Let’s begin this little treatise with a self-confident thesis: The long and successful career of German band Rage probably hasn’t seen an album yet that reflects the positive spirit of the musicians involved, their enthusiasm, creativity, and optimism as much as A New World Rising.Almost two years after its pretty dystopian predecessor Afterlifelines, Peavy Wagner (vocals, bass), Jean Bormann (guitar), and Vassilios “Lucky” Maniatopoulos (drums) unleash a positive, ultra-heavy thrash metal firework, which blends that typical Rage sound with contemporary element.

In its entirety, it represents the band’s most diverse work to date.

“This applies not only to us, but to everyone: We need to get out of the destructive mindset that is currently omnipresent. A lot of people think the world is about to come to an end, everything is interpreted in a negative way, and some of it is even deliberately controlled because it’s easier to manipulate people with fear. That’s why our message is: Think independently! And don’t believe everything you’re told,” says band founder Peavy Wagner, explaining the basic tenor of A New World Rising. 

Wagner furthers, “The tracks on A New World Rising are direct and catchy, but at the same time, playful and multi-faceted without losing themselves. I think you can hear how inspired we were during the songwriting process, how much we feel at home in our typical Rage cosmos, and how much we have evolved. There may be no numbers with orchestrations this time — we’re saving that for the next album —but there’s everything that Rage stands for, plus a lot more.”