For me, 1984’s ‘Metal Without Mercy’ EP was something special, so it is with a little apprehension and excitement that a new release by the reformed Ruthless should come my way. The opening gambit ‘Defender’ leaves me with no doubts what so ever. It’s actually verging into speed metal territory. Some of the vocal phrases and rhythms can have you thinking of ‘Rotten to the Core’ by Overkill, or is that just me? It has a similar stance for me. But back to traditional US metal style, ‘Laceration’ hammers hard and will appease many Iced Earth fans. There is a strong sense of dynamics about the track and it is epic in its own right.
‘Hang Man’ is another speedier number, a ravaging assault into thoroughbred metal, its works on all accounts, the energy transmitted to your ears is immense. ‘Out of the Ashes’ has a nice lyric relating to the band themselves by my reckoning, the only track I am not keen on simply due to the vocal phrasing of the chorus line if ‘Systematic Terror’, although musically, this is another fine example of combining US metal’s speed with some emotive slower tempos, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a ripping solo either. Sammy DeJohn’s vocals are in a higher key than the original EP, but that just shows the range possible with this band.
The final 5 tracks of this 14 track album are actually the ‘Metal Without Mercy’ EP tracks that I mentioned earlier, therefore we have a complete package on offer with some awesome artwork too. So rejoice in the classics such as ‘Bury the Axe’ and Gates of Hell’, they are reborn here, they are truly deserving of admiration. Like many bands from this period, Ruthless had (and still have) a lot more talent than some of the breakthrough artists had/have from the same time period. Let’s hope this time around Ruthless get the credit they deserve.
After 30 plus years waiting, I am really pleased with the results of ‘They Rise’. This is an album for true US metal fans and something that a younger generation can easily digest as it does not sound dated one little bit. ‘They Rise’ is a thunderous raging assault through some classic tight US metal, this is how to make your presence felt!
(9/10 Paul Maddison)
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