Like the periodic news story about a letter delivered decades after it was initially sent, seemingly stuck in a bin somewhere, slipped through the cracks, or lost behind a machine, Ravage could have been an initial Metal Blade signing in the 80s that CEO Brian Slagel somehow forgot to release. Yes, this is vintage 80s sounding traditional American metal of the variety that’s virtually ignored at home, but lauded overseas (especially in Germany) at festivals like Sword Brothers or Keep It True. Strangely enough, the Bostonians are scheduled for a Deutsch date in 2010.

A short instrumental, ‘The Halls Of Madness’, introduces the eleven proper tunes. Throughout, catchy, twin guitar leads/harmonies dominate. ‘Damn Nation’ begins as if it will be a ballad (ha!) and kicks into piston fired, double bass.‘Into The Shackles’ pulls out all the great songwriting elements: time/tempo change and plenty of guitar! A cover of Judas Priest’s ‘Nightcrawler’ fits nicely next to the originals and gives some indication of where the Ravage sound resides. Said track is bookended around the two-part ‘The Nightmare’s Hold’. Good stuff!