Meliah Rage (USA)

[Horex]

Meliah Rage - Solitary Solitude (1990)













Year : 1990
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 115 mb

Bio:

Boston based MELIAH RAGE was founded in 1987 under the leadership of guitarist/songwriter Anthony Nichols. The band, consisting of Mike Munro on vocals, Anthony Nichols on guitar, Jim Koury on guitar, Stuart Dowie on drums and Jesse Johnson on bass, forged a distinct sound of aggressive, heavy rhythm with searing melodies and catchy arrangements. A three-song demo was recorded in 1987.Although determined in his mission of metal, Nichols had spent a brief tour with the seminal Boston hardcore band, GANG GREEN. The association with the band would eventually pay off however, as it led to MELIAH RAGE’s official launch. The manager of GANG GREEN took them in and had two major labels look at them within a month. MELIAH RAGE signed to Epic Records after only 8 shows. A band playing this style of music signing to a major label for their debut was unheard of in 1988.The group recorded their first album, entitled “Kill To Survive”, released in 1988. The debut melded the band’s various influences, and was quite different from anything released at the time. Rather than relying on 2-dimensional, lightning riffing, the band used a more melodic, mid-tempo rhythm, injecting haunting lyrical material that revolved around the frailties of humanity, hypocrisy, corruption, abuse. The video for “Beginning Of The End” aired on MTV worldwide.In 1989 the band embarked on a three month US tour with heavyweights METAL CHURCH. The Detroit show was recorded and the live EP “Live Kill” was released later that year. The band also hit the stage with the likes of SLAYER, TESTAMENT, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, MANOWAR, OVERKILL, MEGADETH, MORBID ANGEL and others that and the following year.In 1990 the band returned to the studio and recorded their second album “Solitary Solitude” which to this day is considered an underrated classic. A video for the song “The Witching” was shot and aired on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. A five week European tour soon followed and MELIAH RAGE seemed to be on their way to the top of the heavy metal world.Unfortunately, the musical tide was changing. The early ’90s hit and MELIAH RAGE, like so many other bands of the time, was dropped in favor of the Seattle sound. After some time off the band re-grouped with the addition of then drummer Sully Erna (future GODSMACK vocalist) and bassist Keith Vogele. The new lineup recorded demos, played some shows over a couple of years and searched for a record deal, but it was becoming apparent that there wasn’t much room for this style of music in the early ’90s. Meanwhile, Nichols also worked on a side project, CACTUS LAND, with Koury and vocalist Paul Souza. Despite not landing a contract, Nichols’ collaboration with Souza would prove to be beneficial for the future.Still in December 2010 MELIAH RAGE was approached by Metal On Metal Records and the agreement for releasing the band’s next album was soon reached. The band continued tracking “Dead To The World” from January to May 2011. Their 7th studio album was released on July 28th and brings some classic US power metal mixed with a dose of thrash, with great melodies and crunchy riffs.This year the band have announced the addition of singer Marc Lopes to the group's ranks. The band currently has a new album, "Warrior", with a release date of April 25th, 2014. Lopes, who hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was previously involved with DARK DAY SUNDAY, the old-school thrash outfit featuring FATES WARNING guitarist Frank Aresti and SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner.

Album:

Wow, What a great album. An aggressive onslaught of catchiness, delivered in the form of palm-muted text book thrash metal. There are a few hints of power metal and straight forward heavy metal textures, but for the most mart however, this is straight forward bonafide thrash! Many critics failed to realize Meliah Rage as a competent thrash band and for whatever reason they never did receive the recognition that they righfully deserved. I have heard some people compare this band to a lesser talented Pantera, but aside from the guitar solos on a Pantera album...I don't quite know where their shortcomings are being derived from? As far as I'm concerned, this album is excellent! Mike Munroe's vocal approach is very powerful, yet at the same time very flavorful. Mike can sing like a motherfucker. He is capable of hitting some high notes and he can acheive the gutteral effect when needed, but for the most part he's simply a powerful singer that adds to the overall affect of the album on the listener. His angry emotion cannot be denied! Nor can his ability to structure several words strung into a single breath without deviating off key (check out the ending of Solitary Solitude) The guitars are very crunchy and the chord progressions that Anthony Nichols creates, manage to work beautifully on each and every song. There are some groove laden dun-dun's(aka palm muted in E Chord pattern's) as well as some speedy crunchy kinda stuff thats flows beautifullly(see No Mind) Anthony Nichols is actually in my opinion one of the most consistent song writters of the genre. The man can do no wrong.The drumming is better than sub-par, but not quite as amazing as on the next album.Overall, this album is an important part of the early nineties thrash era, just before the genre kinda disappeared for awhile. All those that have never heard this album should immediately do whatever is necessary to aquire it, for it truly is a long lost Hardifact.Also, be on the lookout on the net, there is actually a video for the song The Withcing.Best Tracks are; Solitary Solitude, No Mind, Lost Life, The Witching, and Razor Ribbon

Line Up:

Mike Munro - Vocals, (backing) (tracks 2, 6, 7)
Jim Koury - Guitars (1987-present) - See also: ex-Cactus Land
Anthony Nichols - Guitars (1987-present) - See also: Mexican Ape-Lord, ex-Cactus Land
Jesse Johnson - Bass
Stuart Dowie - Drums (1987-1992, 2005-present) - See also: Bad Karma

Tracklist:

01. Solitary Solitude 06:27
02. No Mind 02:49
03. Decline of Rule 05:06
04. Retaliation 05:07
05. Deliver Me 03:06
06. The Witching 04:37
07. Lost Life 06:05
08. Swallow Your Soul 05:16
09. Razor Ribbon 07:46



Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Meliah Rage - Dead To The World (2011) (Metal On Metal Records Edition 2018)













Year : 2011 (Metal On Metal Records Edition 2018)
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video
Size : 111 mb

Bio:

Boston based MELIAH RAGE was founded in 1987 under the leadership of guitarist/songwriter Anthony Nichols. The band, consisting of Mike Munro on vocals, Anthony Nichols on guitar, Jim Koury on guitar, Stuart Dowie on drums and Jesse Johnson on bass, forged a distinct sound of aggressive, heavy rhythm with searing melodies and catchy arrangements. A three-song demo was recorded in 1987.Although determined in his mission of metal, Nichols had spent a brief tour with the seminal Boston hardcore band, GANG GREEN. The association with the band would eventually pay off however, as it led to MELIAH RAGE’s official launch. The manager of GANG GREEN took them in and had two major labels look at them within a month. MELIAH RAGE signed to Epic Records after only 8 shows. A band playing this style of music signing to a major label for their debut was unheard of in 1988.The group recorded their first album, entitled “Kill To Survive”, released in 1988. The debut melded the band’s various influences, and was quite different from anything released at the time. Rather than relying on 2-dimensional, lightning riffing, the band used a more melodic, mid-tempo rhythm, injecting haunting lyrical material that revolved around the frailties of humanity, hypocrisy, corruption, abuse. The video for “Beginning Of The End” aired on MTV worldwide.In 1989 the band embarked on a three month US tour with heavyweights METAL CHURCH. The Detroit show was recorded and the live EP “Live Kill” was released later that year. The band also hit the stage with the likes of SLAYER, TESTAMENT, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, MANOWAR, OVERKILL, MEGADETH, MORBID ANGEL and others that and the following year.In 1990 the band returned to the studio and recorded their second album “Solitary Solitude” which to this day is considered an underrated classic. A video for the song “The Witching” was shot and aired on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. A five week European tour soon followed and MELIAH RAGE seemed to be on their way to the top of the heavy metal world.Unfortunately, the musical tide was changing. The early ’90s hit and MELIAH RAGE, like so many other bands of the time, was dropped in favor of the Seattle sound. After some time off the band re-grouped with the addition of then drummer Sully Erna (future GODSMACK vocalist) and bassist Keith Vogele. The new lineup recorded demos, played some shows over a couple of years and searched for a record deal, but it was becoming apparent that there wasn’t much room for this style of music in the early ’90s. Meanwhile, Nichols also worked on a side project, CACTUS LAND, with Koury and vocalist Paul Souza. Despite not landing a contract, Nichols’ collaboration with Souza would prove to be beneficial for the future.Still in December 2010 MELIAH RAGE was approached by Metal On Metal Records and the agreement for releasing the band’s next album was soon reached. The band continued tracking “Dead To The World” from January to May 2011. Their 7th studio album was released on July 28th and brings some classic US power metal mixed with a dose of thrash, with great melodies and crunchy riffs.This year the band have announced the addition of singer Marc Lopes to the group's ranks. The band currently has a new album, "Warrior", with a release date of April 25th, 2014. Lopes, who hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was previously involved with DARK DAY SUNDAY, the old-school thrash outfit featuring FATES WARNING guitarist Frank Aresti and SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner.

Album:

Dead to the World is about the internal struggle we all know in our own ways through our various day to day struggles, but as you can see focuses on a soldier in the artwork. It’s about our inner strength through hard times and fighting our demons. The music is intelligently written, so don’t expect a group of grown men sitting around whining about this and that. Meliah Rage features twin guitars and bass riffs that could bring any guitarist to their knees, and driving, hard-hitting drums that are absolutely the force behind every song. The music they’ve put together is my favorite part to this album. It is thrash, but progressive, melodic, and in its own way beautiful. The guitars work so well together, perfectly harmonized and moving especially in the instrumental “Absolute Obedience” featuring audio clips about World War 2.The vocals have an 80’s thrash sound to them much like the likes of Metallica in their earlier albums. Upon first listening had someone told me this was James Hetfield’s other band from 1990 or so, I’d completely believe it. Especially in the track “Where Nothing Ever Grows” I can seriously hear some Metallica influence. This song sounds to me like it is some long lost track on Master of Puppets.They’ve managed to incorporate many different styles and emotions within the album, while consistently sticking with a relatively sad or gloomy tone about feeling Dead to the World… one might say. The sad lyrics that would normally be read as a cry out for help are cleverly disguised in the heavy music and angry vocal style of Souza. “Time Won’t Let Me Breathe” is a great example of this trick. Paying attention to the lyrics, you can hear a lot of sadness and struggle. However, the thrash elements pick you up throughout the song and help you to look past the sadness and see the beauty of what the song really is – a fantastic heavy metal track.All around, the album isn’t going to launch these guys into the mainstream heavy metal world but it’s a great addition to the US metal scene. I’m sure we’d all agree our scene here is severely lacking a true heavy sound like Meliah Rage. They’re an old school metal sound for a new generation of metal heads that I truly look forward to hearing more from in the future.

Line Up:

Stuart Dowie Drums (1987-1992, 2005-present) - See also: Bad Karma
Jim Koury Guitars (1987-present) - See also: ex-Cactus Land
Anthony Nichols Guitars (1987-present) - See also: Mexican Ape-Lord, ex-Cactus Land
Paul Souza Vocals (2003-2007, 2011, 2017-present) - See also: ex-Cactus Land
Darren Lourie Bass (2006-present) - See also: ex-Every Second, ex-JetFuel

Tracklist:

01. Up In Flames
02. Valley Of The Shadowless Souls
03. Skin and Bones
04. Absolute Obedience (Instrumental)
05. Where Nothing Ever Grows
06. Never From Me
07. Cold Cruel Fate
08. Time Won't Let Me Breathe
09. Awaken Sorrow
10. Up In Flames (Demo'94) (Bonus Track)
11. Cold Cruel Fate (Demo'94) (Bonus Track)

+ Video "Where Nothing Ever Grows" (Official Video)



Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Meliah Rage - Warrior (2014)













Year : 2014
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 111 mb

Bio:

Boston based MELIAH RAGE was founded in 1987 under the leadership of guitarist/songwriter Anthony Nichols. The band, consisting of Mike Munro on vocals, Anthony Nichols on guitar, Jim Koury on guitar, Stuart Dowie on drums and Jesse Johnson on bass, forged a distinct sound of aggressive, heavy rhythm with searing melodies and catchy arrangements. A three-song demo was recorded in 1987.Although determined in his mission of metal, Nichols had spent a brief tour with the seminal Boston hardcore band, GANG GREEN. The association with the band would eventually pay off however, as it led to MELIAH RAGE’s official launch. The manager of GANG GREEN took them in and had two major labels look at them within a month. MELIAH RAGE signed to Epic Records after only 8 shows. A band playing this style of music signing to a major label for their debut was unheard of in 1988.The group recorded their first album, entitled “Kill To Survive”, released in 1988. The debut melded the band’s various influences, and was quite different from anything released at the time. Rather than relying on 2-dimensional, lightning riffing, the band used a more melodic, mid-tempo rhythm, injecting haunting lyrical material that revolved around the frailties of humanity, hypocrisy, corruption, abuse. The video for “Beginning Of The End” aired on MTV worldwide.In 1989 the band embarked on a three month US tour with heavyweights METAL CHURCH. The Detroit show was recorded and the live EP “Live Kill” was released later that year. The band also hit the stage with the likes of SLAYER, TESTAMENT, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, MANOWAR, OVERKILL, MEGADETH, MORBID ANGEL and others that and the following year.In 1990 the band returned to the studio and recorded their second album “Solitary Solitude” which to this day is considered an underrated classic. A video for the song “The Witching” was shot and aired on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. A five week European tour soon followed and MELIAH RAGE seemed to be on their way to the top of the heavy metal world.Unfortunately, the musical tide was changing. The early ’90s hit and MELIAH RAGE, like so many other bands of the time, was dropped in favor of the Seattle sound. After some time off the band re-grouped with the addition of then drummer Sully Erna (future GODSMACK vocalist) and bassist Keith Vogele. The new lineup recorded demos, played some shows over a couple of years and searched for a record deal, but it was becoming apparent that there wasn’t much room for this style of music in the early ’90s. Meanwhile, Nichols also worked on a side project, CACTUS LAND, with Koury and vocalist Paul Souza. Despite not landing a contract, Nichols’ collaboration with Souza would prove to be beneficial for the future.Still in December 2010 MELIAH RAGE was approached by Metal On Metal Records and the agreement for releasing the band’s next album was soon reached. The band continued tracking “Dead To The World” from January to May 2011. Their 7th studio album was released on July 28th and brings some classic US power metal mixed with a dose of thrash, with great melodies and crunchy riffs.This year the band have announced the addition of singer Marc Lopes to the group's ranks. The band currently has a new album, "Warrior", with a release date of April 25th, 2014. Lopes, who hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was previously involved with DARK DAY SUNDAY, the old-school thrash outfit featuring FATES WARNING guitarist Frank Aresti and SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner.

Album:

On their eighth studio album with their newest vocalist Marc Lopes, Boston Thrash Metal piece MELIAH RAGE will certainly have Thrash Metal fans eating out of the palms of their hands.Being a new listener to the band I am reminded of Thrash Metal legends such as ICED EARTH and the new age Thrashers EVILE. However the album “Warrior” did not exactly have me blown away as I found myself doing other things whilst the album was playing, thus losing its essence as it just passed me by without inflicting what it should. As much as I tried to immerse myself into the album, with another listening session, the un-original melodies that all sounded similar simply left me unfulfilled and there was nothing to fill that void after the last song, “In Hate”, was finished playing.One good thing I do have to say about the album was the excellent guitar work within the solos and the riffs. Anthony Nichols and Jim Koury really have a good thing going on, sadly that their work didn’t made a much stronger impact on the album’s overall drift.Like I said about MELIAH RAGE, Thrash Metal fans, and I assume diehard fans of the band, may enjoy this spectacle but for me the album just didn’t quite cut it, just a stone in a sea of stones.

Line Up:

Marc Lopes - Vocals (2013-present) - See also: ex-Hammersmyth, ex-Trigger Effect, Dark Day Sunday, Hellspeak
Anthony Nichols- Guitars (1987-present) - See also: Mexican Ape-Lord
Jim Koury - Guitars (1987-present)
Darren Lourie - Bass (2006-present) - See also: ex-Every Second
Stuart Dowie - Drums (1987-1992, 2005-present) - See also: ex-Bad Karma

Tracklist:

01. Warrior 05:38
02. I Am the Pain 04:55
03. Stranger to Your Sympathy 05:53
04. When We Wake 03:35
05. A Dying Day 06:15
06. These Scars 06:04
07. Garden of Evil 05:44 instrumental
08. In Hate 04:03



Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Meliah Rage - Idol Hands (2018)













Year : 2018
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video
Size : 111 mb

Bio:

Boston based MELIAH RAGE was founded in 1987 under the leadership of guitarist/songwriter Anthony Nichols. The band, consisting of Mike Munro on vocals, Anthony Nichols on guitar, Jim Koury on guitar, Stuart Dowie on drums and Jesse Johnson on bass, forged a distinct sound of aggressive, heavy rhythm with searing melodies and catchy arrangements. A three-song demo was recorded in 1987.Although determined in his mission of metal, Nichols had spent a brief tour with the seminal Boston hardcore band, GANG GREEN. The association with the band would eventually pay off however, as it led to MELIAH RAGE’s official launch. The manager of GANG GREEN took them in and had two major labels look at them within a month. MELIAH RAGE signed to Epic Records after only 8 shows. A band playing this style of music signing to a major label for their debut was unheard of in 1988.The group recorded their first album, entitled “Kill To Survive”, released in 1988. The debut melded the band’s various influences, and was quite different from anything released at the time. Rather than relying on 2-dimensional, lightning riffing, the band used a more melodic, mid-tempo rhythm, injecting haunting lyrical material that revolved around the frailties of humanity, hypocrisy, corruption, abuse. The video for “Beginning Of The End” aired on MTV worldwide.In 1989 the band embarked on a three month US tour with heavyweights METAL CHURCH. The Detroit show was recorded and the live EP “Live Kill” was released later that year. The band also hit the stage with the likes of SLAYER, TESTAMENT, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, MANOWAR, OVERKILL, MEGADETH, MORBID ANGEL and others that and the following year.In 1990 the band returned to the studio and recorded their second album “Solitary Solitude” which to this day is considered an underrated classic. A video for the song “The Witching” was shot and aired on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. A five week European tour soon followed and MELIAH RAGE seemed to be on their way to the top of the heavy metal world.Unfortunately, the musical tide was changing. The early ’90s hit and MELIAH RAGE, like so many other bands of the time, was dropped in favor of the Seattle sound. After some time off the band re-grouped with the addition of then drummer Sully Erna (future GODSMACK vocalist) and bassist Keith Vogele. The new lineup recorded demos, played some shows over a couple of years and searched for a record deal, but it was becoming apparent that there wasn’t much room for this style of music in the early ’90s. Meanwhile, Nichols also worked on a side project, CACTUS LAND, with Koury and vocalist Paul Souza. Despite not landing a contract, Nichols’ collaboration with Souza would prove to be beneficial for the future.Still in December 2010 MELIAH RAGE was approached by Metal On Metal Records and the agreement for releasing the band’s next album was soon reached. The band continued tracking “Dead To The World” from January to May 2011. Their 7th studio album was released on July 28th and brings some classic US power metal mixed with a dose of thrash, with great melodies and crunchy riffs.This year the band have announced the addition of singer Marc Lopes to the group's ranks. The band currently has a new album, "Warrior", with a release date of April 25th, 2014. Lopes, who hails from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was previously involved with DARK DAY SUNDAY, the old-school thrash outfit featuring FATES WARNING guitarist Frank Aresti and SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner.

Album:

The North American Metal School was amazing in the 80’s. At the same time, we had the outbreak of Glam Metal bands in Los Angeles (of course many bands arose on the other states of the country, but the musical movement itself was based there), USA traditional Heavy Metal School and Thrash Metal School started to show their fingers as well. In its fertility, Boston gave birth to MELIAH RAGE, a very good Thrash/Heavy Metal band. As they are active since the 80’s, they are releasing their latest album now (along with a rerecorded version for “Dead to the World”), and it’s called “Idol Hands”.We can say that they are a Thrash Metal band with a strong melodic outfit (inspired on NWOBHM and USA’s 70’s Hard Rock), similar to that one of METALLICA in their beginning. But hold your horses: “similar” doesn’t mean “equal”, because these guys have guts, and their music evolved a lot as time passed by. Now, they show their musical roots, but with a modern and energetic form. It means that their music never grows old, and how good they still are, in the same way we can find on “Kill to Survive” and “Solitary Solitude” (their earlier albums).“Idol Hands” was produced, mixed and mastered by Peter Rutcho (except for the vocals, that were produced by Rich Spillberg), and the sound quality is really near perfection, heavy and aggressive as their music needs, but clean in a way we can understand everything that is being played. The instrumental tunes were chosen in a way that their songs would sound modern, but respecting their long musical history as well. So be prepared, because these guys aren’t kidding, and they will tear your ears apart with their music!All the songs of the album are really excellent, and we can name the raw and grasping energy of “The Kill-All Rule” (very good guitar riffs with a melodic aesthetics that bring to mind the melodies from Hard Rock of the past), the brutal grasp imposed by the slow tempos of “Dark as Your Thoughts” (the vocals are fitting perfectly on the instrumental lines), the fast tempos and energetic insight used to pump up “Idol Hands”, the sharp guitar attack of catchy riffs shown on “Sentenced to Life” (and what good chorus), and the bitterness that is spread by the excellent rhythm of “Infernal Bleeding” as their finest shots.Excellent band, and even not being their best album, “Idol Hands” is really great!

Line Up:

Paul Souza - Vocals (2003-2007, 2011, 2017-present) - See also: ex-Cactus Land
Jim Koury - Guitars (1987-present) - See also: ex-Cactus Land
Anthony Nichols - Guitars (1987-present) - See also: Mexican Ape-Lord, ex-Cactus Land
Darren Lourie - Bass (2006-present) - See also: ex-Every Second, ex-JetFuel
Stuart Dowie - Drums (1987-1992, 2005-present) - See also: Bad Karma

Tracklist:

01. The Kill-All Rule
02. Dark as Your Thoughts
03. Idol Hands
04. Crushed Beneath My Heel
05. Sentenced to Life
06. Absolute Power
07. Infernal Bleeding
08. Where Darkness Lies

+ Video "Dark as Your Thoughts" (Official Video)



Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/