The North American Metal School was amazing in the 80's. At the same time, we had the outbreak of Glam Metal bands in Los Angeles (of course many bands arose on the other states of the country, but the musical movement itself was based there), USA traditional Heavy Metal School and Thrash Metal School started to show their fingers as well. In its fertility, Boston gave birth to MELIAH RAGE, a very good Thrash/Heavy Metal band. As they are active since the 80's, they are releasing their latest album now (along with a rerecorded version for "Dead to the World"), and it's called "Idol Hands".

We can say that they are a Thrash Metal band with a strong melodic outfit (inspired on NWOBHM and USA's 70's Hard Rock), similar to that one of METALLICA in their beginning. But hold your horses: "similar" doesn't mean "equal", because these guys have guts, and their music evolved a lot as time passed by. Now, they show their musical roots, but with a modern and energetic form. It means that their music never grows old, and how good they still are, in the same way we can find on "Kill to Survive" and "Solitary Solitude" (their earlier albums).

"Idol Hands" was produced, mixed and mastered by Peter Rutcho (except for the vocals, that were produced by Rich Spillberg), and the sound quality is really near perfection, heavy and aggressive as their music needs, but clean in a way we can understand everything that is being played. The instrumental tunes were chosen in a way that their songs would sound modern, but respecting their long musical history as well. So be prepared, because these guys aren't kidding, and they will tear your ears apart with their music!

All the songs of the album are really excellent, and we can name the raw and grasping energy of "The Kill-All Rule" (very good guitar riffs with a melodic aesthetics that bring to mind the melodies from Hard Rock of the past), the brutal grasp imposed by the slow tempos of "Dark as Your Thoughts" (the vocals are fitting perfectly on the instrumental lines), the fast tempos and energetic insight used to pump up "Idol Hands", the sharp guitar attack of catchy riffs shown on "Sentenced to Life" (and what good chorus), and the bitterness that is spread by the excellent rhythm of "Infernal Bleeding" as their finest shots.

Excellent band, and even not being their best album, "Idol Hands" is really great!