full speed drive. Quite an impressive track no less. Turning up the volumes of insane speed, "Warrior Of Revenge" strives and fades into the wilderness, not too much to infest, but a sharp edged thriller.

"Raging Death" sounds like a thing of the past, but as like a lot others, is a marker, a totem of the early days. Originality is not the issue, but the principle of preserving the old. RAGING DEATH have what it takes to go forward but they need more work. Let's see what happens next.