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MOB RULES
"Rise of the Ruler" (Roar;
2025)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Germany's melodic power metal band return with another slab of solid hard rock/heavy metal, delivering 11 tracks that act as chapters in their latest story. "Rise of the Ruler" is, without question, a concept album, telling a full tale like some of the band's previous albums. Fans of that type of storytelling will relish the storytelling of "Rise of the Ruler" while others (like me) just want to have my ass kicked by some epic rock'n'roll.
Thankfully, both of those groups will be pleased with the results here. "Rise of the Ruler" is a big-sounding album, with explosively hard-rocking tunes featuring excellent musicianship and vocal performances, plus a production value that keeps the heaviness bright, massive and driving throughout the very same track. The album begins with a spoken-word intro, setting the stage for the forthcoming story, and then kicks into high gear with track two, "Exiled," with its speedy tempo and edgy guitars. Most of the tracks are heavier, with sometimes slower introductions and interludes, and a couple are flat-out ballads ("Nomadic Oasis," which sounds something like a Scorpions tune with Bruce Dickinson vocals and "On the Trail," the quietest tune on the entire album, but set in an important place in the track list and story.
My favorite tracks were the fiery "Future Loom," with its lightning sharp guitars, the bigger-than-life "Back to Savage Land" and its galloping rhythm, and the aforementioned "On the Trail," a heartfelt tune with emotional vocals and an acoustic sound that fits it to a T.
Fans of power metal, hard rock and concept albums will find plenty to their liking with "Rise of the Ruler" by Mob Rules.
For more information, check out https://mobrules.bandcamp.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2025 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
