In all honesty this album is my first full taste of 'Rage' and can only kick myself for not getting into them earlier, as 'Soundchaser' is a cracking instalment of Power Metal. For those like myself who are not overly familiar with 'Rage' they play a kind of Technical European Melodic Metal in the vein of 'Stratovarius' but with a measure of 'Iced Earth' only not quite as punishing. Along with fellow German outfits, 'Udo', 'Axel Rudi Pell' 'Helloween' and 'Sinner' are still flying the flag for quality Metal and get my full respect. The technical ability displayed on 'Soundchaser' is top notch with some cracking rhythms and fret work plastered throughout the album. If I had one mute point it would be the concept of which this album is based, "The Creature displayed on the cover of this and many 'Rage' albums". To be forthright "The Creature" is just a model of a human skull with two profiled sheets of metal riveted to it to make up a jaw and far from a sentient being, even in the wildest imagination, despite this the song writing is still very strong and matched by a superior production.

A short mystical introduction entitled 'Orgy of Destruction' opens the album and apart from the quirky voiceovers acts as a fine lead-up to the first full track 'War of The Worlds'. This blistering blazer is the first of many Power Metal gems, complete with hearty riffs and shredding guitars, yet still manages to incorporate a catchy melodic chorus. Slightly less punishing but still excellent is 'Great Old Ones', a very well penned pulsating number which again embodies a memorable chorus. Even better is the stunning title track with it's divine grooving rhythm and pummelling drum work, vocally 'Peter Wagner' sound superb, melodic on the choruses yet ripping on the faster verses, he is supported excellently with glorious hooks and riffs from the impressive 'Victor Smolski'- a real jewel. Continuing in similar vein is 'Defenders of the Ancient World' another brisk hard hitter, not quite as complex as many tracks and includes a slightly repetitive chorus but still a decent number. 'Secrets in a Weird World' moves us into 'Stratovarius' territory with the piano and keyboard work, a little light in places and occasionally a tad awkward but far from a disappointing track. Next up is the 'Flesh & Blood' and after an atmospheric intro builds into a powerful mid tempo number, this vocally challenging piece brings out the best of 'Peter Wagner' while the mystical instrumental break is superb. The pace is resurrected with the crunchy anthemic ripper 'Human Metal', which highlights a sharp and potent rhythm section, along with a fist raising chorus and shredding axe work to get the blood pumping. Next up is the brisk rocker 'See you in Heaven or Hell', another hearty track but perhaps let down a little by the disjointed chorus, which reminds me of 'Stratovarius's' weaker offerings, other than that it's a decent journey. The album closes with a two parter entitled 'Falling from Grace'. First up is 'Wake the Nightmare' and promises a ballad with the gothic acoustic approach, this is soon forgotten through as the instrumentation kicks in, throughout the track there is a clever balance between melodic sections with thumping riffs and rhythm work. Lastly we are gifted 'Death is on it's Way' which proceeds in similar fashion as 'Wake the Nightmare' with a lighter intro which builds into a Power Metal thumper complete with 'Impellitteri' style fret work- checkout the closing sequence pure class.

Ok I'm not taken in by the concept, but quality is quality and that's what we have here. Fans of Power Metal should definitely check this out, as its one of the best albums of the year.