A delivery of neck-snapping Speed Metal straight from hell has arrived and it is Ranger knocking at our doors. This Finnish sensation has been spreading ragingly infectious Speed Metal since 2009 and that disease even went through the doors of Spinefarm Records' headquarters and they had no choice but to take a patient on their roster.
Where Evil Dwells, Ranger's debut album, offers us seven new numbers that are meant to contaminate our brains with an absolutely addictive mishmash of Speed, Thrash and Heavy Metal. Ranger is one of the "new" bands that truly understand the whole concept of 80's underground Metal perfectly. One can find dual guitars similar to those that were used on Iron Maiden's Killers ("Dead Zone"), merciless and crispy riff fests à la Razor and Whiplash, menacing and evil walls of sound that Possessed and Sacrifice became known for ("Deadly Feast") and even the same magical finesse that can be found on Slayer's Show No Mercy. The Ranger team has done their homework on 80's underground Metal and employs some of the best elements on Where Evil Dwells. It also takes guts to write songs that clock in at over 10 minutes like they have done with the title track, "Where Evil Dwells." Despite the length it never gets dull or boring due to its many different layers. They have undoubtedly taken their time to make sure this song is a success. Vocalist/bassist Dimi spits, screams and snarls words like a younger version of Dave Mustaine, not that he really sounds like Mr. Mustaine, but he has a very similar, teeth-gnashing effect.
You will easily get infected by Where Evil Dwells and there's no cure, no pills and no healing vaccination. Then again, after listening I believe you will want to spread their disease. I am infected by Ranger's debut and there's no return.
