Meliah Rage – Before The Kill

Meliah Rage

Before The Kill

by Craig Rider at 12 October 2015, 11:37 PM

MELIAH RAGE are a (very well done) combined Thrash / Heavy Metal band from Boston, MA – sounding like a Thrashy version of JUDAS PRIEST. With similarities noticeable to IRON MAIDEN (Paul Di'Anno I would imagine, with a hint of Bruce Dickenson) Mark Mastroianni and Mike Munro perform some highly intense screams and yells which - really suits these kind of genres, but of course. On top of rich riffs from Anthony Nichols and Jim Koury - this makes it a fine combination. Speaking of combination… “Before The Kill” is a release comprised of a wealth of previously unreleased tracks, including early Demos and Live songs. I prefer extras in a compilation, not just another “best of” album – makes it a worthy purchase for the hardcore veterans who own every album… If it was me, I would sell this as an album for newcomers looking for a new band; and if you are already a fan - for the added bonuses.

The sound quality is raw and dirty, being that the tracks are either rehearsals, demos or live recordings, but it still kicks a lot of arse and that's the main thing. “Before The Kill” has some great songs for newcomers (like me), “Enter The Darkness” (also a demo included) was particularly enjoyable; killing it with those epic riffs and vocals; powerful bass and drums! “Fight” also showcases some of the finer – inner Thrash capabilities and “The Pack” performs some fine headbanging moments and riffs.

“Before The Kill” lasts just over an hour and 10 minutes, so if you're looking for something new to expand your Metal horizons; or are just a big fan of MELIAH RAGE and are craving those extra Demos and Live songs as “new material” (even though the album “Warrior” came out in 2014, but I understand cravings), this would definitely be worth the purchase in my opinion. Just the sound production is a bit off so, might put off newcomers a little bit.

The Demos sounded a bit scratchy and blocked one of my ears at one point; but recovered it self now and then… They are just Demos though, I should keep in mind; the Live tracks had a similar effect too - it's still a nice bit of history for the hardcore fans to own, though. Nonetheless… MELIAH RAGE are in their prime, releasing this compilation at the right time – it has something for every metalhead.

Check it out.