Rage Members, Gear & Sound
German metal band
Members
Select a Rage band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Rage is a German heavy metal band known for its dynamic blend of progressive metal, power metal, and thrash metal. Formed in 1984 under the original name Avenger, they rebranded to Rage in 1985. The band has undergone various lineup changes over the decades, but Peter "Peavy" Wagner has remained the constant force, providing lead vocals and bass. Other notable members have included Victor Smolski (guitar), who contributed significantly to the band's progressive and neoclassical elements, and André Hilgers (drums), who added a rhythmic intensity to their sound. Rage has been influential in the metal scene, notably pioneering the integration of classical music into metal, as showcased in their 1996 album Lingua Mortis.
How to Sound Like Rage
Rage's sound is characterized by its aggressive yet melodic approach, blending the speed and ferocity of thrash with the grandiosity of power metal. Their music often features intricate guitar work, with Victor Smolski's use of the ENGL E646 Victor Smolski Ltd. amplifier head delivering a tight, articulate tone that supports both soaring solos and crushing riffs. The band's compositions frequently incorporate orchestral elements, creating a symphonic metal texture that adds depth to their robust sound. This blend of heavy, rhythmic guitar lines with classical arrangements and driving percussion creates a powerful and expansive sonic experience, reflective of their genre-spanning influence.
Discography
Reign of Fear
1986
Execution Guaranteed
1987
Perfect Man
1988
The Missing Link
1993
Black In Mind
1995
Lingua Mortis
1996
End Of All Days/Ltd. Edition
1996
End Of All Days
1996
XIII/Digi Ltd. Edition
1998
Ghosts
1999
Welcome To The Other Side
2001
Unity
2002
The Dark Side
2002
Soundchaser
2003
From the Cradle to the Stage - Live (20th Anniversary)
2004
Speak of the Dead
2006
Full Moon in St. Petersburg
2007
Carved in Stone
2008
Carved in Stone + Gib Dich Nie Auf
2009
Strings To A Web
2010
21
2012
The Soundchaser Archives
2014
Reflections of a Shadow
2015
10 Years in Rage
2015
Secrets in a Weird World
2015
Lost in the Eyes (Remastered)
2015
Hamburg Docks (Live '93)
2015
Demonizer (Demo Version)
2015
Acoustic Live
2015
Black in Mind (Demos)
2015
The Devil Strikes Again
2016
Seasons of the Black
2017
Wings of Rage
2020
Live in Poland (Live, Warsaw, February 16th 2016)
2020
Trapped!
2020
Resurrection Day
2021
Afterlifelines
2024
A New World Rising
2025
Get the Rage Sound
Want to sound like Rage? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.