HIGHWAY CHILE – Rat Race (2025) *HQ*
”Rat Race” is HIGHWAY CHILE’s first new studio album in 17 years. Founded in the ’80s, Dutch rockers HIGHWAY CHILE released during the decade a couple of LP’s amassing a cult following all over the world (remember those much sough after ”imports”?). While the band never make it big, they continued rocking to this day with founding member guitarist Martin Mens at the helm.
Strongly anchored in the early Eighties, and always exploring the crossroads between the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Adult Oriented Rock, ”Rat Race” is easily their best produced album ever – and the songs just kick ass.
”Rat Race” is a statement of their enduring legacy and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. This fresh-sounding record showcases a masterful blend of classic melodic hard rock and traditional heavy metal.
The opening title track ”Rat Race” sets the stage for the album. Its simple structure and pace with Stan Verbraak’s somewhat isolated vocals might initially seem underwhelming and need time to grow. However, this track serves as a prelude to the musical journey that unfolds, raising anticipation for what’s to come.
As the album progresses, it becomes clear the sheer musicianship and exploratory nature of the tracks. The fusion of both genre-influences creates a swirling potion of classic melodic hard rock, constantly enhanced by brisk injections of classic NWOBHM elements that elevate the listening experience.
The blend of styles is remarkable and keeps you on edge.
Stan Verbraak is widely regarded as one of the Netherlands’ finest vocalists, brings a charismatic and strong radiant presence to the forefront. His classic bluesy and soulful tone adds a powerful croon and soar to the hard rocking songs, particularly evident in the roaring fierce ”The Enemy Within’’. This track showcases the band’s powerful guitar structures, reminiscent of Tony Iommi’s finest work. The thunderous roar and ominous pace are further emphasized by Marchell Remeeus’ powerful low bass playing and subtle funky notes. New drummer Jaimy Quite intensifies the rhythm, setting the stage for a wailing guitar duel that blossoms into colorful melodic grandeur. Simply sizzling!
”Rocking Chair Rock” opens with intense guitar harmonies, leading into a throbbing and pulsating rocker filled with guitar licks and melodic explorations. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics add a pleasant touch of humor to the composition and displays their agility as lyricists.
The album’s constructive creativity is a standout feature, deeply rooted in the sounds of the ’80s and ’90s while offering a fresh approach. ”We’re Good” exemplifies this intensely, blending sheer power and melodic precision, while the thunderous ”Wasted Years” takes it up a notch on its turbulent discharge. Blaauw and Mens’ guitar harmonies, intricate riffs and hooks, as well as their standout duels are central to the record, complemented by vibrant drums that resonate with engrained dynamics.
”A Song We All Can Sing” features stagnant ‘buzzsaw’-driven verses and a howling bridge and chorus, with Verbraak showcasing his impressive vocal range. This great track, like many others on the album, touches on social issues and the complications of modern Western society, giving the record a quasi-conceptual feel in the lyrical segment without becoming overly heavy-handed.
The emotional semi-ballad ”No Reason Left to Stay” revives Helloïse’s elusive past of second guitarist Ben Blaauw and Verbraak’s collaborations contemplating on emotional discharged (semi) ballads with weeping and soul stirring appeal. It underlines Stan’s impressive vocal delivery, featuring a powerful croon and soaring chorus. The subdued guitar work, lively low bass lines, and scattering drum groove create a perfect backdrop for the jaw-dropping guitar solo that duels with discharged emotions.
The album closer, ”Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy” wraps up the record with a unique twist, incorporating elements reminiscent of Queen’s stacked harmonies and benchmark Uriah Heep melodies and construction, percolating frequently (briefly) into a sweeping chorus. This track effectively bridges gaps between contemporary and classic rock, fusing various flavors onto a bluesy foundation of riffs.
It serves as a fitting conclusion, encapsulating the soul of Highway Chile’s musical existence.
”Rat Race” is a powerful return for Highway Chile, showcasing their ability to craft engaging, melodic hard rock songs with a classic metal edge embedded in its core. The album’s strength lies in its seamless blend of both elements, resulting in a fresh and familiar sound that will undoubtedly appeal to long-time fans and newcomers with a heart for nostalgia and classic hard rock.
With its mix of hard-hitting rockers, emotional ballads, and socially conscious lyrics, ‘Rat Race’ stands as Highway Chile’s enduring relevance in the European metal scene.
Highly Recommended
01 – Rat Race
02 – We’re Good
03 – No Reason Left To Stay
04 – Wasted Years
05 – The Enemy Within
06 – A Song We All Can Sing
07 – Rocking Chair Rock
08 – Rock’n Roll Fantasy
Martin Mens – guitars
Ben Blaauw – guitars
Stan Verbraak – vocals
Marchell Remeeus – bass
Jaimy Quite – drums
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