Get ready for a new sonic assault! The legendary John Ricci, a name synonymous with the pioneering sounds of EXCITER, is back and ready to unleash his brand-new musical vision with his latest project, POWERRAGE. This isn't just a comeback; it's a complete reinvention, and their debut album, "Beast," is set to drop on April 24th via High Roller Records. If you thought you knew what to expect, think again!
But here's where it gets interesting... While John Ricci is a foundational figure in EXCITER's storied past, he's made it abundantly clear that POWERRAGE is not an attempt to recapture former glories. "With this band, I didn't want to be another EXCITER," Ricci states emphatically. "It was time to move on." He emphasizes that even though EXCITER's sound was heavily influenced by his guitar work, he's starting POWERRAGE from a completely blank slate. This commitment to forging a new path, rather than leaning on past achievements, is a bold move in the music industry.
And this is the part most people miss... Ricci is the sole architect behind "Beast," having penned all the music, lyrics, and melodies himself. This means POWERRAGE is 100% John Ricci's unfiltered musical vision. He assures fans that all eight brand-new songs on the album are original creations, free from any recycled riffs from his EXCITER days. The album was meticulously mixed and mastered by the acclaimed Dan Swanö at Unisound, with captivating artwork by Mario Lopez.
Joining Ricci in POWERRAGE are bassist Todd Pilon (formerly of WITCHKILLER) and drummer Lucas Dery. The vocal duties are handled by Jacques Bélanger, a familiar voice to EXCITER fans, having lent his talents to three of their albums: "The Dark Command" (1997), "Blood Of Tyrants" (2000), and "New Testament" (2004). This lineup promises a potent blend of experience and fresh energy.
The tracklist for "Beast" is as follows:
- Dark Wings
- Cremation Damnation
- Dragon Man
- Haunted Hell
- I Torture I Kill
- The Devil Is Screaming
- Damned And Cursed
- The Black Mass
Now, let's delve into some history that might raise an eyebrow... It's worth remembering Ricci's previous departures from EXCITER. Over seven years ago, in September 2018, bassist Allan Johnson spoke about Ricci's exit, noting that it remained somewhat of a mystery. Johnson expressed surprise, stating that Ricci simply said he was "getting fed up and he wants out," without providing a concrete reason. This led to Daniel Dekay stepping in as the new guitarist.
Ricci's first departure from EXCITER was back in 1985, shortly after the release of their seminal early albums. Allan Johnson even recalled the eerie sense of déjà vu, texting drummer Dan Beehler, "Guess what — it's 1985 all over again." In that instance, Ricci also left abruptly, stating he was done and encouraging the band to continue without him. They brought back original guitarist Brian McPhee for that period.
Here's a question for you: Does John Ricci's desire to create something entirely new with POWERRAGE, distinct from his past with EXCITER, signal a healthy evolution for an artist, or does it leave you wondering what could have been if he had continued to build upon the EXCITER legacy? What are your thoughts on artists deliberately distancing themselves from their most famous work? Let us know in the comments below!
