A thrilling soundtrack to a suspiciously contemporary horror.

When analyzing the German power metal band Mob Rules, one finds their classic, concentrated heavy metal sound is combined with an original approach by making it a soundtrack about the fictitious Savageland in their new album, Rise of the Ruler. It was released in August 2025 as the band’s tenth studio album. Savageland is a compelling story about the end of the world and a continuation from their last album, which was released seven years ago. The collection of tracks draws its themes from progressive influences such as Iron Maiden and the German death metal scene.

Shifting direction, the band’s creative force is now a collaborative effort. Jan Christian Halfbrodt (keyboards) creates the narratives and lyrics for the album’s concepts. Meanwhile, Sven Lüdke (guitars) and Klaus Dirks (vocals and the public face of the band) form a tandem that conceives the music, with the rest of the band collaborating on the final product. The Rise Of The Ruler lineup is completed by Markus Brinkmann (bass) and Sebastian Schmidt (drums). Moreover, this album features more prominent guitars and stronger drums with less reliance on synthesizers than Mob Rules’ previous works.

Focusing on the album’s tracks, “Exiled” has an aggressive fast fast-paced tempo, and the intensity will keep the metal listener engaged throughout the song. The riffs have a galloping quality that keeps a sense of urgency until the guitar solo. As the intensity climbs, the guitarist’s solo takes off into a soaring guitar passage, which is another instance of precision by Mob Rules.

Subsequently, the third track, “Future Loom,” is also an up-tempo musical piece that exemplifies power metal. It has an energetic feel, clashing with a dark theme. Additionally, the song is a Savageland story that features Dendayar, a temple guardian, who is about to lead a revolt against an oppressive leader.

The introduction of the eighth track, “Nomadic Oasis,” is slower and more melodic, which gives the song a dynamic feel. As the song picks up speed, it retains a melodic tone until the vocals kick in, which are followed by a soaring guitar solo throughout the second half of the track. What is interesting about the piece is that it musically depicts the battle scene on the cover of the album.

All in all, the album, Rise Of The Ruler, features an original storyline that is backed up by speedy, power metal that is characteristic of Mob Rules’ sound. It is possible that some listeners may not care about the adventures of Dendayer or the classic metal sound with fewer synthesizers. However, most metal fans will probably enjoy the album as the melodies are quick and catchy and are presented originally.