Going Back to the Roots in an Energetic and Inspired Way - A Review of Rebellion's A Tragedy in Steel Part II: Shakespeare's King Lear

Going back to your origins on the eighth full length effort after eighteen long years and numerous line-up changes is a risky attempt. German heavy metal quintet Rebellion has however managed to recapture the spirit of yore and delivers a very convincing output with A Tragedy in Steel Part II: Shakespeare's King Lear. This conceptual heavy metal effort featuring twelve songs with a generous running time of sixty-four minutes shouldn't only appeal to historians and English teachers.

None of the twelve songs on here are fillers or stinkers and several noteworthy highlights can be found instead. ''Dowerless Daughter'' for instance combines traditional heavy metal with liberating oomph and conceptual storytelling without any lengths at its very best. ''Thankless Child'' is a creative, diversified and emotional epic clocking in at just below seven minutes and reminding most of the band's praiseworthy debut record. ''Black Is the World'' oozes with atmosphere, emotions and grandeur as it grows with every spin.

The record convinces with a heavy, organic and pleasantly traditional production that makes all contributors shine. This includes the numerous talented narrators and the versatile singer. It also applies to the rhythm section around the bumbling bass guitar and the energetic drum play that never takes too much space. The guitars and keyboards provide depth, melody and warmth that make this release a genre highlight.

Even though this album is slightly running out of steam by the end, it's overall still a very consistent, convincing and inspired effort that is only a tiny notch below the high quality of Shakespeare's Macbeth - A Tragedy in Steel.

In the end, I would go as far as to say that this is Rebellion's strongest studio record since the group's numerous line-up changes that occurred in the year 2010. A Tragedy in Steel Part II: Shakespeare's King Lear is a conceptual heavy metal record that should appeal to fans of the band's early years but also to potential new followers thanks to its gritty energy and inspiring intellect. Perhaps this album will also inspire heavy metal fans to pick up William Shakespeare's wonderful literature which could be an amazing side effect of this very good release.

Final Rating: 82%