Return of the Spectral Rider

Ravage are an odd band, as they have been around for like 22 years and have produced 4 Eps and 5 live albums, but this is only their third full-length – and it's a re-recording of their debut from 2005. I enjoyed the heck out of their sophomore album The End of Tomorrow, so I was excited to hear this one, even if it is not all-new.

Ravage have retooled and redone these songs to do more than just fix the crappy production on the original. Their signature sound of volleying speed metal and old school crunch combined with catchy but rather oddball vocals makes for an addictive listen. The interesting thing about Ravage is that they are not really great at any one thing, they just write good songs and play them with a lot of verve and energy. Vocalist Alec Firicano is still not a great singer, but he has so much livewire charisma it doesn't matter. This is just a fun album, and will keep your head flailing all the way through.