What better way to celebrate a 20th anniversary than with a double live album, 'Rage' have certainly "pulled out all the stops" for a fantastic journey through their back catalogue of material. The set list incorporates tracks from their early days when they were called 'Avenger' right through to their last release 'Soundchaser'. In all honesty, as they have taken tracks from throughout their career this isn't really the best set list they could have come up with, I mean can 'Suicide' from 'Reign of Fear' really be classed as one of their best song- I don't think so. I personally would have liked to of heard more from their golden period of 'Trapped', 'The Missing Link' and 'Black in Mind' with maybe the song 'Down by Law' representing their earlier period. Production wise this is very good, at times the drums are a little heavy in the mix, but it's pretty crisp with the only overdubs being due to microphone problems, while the German crowd are lively and really add to the atmosphere. Perhaps some of the subtleties and refinements of the songs are lost in the live translation, but overlooking my hair splitting, this is a superb representation of 'Rage's last 20 years.

Unsurprisingly 'From the Cradle to the Stage' opens with the first three tracks from 'Soundchaser' and first up is the introduction 'Orgy of Destruction' which sounds more or less exactly the same as on the album proper. Then it's into 'War of Words' a thumping rendition of a superb song, which blisters along with uncompromising rhythm, while 'Great Old Ones' ebbs and flows like the original, overall a little heavier, but at the sacrifice of a little refinement- still exceptional though. The pace subsides for the a fine run-through of the melodic rocker 'Paint the Devil on the Wall' which incorporates some splendid guitaring from 'Victor Smolski'. The pace is lifted for a brisk rendition of 'Sent by the Devil', a little too rowdy and crude at times for my liking, while 'Firestorm' is a solid rendition of a glorious track which highlights 'Peavy' on strong vocal form. Better still the belting 'Down' from 'Unity' a more modern pulsating track, but extremely catchy and graced with impressive fret work and sharp vocals. 'Rage' then take us on a journey to their very first album with 'Prayers of Steel' from their debut under the name 'Avenger', this is the first time I've heard this song and it's pretty good, sort of 'Manowar' meets 'Rage', the lyrics are fairly cliché but I kind of like them, the driving rhythm and guitar work are also impressive. Surprisingly 'Suicide' from 'Reign of Fear' makes an unwelcome appearance and while this is better than the original it's still a dull, repetitive song, despite 'Peavy's' improved vocals- I would have rather heard 'Down by Law' instead. Back on track is the masterful 'Days of December', which ensues as a pulsating groover but drops in pace to a catchy, stunningly penned, mid tempo rocker which is supported by a powerful, passionately sung chorus and comes with a cracking instrumental break- great song live or otherwise. Next up is the instrumental 'Unity' a lively, multi layered piece that while not entirely in the Power Metal vein, is still entertaining, this leads nicely into 'Mike Terrana's' drum solo and while better than his live effort on 'Axel Rudi Pell's' 'Knights Live', still too long and predictable. The tempo is lifted for the chugging 'Enough is Enough' a carefree sounding track graced with solid fret work, and while lyrically it's not one of their best, still a pleasant journey. Not quite hitting the mark is 'Invisible Horizons', 'Peavy' doesn't quite work the lyrics to the best of his ability as they come off sounding fairly scratchy, overlooking this the instrumentation is particularly strong. 'Set this World on Fire' close the first disc in solid fashion, after the subtle intro, picks up into a pulsating rocker, braced with skilled guitaring, sharper vocals and the usual relentless drumming of 'Mike Terrana'.

Disc two opens with one of the best tracks from 'Soundchaser' 'Flesh and Blood' and fails to disappoint as they match the studio version for conviction and passion. A guitar solo by 'Victor Smolski' follows and while a tad longwinded and not entirely fitting in with the other tracks, a skilled and enjoyable piece. Better still is the title track from the last album 'Soundchaser', a superb pulsating and catchy song and although a little definition is lost from the studio counterpart, still an excellent version. Following strongly is the lively and enjoyable 'Straight to Hell' while 'Back in Time' ebbs and flows like the original from the overlooked album 'Ghost'. The pace is lifted further for a punishing run-through of 'Refuge', while an atmospheric rendition of 'From the Cradle to the Grave' also impresses. The heavy pulsating 'Black in Mind' follows and fails to disappoint as this short but outstanding track is performed uncompromisingly with thundering rhythm work and effective vocals. The brisk pace continues with a blazing run-through of 'Solitary Man' which in turn gives way to one of my personal favourites 'Don't Fear the Winter', that features plenty of audience participation. Next up is 'All I Want' from 'Unity' and this contrasting cut balances Power Metal with lighter sections, occasional not all the vocals comes off, but the instrumentation is superb. The album closes with a 10 minute audience driven rendition of 'Higher than the Sky', perhaps a tad drawn-out but still a strong effort.

A splendid overview of an underrated career, lets hope 'Rage' can continue recording throughout the next 20 years.