The German veterans power/speed-thrashers Rage (specifically the only founding member Peavy, as the rest of the gang Smolski and the newcommer Hilgers are the new version of Rage) return with "Carved in Stone". Note first: the symphonic parts are left behind in favor of the guitar work of the virtuoso Smolski so happiness to all those that expect Rage powerful, technical and with melodic refrains.

Rage for many years, mainly since "Welcome to the other side" and thereafter, are clearly in a career path with many ups and downs in their discography: from the dissapointments of "Welcome to the other side" and "Speak of the dead", which were uneven albums lacking evident direction, to the dynamic "Soundchaser" and "Unity". In this year’s "Carved in Stone" the second note has to do with the clear presence of musical focus and of the utilization of the elements that made Rage great and popular: emotion, power, passion, speed and melody. Thus, do they manage to win their demanding friends? At first we would say yes, as the water has started to flow and tracks like "Long hard road", "Open my grave", "Without you", "Lost in the void" seem to prove this point. However, when speed and technic balance with melody and inspiration, then we speak for the Rage we all admired in the mid 80’s till the mid 90’s.

"Carved in Stone" is out in the market with bonus DVD covering the appearance of RAGE & Lingua Mortis Orchestra in Wacken. After the disappointing "Speak of the dead" their new project elevates Rage to a new path, encouraging their many fans stating that their shining has not faded.