Rusty Cage - "...Imago..." (B.S.E. Records)
Rusty Cage - "...Imago..." (B.S.E. Records)
From Aural Innovations #24 (July 2003)
Well, despite the name, the band has nothing to do with Soundgarden and is not influenced by them in any way. The four piece German band play melodic hard rock with some good strong songs and melodies. The opening track, "Circus Ring" is a strong rock ballad. "Daily Movie" brings in a heavier riff and reminds me of some of the 80’s metal stuff. Some really cool freaky guitar as well. "Cash Healer" has an almost reggae rhythm to it as the title track, "Imago", certainly does. Quite an incredible mix here. "Passing Lane" starts with a really cool bass line that is sort of warbly and fades away. The song becomes a pretty normal rock song. "Wake me, When I’m Dead" is one of my favorites. Not really what I expected when I heard the CD but it takes a few listens for this band to grow on you. A very personalized style of melodic hard rock. Hard to place the influences and not outwardly commercial. The packaging on the CD and artwork is really great. I could not find any web page for this band but there is a contact address for those interested in hearing more about them. I don’t read German very well but it appears this CD was actually recorded back in May 1997 and only released now in 2003.
For more information you can email Rusty Cage at: pond@s-direktnet.de.
Contact via snail mail c/o M. Straka; GroBer Garten. 13; D75203 Königsbach-Stein; Germany.
Reviewed by Scott Heller