Really it's a shame how after 20 years Rage continues to be under journalist's radar and ignored by metalheads (especially in America), outside of their home country of Germany and Europe. "Strings To A Web" is one of, if not, their strongest album yet alongside 08's "Carved In Stone" and "Soundchaser" from 2003.

Rage began in the mid 80s playing straight forward speed metal on the debut "Reign Of Fear" ("Prayers Of Steel" pre-dated in 1985 released under their original name Avenger) up through 95's excellent "Black In Mind", sprinkling in piano and other instruments to expand their sound. With "Lingua Mortis" and "XIII" in 98, bassist/singer Peavey Wagner and co. continued moving forward as musicians incorporating orchestrations to create more progressive ("Speak Of The Dead") and varied music (see also "In Vain I - III") . For "Ghosts" in 1999, and the records to follow, the talents of guitarist Victor Smolski (who is an accomplished composer) really helped Rage reach its potential.

On "String To A Web", Peavy, Victor, and drummer André Hilgers (yes, they really are a three piece) have crafted yet another slab of music all should recognize and respect. As always, without abandoning their roots, opening cut 'The Edge Of Darkness' (doesn't the riff sound a bit like 'Mean Streak' from Van Halen?) kicks the album into gear with a fast rhythm and melodic chorus and 'Hunter and Prey' continues kicking your ass with an old school Rage speed metal arrangement complete with a driving guitar and drums. A more melodic verse section and chorus gives 'Into The Light' commercial potential. 'The Beggar's Last Dime' has a funked up punch.

Now if up to this point you're not convinced of Rage's power, wait till you hear the 'Empty Hallow' suite. A work of genius…starting with the orchestration instantly establishes the melody and the riff/bass/drum/keys which follows is so damn catchy, and heavy...just listen. 'Strings To A Web' and 'Fatal Grace' (this piece could be played during the closing credits to a Hollywood movie, really) instrumental middle sections perfectly follow including beautiful piano and jazzy parts…and 'Connected', how's that for a melodic passage?. Just amazing talent.

Coming out of 'Empty Hallow', the bass line and pinch harmonics in 'Saviour of The Dead' will remind you of Ozzy's 'Perry Mason', but not the chorus. Victor has some fun shredding in 'Hellgirl', 'Purified' is classic with the galloping beat, and 'Through Ages' is an acoustic ballad. If you've been sleepin on Rage till now…wake up!