Although 'Peter Wagner' disbanded 'Rage' after the disappointing 'Execution Guaranteed', he thankfully reformed them as a three piece less than a year later. 'Perfect Man' is a huge step in the right direction, as the sound and song writing is leaps and bounds better than the last two releases, forsaken is the uninspired Thrashy material as a more Melodic Speed / Power Metal sound is laid down. At times a little unevenness of past releases can just be heard, but this is still a much superior release and the start of a string of fine albums for 'Rage'. Musically the tracks benefit from a marked improvement in 'Peter Wagner's' vocals, while guitarist 'Manni Schmidt' is a skilled shredder and drummer 'Chris Efthidiadis' is accomplished and uncompromising in the Power Metal vein.

'Wasteland' opens proceedings in brisk pulsating fashion, as 'Peavey' and 'Efthidiadis' lay down a rigorous rhythm, but what makes the track for me is the great guitar hooks and solos from 'Schmidt' who immediately impresses. The pace subsides for the melodic grooves of 'In the Darkest Hour', overall a decent effort but lyrically a little light and 'Peavey's' vocals aren't quite so convincing. Back on track is 'Animal Instinct' a song which balances pure Power Metal grooves on the chorus with more melodic verses, as with 'In the Darkest Hour', not all the vocals come off, but still a strong effort. Better still is the title track, which rides upon the divine pulsating rhythm and although the chorus becomes a little trite, still an enjoyable effort, complete with more flashes of choice guitar work. Next up is 'Sinister Thinking' a song which is a little reminiscent of earlier work, with it's simple structure and basic approach, and while there's some nice touches along the way, far too repetitive by the end. The strangely titled 'Supersonic Hydromatic' follows and while I haven't a clue as to what the song is about, it's still quite catchy and ultimately charming, albeit weird. They step it up a notch for the superb 'Don't Fear the Winter', after a pure Speed Metal intro, we are propelled into early 'Rage' Power Metal, which is not only fast and uncompromising but peculiarly appealing and graced with some splendid neo-classical fret work from 'Manni Schmidt'. Following in fine form is 'Death in the Afternoon', an unusually penned number, but upheld by fine rhythm work, catchy chorus and another strong guitar solo. The pace is upped further for the sublime rocker 'A Pilgrims Path' and here we start to see how 'Peavey's' voice has really developed, the quality vocals combines with some more superb instrumentation, for one of the best tracks present. The tempo drops for the mid paced 'Time and Pace', a decent slower effort but definitely not one of the best, 'Peter Wagner' sounds a little screechy in places and overall the song comes across repetitive. Back on target is the pulsating groover 'Round Trip' that despite the unusual lyrics is still a solid track, while 'Between the Lines' is a blazing Melodic Power Metal ripper in the vein of late 80's 'Riot'. 'Symbols of Our Fear' ensues in a similar approach and highlights some great free flowing guitaring, a typical 'Rage' catchy chorus and more stalwart rhythm work from 'Peavey' and 'Chris Efthidiadis'. Sadly a memorable album trails off with the worst track present 'Neurotic', a comical effort that comes off crude, trite and ultimately disappointing.

Bonus tracks on the re-mastered version of 'Perfect Man' included three live tracks originally taken from 'Power of Metal'. First up is 'Shame on You' a mystical sounding number with Eastern undertones, although a departure for 'Rage', this is still a strong version of an enjoyable song. Better still is the live working of 'Don't Fear the Winter', which blazes away with plenty of deft fret work and 'Peavey's' powerful vocals. Less frantic is 'Certain Days' a rhythm heavy plodder, highlighting fine instrumentation, choice solos and a strong chorus. Next up is 'Last Goodbye' taken from the E.P 'Beyond the Wall', a pretty basic song that probably lacks some of 'Rage's' usual refinements, especially that of the chorus. Last up is a live acoustic rendition of 'Not Forever' and as with most of 'Rages' acoustic workings, is surprisingly enjoyable.

A complete turn around from 'Execution Guaranteed', that's well worth checking out for any Metal fan and as with all 'Rage's' re-mastered albums excellent value for money.