Not to be confused with the current band of the same name hailing from Great Britain, RAGE OF ANGELS came roaring out of Connecticut in the late Eighties with a commercially accessible but energetic brand of melodic hard rock / hair metal certain to appeal to fans of Stryper, Dokken, Skid Row, etc.
With a Christian metal background, originally known as Ransom, RAGE OF ANGELS got its start by placing two tracks on two different compilation albums: “Reason To Rock” appeared on East Coast Metal, and “Rock For The Rock” made it onto Heavy Righteous Metal. While both songs were a bit rough around the edges production wise, they hinted at the potential the band displayed on this self-titled 1989 Regency Records debut.
As requested, here’s the not well known but really good one and only album “Rage Of Angels“. Funny fact is RAGE OF ANGELS actually split before the album was even released, with guitarist Frank DiCostanzo and drummer John Fowler went on to join Steelheart, whom deliv
ered two strong albums later (1991’s Steelheart, and 1992’s Tangled in Reins on major label MCA Records).
Musically “Rage Of Angels” has a sound similar to the bands mentioned above (of course Steelheart too), with dynamic riffs, solid vocals / backing, fun choruses and all that late U.S. rockin’ style. But RAGE OF ANGELS were much more consistent than your typical melodic hard / hair metal act circa 1989.
These guys could have been very popular. The album credits Doug Mann with production & mix, but apparently the band was so unhappy that they wanted it remixed. It was re-mixed by the Elefante brothers before it’s release. John and Dino were never given credit for it.
This baby really Rocks!
Lead vocalist Dan Mariano combines a ton of attitude and charisma with his raw and sassy melodic flavored voice. Frank DiCostanzo and Greg Kurtsman form a talented guitar team, the two contributing a rock solid rhythm guitar sound in addition to a plethora of exciting dual lead guitar work. The steady bass lines of Dale Gilfort stand alongside the technical drumming of John Fowler.
”Rage Of Angels” showcases a crystal clear sounding production job, really good for a small label / budget
Once opener “Leave You Or Forsake You” fades in to a blend of rhythm and lead guitar, a plethora of energetic momentum propels it to a non-stop hook filled chorus highlighted by Mariano’s raspy vocal delivery. “Reason To Rock” proceeds through its first verse in a guitar driven manner before vocal harmonies enter the mix in time to highlight a strong chorus underscored by double bass. DiCostanzo and Kurtsman steal the show with a blazing dual lead guitar trade off supported by more double bass.
Taking off to a drum solo, “It’s Not Late For Love” progresses to a trade off between the bands trademark vocal harmonies and Mariano’s sassy voice. Once the vocal harmonies in question step to the forefront of the mix, they buttress a catchy chorus delivered at an upbeat tempo. A fiery guitar solo helps place the song among the albums more noteworthy material.
The vocal harmonies at the start of “Somebody’s Watching You” give way to a high-octane guitar riff that takes it in a spirited fashion to a chorus with a catchy refuse to go away hook. After “Hooked On A Good Thing” begins to a drum solo and a bit of bluesy lead guitar work, an abundance of guitar driven momentum drives it to an energy-laden chorus that begs to be played on FM radio. A combination of rhythm and lead guitar bolsters an instrumental passage just under a minute in length.
“Do You Still Believe In Love” stands out with its first class melody line. Introduced to several seconds of tight sounding rhythm guitar harmony, a catchy guitar riff conveys the song at a mid-tempo pace until it peaks for an infectious vocal harmony driven chorus. DiCostanzo and Kurtzman tear it up with a profusion of dual lead guitar work.
Carried from front to back in an upbeat manner by an edgy rhythm guitar and a punchy bass line, “Rock For The Rock” showcases a good hard hitting chorus with lyrics, of course, lyrically on the clichéd side, but heck, this is “Rock For The Rock”!
The superlative “Are You Ready For Thunder” is very heavy, with crunchy riffage all over. Kicking in to an intense double bass driven riff, a plethora of up-tempo energy drives the song ahead until it culminates for a powerfully delivered chorus. This a killer song.
Opening to a scream from Mariano, “Don’t Give Up” slows to a bluesy rhythm guitar sound upon reaching its first verse. Gradually gaining impetus, the song transitions to a strong chorus accentuated by just the right amount of vocal harmonies. Both axeman contribute a minute of flashy dual lead guitar work fortified by rapid double bass. “Don’t Give Up” has an anti-suicide message.
Before Regency Records could release the album Fowler and DiConstanzo left Rage Of Angels to join the mainstream band Steelheart which went on to sign with MCA Records and received significant MTV airplay. Rage Of Angels eventually fell apart with the band’s remaining members going their separate ways. Dan Mariano later sung for hard rockers Pyn Siren.
The disc went out of print years ago, so these were selling for a pretty hefty price on the auctions.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. Leave You Or Forsake You
02. Reason To Rock
03. It’s Not Late For Love
04. Somebody’s Watching You
05. Hooked On A Good Thing
06. Do You Still Believe In Love
07. Rock For The Rock
08. Are You Ready For Thunder
09. Don’t Give Up
Line-Up:
Dan Marino – lead vocals
Frank DiCostanzo – guitar
Greg Kurtzman – guitar
Dale Glifort – bass
John Fowler – drums