My Reviews of Rebellion's Discography from 2002 until 2023: Part Three

We Are the People (2021)

Wonderful Lyrics but Flawed Execution

A conceptual record about freedom and historical rebellions, revolts and revolutions associated to it seems highly promising to me. The final result of Rebellion's ninth studio record We Are the People is however a mixed bag.

Let's get the negative elements out of the way. Opening tune "Voices of War'' sounds all over the place, featuring elements from numerous other tunes on the album and randomly mixing English, French and German lyrics that are at times overlapping. When the opening track fails to leave a positive impression, even a solid record like this one ends up having a bitter taste. Another issue is the use of different languages in the same songs. ''Liberté, égalité, fraternité" sounds particularly awkward and the chaotic ''Vaterland'' sounds all over the place. Another noteworthy element is that this record features too many short traditional heavy metal tracks by the numbers that fail to leave any impression such as "Risorgimento (Tear Down the Walls)", the aforementioned "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" and disappointing closing title track "We Are the People". A little bit more diversity in the songwriting department would have been much appreciated on a record featuring twelve songs and a total running time of fifty-four minutes.

However, We Are the People also has several impressive strengths. The production for instance is energetic, organic and tight. It's a pleasure to listen to this record in a time when many other genre records are overproduced and suffering from loudness war issues or on the other side cheaply underproduced and sounding like cacophonic messes. The songwriting in the band's epic tracks is absolutely stellar. Highlights include the atmospheric, creative and dynamic ''Verdun" and the emotional, inspired and meaningful "Shoa (It Could Have Been Me)". The lyrics in general deserve much praise as the numerous historical references will not only entertain you but also teach you valuable new lessons.

At the end of the day, the positive elements outweigh the negative parts of Rebellion's ninth studio record We Are the People. Being familiar with the group's entire discography by now, it's however clear that the final result could have been even better with more musical variety and at times more focused songwriting. Anyone who appreciates traditional heavy metal and gritty power metal should however give this record a try. We Are the People should also please to anyone interested in history, no matter what kind of music they usually listen to. The lyrics might be the record's most outstanding element in the end.

Final Rating: 70%

X - Live in Iberia (2023)

Powerful Renditions but Odd Set List Selections

 It's a mystery to me why Rebellion isn't a much bigger heavy and power metal band than it is. The band has been around for over two decades and plays music in the key of popular German heavy metal groups such as Accept, Grave Digger and Rage but it has never received the same attention, recognition and respect. The powerful quintet certainly deserves a late breakthrough and the word about this excellent group should continue to be spread.

When facing such a massive discography that however includes no noteworthy compilations, a live record is actually a great compromise for occasional and new fans alike while also being received favourably by fans of old date and those who might have attended the band's past concerts.

This live album recorded in Spain offers fifteen songs for a generous total running time of sixty-nine minutes. Included are recent cuts such as the atmospheric ''Verdun'', songs from the group's middle years like energetic heavy metal anthem ''Ala Germanica'' and a few early songs such as atmospheric, epic yet heavy tune ''Letters of Blood''.

Whenever a live record or a compilation sees the light of day, fans might discuss the benefits and downsides of the selected material. Usually, I prefer to avoid such pointless discussions but in this particular case, I have to point out my surprised disappointment regarding the fact that no song from the band's greatest record Sagas of Iceland - The History of the Vikings - Volume I has made it onto this release. I guess we just have to wait for the next live album to appreciate classics such as the uplifting epic "Ynglinga Saga (To Odin We Call)", thunderous band anthem "The Sons of the Dragon Slayer (Blood Eagle)" and emotional power ballad "Canute the Great (The King of Danish Pride)".

The sound on X - Live in Iberia is authentic, fitting and gripping. The vocals are at times out of tune, there are a few minor playing mistakes here and there and the communication between the band and a rather shy audience isn't always perfect. However, every instrument is perfectly audible, the vocals sound powerful most of the time and the record's fluidity makes the final result highly entertaining from start to finish.

As you can read, the positive elements on Rebellion's X - Live in Iberia certainly outclass its few downsides. It's great to finally get a live record from Germany's underrated heavy metal veterans twenty-two years into its career. This album is recommended to new as well as occasional fans on one side as well as faithful fans from the old days who want to see the rebellious quintet in concert.

Final Rating: 75%