Rock ’n’ roll never dies, it just finds new places to hide. This time it’s surfaced in Pori, Finland, where Rust N’ Rage are flying the flag like it’s 1986 all over again. Vince, Johnny, Jezzie, and Eddy aren’t just a band – they’re a gang, and “Songs Of Yesterday” is their calling card.
The title track kicks things off with a solo Richie Sambora would’ve killed for back in the day, and from there the intent is clear: big choruses, bigger guitars, and no apologies. “One For All (And All For One)” cements that gang mentality – they’re in it together, and you’re either with them or in the way.
And that’s the joy of Rust N’ Rage. You don’t pick it apart, you just remember why you loved this music in the first place. “Just Like Brothers” is tailor-made for fists in the air, while “Hey Jane” proves that being 80s-flavoured doesn’t have to mean dated.
Of course, no hard rock album is complete without a ballad, and “Gone But Never Forgotten” ticks the box with a country-fried twist. But they’re more convincing when things get grimier – the filthy swagger of “Rollin’ Till The Morning” is where they sound most at home.
There’s a streak of metal here too. “Open Fire” rumbles like classic denim and leather, “I Am The One” oozes confidence, and “Gave It All I Got” shows unexpected maturity in its slower, reflective moments. But don’t worry, they close exactly how they should – with “Fire It Up”, a raucous, reckless sprint for the finish line.
We were told this kind of music was dead. Wrong. When the apocalypse finally comes, it’ll be this – and thrash – still blasting from the ruins.
RATING: 8.5/10
