Meliah Rage - Masquerade

Published November 09 2009

*=Staff's pick	Lost Or Found Chosen* History Will Tell Dreamer Seeker Hour Glass* Masquerade Last Rites* Whatever It Takes*

Genre	Power/Thrash Metal	Michael Munro	Vocals
Tracks	9	Anthony Nichols	Guitar
Runningtime	56 Min.	Jim Koury	Guitar
Label	Screaming Ferret Wreckords	Darren Lourie	Bass
Release	15 September 2009	Stuart Dowie	Drums
Country	USA	-	Keyboard
Similar artists	Metal Church, Wargasm, At War

Three years, almost to the date, Boston's own medicine men - Meliah Rage - invite us to their ceremony, that we may thrashdance at the 'Masquerade'. Another page in the war journal of madness & poetry has been penned, and it is time to get lost in the prideland, and journey to the valley of the shadow of death. The deep and dreamless sleep lingers on, and on.

The good news is that vocalist "Big Mike" Munro is back on vocals! However this comes with a mixed deadly blessing. It seems that Mike has some unfinished business, and he is now possessing judgment in the struggle between God and Man. Somewhere in his solitary solitude, Mr. Munro has found religion, and feels the need to express his inner convictions.

'Masquerade' is more of a Messiah Rage. Granted, the name Jesus is never directly mentioned or referenced; then again neither was it on the new Stryper. Too many Christians can be such nudniks and hypocrites!

It is a well known fact that the band name was inspired by the 'Meliah' Indian tribe's practice of taking opium before going into battle. I suppose now the drug is Christ, and the war is spiritual.

Antony Nichols wrote all the music, and you can be sure this is 100% Meliah Rage. There are aspects of all their previous works present; especially, 'Death Valley Dream' and 'Barely Human'. "Hour Glass" and "Chosen" are perfect examples of this, as is "Seeker", which features a ruthless bass intro courtesy of Darren Lourie. There are plenty of tight hooks, rigid riffs, and power, glass shattering solos.

It seems like many great '80s acts have stepped up to create "kill 'em all to survive" comeback releases. Whiplash flashbacked with 'Unborn Again' - a thrashback return to form, with hints of 'Insult To Injury' and 'Ticket To Mayhem'. Even the cover artwork is similar; although, this time they employed Ed Repka. I find it interesting that they also have a song called "Snuff". I wonder if they knew that Slayer were writing a song of the same name?

At War also delivered their retaliatory strike with - 'Infidel' - which may be their best effort yet! The reason I bring this up, is that Meliah Rage have never really gone away. 'Masquerade' is not a comeback album, just another quality release in a stern line of albums over the last two plus decades.

'Masquerade' has a more classic feel, and is not as progressive as their last effort - 'The Deep And Dreamless Sleep'. That was a great album, but vocally Paul Souza carried the band in a slightly different direction.

Mike's vocals seems a bit more hardcore on this recording, and I am reminded of Billy Milano of M.O.D. fame. I also detect a slight similarity with Italy's own Idols Are Dead. On their album 'Mean', their vocalist Mana reminds me of Mike, especially when he thrashed and raged with violent force on 'Solitary Solitude'.

One of the best, and shortest songs on the album is "Last Rites". This features guest vocals by Ronny Munroe of the now defunct Metal Church. This song could have easily come off the final Metal Church album. Since Metal Church and Meliah Rage toured together, I can see why they enlisted such an underrated vocalist. Metal Church R.I.P.!

The title cut - "Masquerade" - is the weakest link in this chain of command. This song features keyboards by Micha Sheveloff, who also performs on the closing number "Whatever It Takes". The wit and wisp of this twisted reckless cry for help, is that is undulates with blood, sweat, and fear; thereby bringing it closest to the classic Wargasm 'Ugly' sound. This reference is no coincidence, since Rich Spillberg produced the album. The undefeated drum styling's of Stuart Dowie standout here, most notably.

If you are a fan of Meliah Rage, I do recommend 'Masquerade'. I am grateful for the band personally sending me the CD. The booklet is quite thick, replete with lyrics, and photos. The production sounds top-notch.

If you have never heard them before, do check out their first three albums, and you will gain a better appreciation for their longevity. Boston is still home to some great thrash acts, who never succumbed to the Metalcore allure. Acts like Razormaze and Ravage testify to this. History will truly tell the wimps from the poseurs.

If you were lost, then found, and if you believe in God, I am sure you will identify with Mike's mind talk spiritual crusade. If not, enjoy the music for what it is, dog dammit! I say, "more power to all the brothers in Meliah Rage!"

See also review of: The Deep And Dreamless Sleep

Performance	Originality	Production	Vocals	Songwriting
7	7	8	7	7

Summary
7 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel