Lingua Mortis Orchestra featuring Rage - LMO (2013)

Behind the Lingua Mortis Orchestra is German metal band Rage, a band that remains largely unknown outside of Europe but has a long and powerful discography. Rage are seen as a German power metal band but they've never been content with doing just that and they've also made incursions into thrash, speed and progressive metal; amongst others. Not happy with that, Rage were also one of the first bands to produce an original album with an orchestra and doing so without compromising on guitars and heaviness. 

LMO is a continuation of the orchestral experiment they started back in 1996 and sees them once again in good form. The guitar riffs are powerful and heavy, the solos incredibly sharp and the rhythm section is as well oiled as you would expect from a veteran band like this. The orchestra and the band work together and mix seamlessly in a great mix of classical music and metal. The excellent (and long) opening track Cleansed by Fire (see the video below) is a great example of what to expect from this album. 

One of the problems with the album is the concept album nature of it. Unfortunately, some parts and songs lose steam. But there's plenty to like here and Rage demonstrate once again why they have always been one of the most loved German metal bands in Europe. Don't be fooled, this is an expansive album made to enjoy at home and there are plenty of killer tracks here.

Rating: Good Vibrations