Album Review: Rage Of Light – Redemption

Record brings dazzling music

Switzerland’s metal band Rage Of Light was formed in 2015 by Jonathan Pellett (Trophallaxy and Dysrider), and during the same year, Pellett chose vocalist Melissa Bonny and guitarist Noé Schüpbach to be a part of Rage Of Light. In 2016 the band released their first EP Chasing a Reflection, and then in 2018, the band signed a huge contract with Napalm Records, which led them to release their first album Imploder. Soon after the debut of their first album, Rage Of Light started to tour, but things came to a stop when the pandemic struck the world. In 2021, Bonny decided to step away from the band to focus on other musical projects and when Bonny left, Pellett and Schüpbach chose vocalist Martyna Halas (Ascend The Hollow and Telergy) to become the third member of Rage Of Light.

Earlier this month, the band released their sophomore record Redemption, and each track is filled with dynamic vocal performances by Pellett and Halas. The guitar playing from Schüpbach shakes the soul with jolting riffs. The drum/keyboard playing from Pellett contributes to the havoc with ear-bleeding sound. Although Redemption is the band’s second album, Rage Of Light proves how they can thrive in today’s metal scene.

The thunderous “Iciness” has a powerful vocal performance from Pellettt and Halas. The chemistry between Pelt and Halas is so strong because both vocalists have different styles, and when their talents collide with each other, the noise is amazing. “Iciness” is the first song off the album, and both vocalists do know how to shock people with their voices.

“Crusade for the Sun” is a headbanger that carries a heart-shaking drum playing from Pellett. It is enjoyable to hear a musician who knows how to play deep and rheumatic beats that match the same tone the rest of the band is playing on. Also, the way he quickly changes his drumming style brings a sense of rock and metal. “Crusade for the Sun” is a smashing tune that shows how Pellett is capable of creating a madness of his own through his drum playing.

A surging track, “Chasing a Reflection” has righteous guitar playing from Schüpbach. Throughout this whole piece, Schüpbach creates righteous riffs that are capable of shaking the veins of those who are listening. The best part is the deep notes from the bass guitar playing due to how each rumble adds an extra kick of insanity. Schüpbach plays great riffs on “Chasing a Reflection,” and the people could find themselves air-guitaring along while the music blares from the speaker.

Mystical “Breaking Infinity” is a composition that has wonderful keyboard playing from Pellett. Other than singing and playing the drums, Pellett can bring creativeness with his keyboard skills. The sound of the piano lightly playing in the background brings a nice mixture of calmness within the craziness, and the keyboard keeps listeners engaged. “Breaking Infinity” is a song that has well-played keyboarding by Pellett.

The beautiful “Beyond” is a bit different from the rest of the tracks. The band is playing on a harmonic level. Although there is a strong kick of metal toward the end, the vocals from Pellett and Halas are beautiful due to how both vocalists sing in passion, and the bold instrumentation matches the harmonic style with a sharp sound. “Beyond” is gorgeous by how the vocal and musical arrangements are beautifully played.

Rage Of Light do have their feet on the gas pedal with Redemption, and the band does have a bright future ahead of them.

Cait Stoddard: Hello! My name is Caitlin and my job is writing music news stories and reviewing metal music albums. I enjoy collecting vinyl, playing video games, watching movies and going to concerts.
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