Execution Guaranteed

This album is a step up from the previous. There is the usual complement of speed metal songs, but the song arrangements are much more interesting, with a few really nice thrash breaks thrown in for effect, as well as some of the more melodic stuff that Rage would be known for on later works.

The good: "Down by Law" - you really can't fuck up an album opener, as general principle. "Execution Guaranteed" - another great song, at 6 minutes long they have the time to throw in some new ideas, and that they do, including the aforementioned thrash riffs, and a middle part that sounds little like the ends.

"Before the Storm" shows a more melodic side of the band, with a sing-along chorus that would not be out of place on Perfect Man or even Reflections of a Shadow.

The rest: varies in quality. "When You're Dead" is average speed metal. I mean, if you worship speed metal, like me, you'll like this song. "Hatred" is a bit more midpaced, and sometimes a bit boring. "Streetwolf" is quite boring for the first four minutes before going to double speed. "Mental Decay" is nice speed metal, and so is "Deadly Error", other than the silly "Future World" effects.

Overall, it's pretty decent - a step up over the previous album.