Super Monster Party’s latest album, Rage Quit, is a thrilling, nostalgia-fueled rollercoaster that masterfully blurs the lines between metal music and the golden era of retro video games. It’s a sonic adventure that will have fans of both metal and gaming hitting replay while celebrating the ingenuity of intertwining two art forms with such vivid precision.
At the heart of this album lies a narrative steeped in gaming culture, inviting one into the world of Permadeath, a fictional realm where video games are not only real but perilously captivating. Super Monster Party excels at turning these video game-inspired stories into hard-hitting tracks that feel like standalone battles. The band’s ability to seamlessly mix music with storytelling is impressive, and with narrational interludes woven throughout, it crafts an album that feels as engaging as a journey through your favourite video game saga.
“Altered Beast” sets the tone with an unrelenting intensity that captures the essence of the 1988 Sega classic it draws from. Ferocious guitar riffs, backed by thunderous drums, ignite the feeling of jumping headfirst into an action-packed digital arena. Rei Sega’s vocals deliver a surge of energy that refuses to let up, mirroring the high stakes of the game itself.
Following that, “Upon The Triforce” presents a melodic quest inspired by The Legend of Zelda. The song conjures a sense of adventure, with crescendos that mimic the rising tension of exploring uncharted dungeons. It’s a standout piece that will appeal to both metal fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
“This is Doom!” doesn’t hold back as it launches into a relentless storm of heavy guitar work and pulsating rhythms. It captures the unrelenting dread and raw power of Doom, staying true to the game’s reputation for being a wild, fast-paced ride. With Denver Cooper’s guitar solo the track is elevated to an even more explosive level.
The album’s emotional highlight, “Another Castle”, slows things down with a monster ballad that pays homage to Super Mario Bros. The song explores themes of longing and loss, layered over sweeping melodies and haunting guitar lines. It showcases Super Monster Party‘s range and ability to tackle more heartfelt subject matter without losing their signature intensity.
From the rapid-fire pace of “Blue Hurricane” which is an ode to the original Sonic the Hedgehog games to the eerie, dark humour of “It’s Resident Evil”, the album keeps one on edge. The latter is a testament to their versatility with the catchy and shadowy chorus highlighting how the band can inject humour into their heavier sound.
“Dance Dance Revolution (Till the Death)” is a surprising twist in the lineup, with electronic beats and Hugo Lee‘s saxophone weaving through punchy rhythms. The track captures the essence of the video game dance-off, proving that even a heavy metal band can get people moving in unexpected ways.
Closing the album is “One Winged Angel” that features Ty Christian’s operatic guest vocals. It is an epic homage to Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII and a climactic masterpiece that layers orchestral elements with black and power metal influences. It cements the album’s finale as a grand and theatrical experience worthy of its iconic inspiration.
Rage Quit balances heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and varied styles to pay tribute to video game culture. It feels cohesive yet unpredictable, each track a carefully crafted homage that never loses the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of the album. From the crushing bass lines to the soaring guitar solos, each hits with maximum impact. Rage Quit is an invitation to relive gaming’s glory days through the lens of modern metal. With its flawless integration of game references and electrifying soundscapes, Super Monster Party has crafted a release that’s not only enjoyable but also groundbreaking in its dedication to celebrating the shared love of music and video games.
