With their previous album “Carved In Stone” Rage returned dynamically to the metal events. Two years later they reappear in the spotlight with “Strings To A Web” continuing in the same course by adding, however, more progressive elements, thus delivering a more diverse album that runs in the dipole power-speed / progressive and highlighting the background of Peavy Wagner & Victor Smolski respectively.

The album kicks off with "The Edge Of Darkness" which immediately wins attention with its dynamic riffs, its melody and progressive elements that are now a registered trademark in the structure of the tracks. The same pattern is followed in "Hunter And Prey", "Into The Light", "The Beggar's Last Dime". Then, we change course with the pentology "Empty Hollow" which through the 17 minutes of its duration clearly shows the symphonic dimension of the band’s composing abilities and its constant mood for experimenting. By "Saviour Of The Dead" we turn to pure metal paths with very heavy guitar themes and prog touches once again present. The "playful" "Hellgirl" gives another dimension to the album somewhat reminiscent of old carefree days of the band, while "Purified" is a power / speed storm with traces of the glorious past. The two minutes of "Through Ages" form a calm, melodic and emotional song and the album closes perfectly with "Tomorrow Never Comes" as this is a very melodic mid-tempo track with chorus lines ala Rage.

Professionalism to the max, modern sound, mood for experimentation, excellent production but in its entirety I feel it lacks the spark of the past and the brutal energy. Everything seems so calculated, but rather musical maturity has its disadvantages. However, "Strings To A Web" is a hearty 14 tracks album that will not tire the listener but its diversity will surely please fans of Rage and not only.

An album which is miles away from new releases by veteran groups of this genre, proving the time value of Rage. The faithful friends of Rage should best choose the Limited bonus DVD Edition with the appearance of the band at Wacken 2009.

"Strings To A Web" introduces Rage dynamically in the new decade, demonstrating clearly, even though they’ve been around for 25 years, that they still got it!