ANIMAL RAGE comes from Monterrey in the Nuevo León area of Mexico and are a Heavy Metal band that also has being Groovy high on their agenda. In the five years they have been active since 2020 they have only given us a single, until 20 October 2024 when they were able to provide us with their debut album “Last Standing Man”. Back then they released it all by themselves, but in the meantime, they have been discovered, noted and appreciated, least of all by the notorious label WormHoleDeath, who decided to add “Last Standing Man” to their portfolio by giving it a rerelease on 25 July 2025. Now it is time for me to tell you whether that is justified or not.

Let me start by saying that ANIMAL RAGE have a lot of courage in how they portray their music. For example, how many bands would be able to put a very much folklore song like “Animals In The Sky” on a record. It might not be Metal, but to my ears it is beautiful. On the other hand, the start of the album is really impressive with a brilliant riff and structure on “Egocentric Rats”. That really sets the tone for the rest of the album, as it properly shows that these Mexicans are being utterly serious. I especially like the drum rhythm, that at times sounds like it’s off centre, but actually hits everything spot on. Those are nice touches to some good music.

Because that is another thing I can’t deny about “Last Standing Man”. It is filled with rather good music that will have you thoroughly enjoy what you are hearing. It does help that the production is up to much more than standard. Plus, I can tell you that when the title track “Last Standing Man” starts you will feel obliged to start headbanging and if you’re standing, moshing/thrashing around. I like the faster pace on “My Evil Inside”, which gives the sound of ANIMAL RAGE a certain extra boost. Every song has some similar story to tell, ensuring you as a listener that no second on this ANIMAL RAGE album can be classified as boring.

I am so bold as to say that as debut albums go “Last Standing Man” will have you feeling happy and properly entertained. I am also confident in saying that although ANIMAL RAGE isn’t treading on any new paths, the way they are following the ones they decided to will have you hoping that you soon will be able to enjoy more than the 36 minutes that you will find on “Last Standing Man”.