Once upon a time, The Rods were known as “The American Motorhead”, but it’s the fact that they were contemporaries of Anvil and Raven that most inform this.
Let’s be honest, if we’ve got a Premier League of metal bands then Anvil aren’t in it, and as much fun as they and the real Gallagher brothers are, then they aren’t at the cutting edge.
Neither is this.
Instead “Rattle The Cage” is a testament to the enduring spirit of classic metal, drawing influences from the likes of Deep Purple and Rainbow. The album is a riff-heavy journey, with tracks such as “Now And Forever” showcasing a fusion of Deep Purple and Rainbow vibes, creating a wholly metal experience. The unmistakable metal essence permeates through titles like “Metal Highways,” “Hell Or High Water,” “Play It Loud,” and “Shockwave,” each living up to the genre’s denim and leather legacy.
In a nostalgic nod to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) days, “Hearts Of Steel” transports listeners back to a time when the genre was finding its roots. “Now And Forever” stands out as a hymn to metal itself, delivered with loud, proud anthems and horns held high. The Rods skillfully navigate the familiar terrain of generic yet quintessentially metal song titles, proving that the magic lies in the execution rather than the novelty.
“Wolves At The Door” and “No Or Never” contribute to the album’s overall riff-heavy nature, while “Can’t Slow Down” adds an ironic twist to the metal repertoire. With “Rattle The Cage,” The Rods deliver a solid metal experience, a testament to their understanding and celebration of the genre’s core elements. Whether it’s the homage to NWOBHM or the unabashed embrace of classic metal clichés, this album proudly affirms its place in the denim-and-leather-clad world of metal.
If originality is your thing then look elsewhere, if on the other hand, you fancy 45 minutes from a band with 45 years behind them, with your horns up, this will do.
Rating 6/10
REVIEW IN BRIEF: THE RODS – RATTLE THE CAGE (2024)
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