Few artists have left their mark upon the pairing of an electric guitar and orchestra quite like Victor Smolski. For more than 15 years, the guitar wizard from the very heart of Belarus shaped the sonic tapestry of RAGE before finally starting his own project ALMANAC. There – no surprises here – he continued working on the perfect amalgamation of metal and classical music, spiced with enthralling historic themes. After establishing ALMANAC as an uprising metal force with his first two records “Tsar” (2016) and “Kingslayer” (2018), Smolski boldly reshaped the band, and is starting from pole position into what will be a very exciting heavy metal year.

 

“Rush of Death” is a split album whose mid-section is dedicated to “Suite Lingua Mortis Part 2”, a direct sequel to the much revered metal-meets-orchestra spectacle found on RAGE's “Speak of the Devil” (2006). Listening to ALMANAC going all in with the Inspector Symphony Orchestra and the Ensemble Virtuoso will enchant Smolski fans and avid RAGE followers alike. Simply no other metal band working with a huge orchestra manages to pull off such a direct and organic sound. No other metal band is spearheaded by Smolski however.