Sometimes referred to as V.S. Almanac or Victor Smolski’s Almanac, this is the band formed by ex-Rage guitarist Smolski. This 2016 was the debut release, and he brought in three singers in to help him out, namely Jeannette Marchewka who he had performed with in Lingua Mortis Orchestra, along with David Readman (Pink Cream 69) and Andy B. Franck (Brainstorm). The line-up is completed by Armin Alic (bass), Michael Kolar (drums) and Enric Garcia (keyboards). Playing this album and there is no doubt at all who is the person behind it, as this is Rage with some symphonic elements, combined with great vocals. I have been a fan of Rage for probably 20 years and was introduced to them when the line-up was the trio of Smolski, Peavy and Terrana and was always blown away by the massive sound they were able to produce. Here Smolski is taking this to another level and is able to do just what he wants as this is his band, not Peavy’s. I mean, there is even throat singing at the beginning of “No More Shadows”!

Rage have of course also spawned Refuge (which is an old line-up of Rage), and with Almanac we have another flavour of that melodic form of power metal combined with those symphonic sounds, plus three singers bringing their voices together, and behind it all is that rich guitar of Smolski. He writes songs that are immediate, anthemic and full of power and passion. It would be interesting to put him and Tuomas Holopainen in a room together as I am sure they would come up with something incredibly interesting, but even without the Nightwish keyboard player to hand this is an incredibly compelling album, full of punch, vigour and enjoyment. The first time of playing this is an album which gets inside the head of the listener, and repeated playings just reinforce that. For any fan of Rage-style power metal, from the guy who has been guitarist in that band for more than twice as long as anyone else. Here he is taking it to the next level, a continuation of all he had done before.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://www.almanac.band/
https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/