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August 2025

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Rust N Rage: Songs Of Yesterday

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

5.0/5.0

Official Site Facebook Instagram
Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 20.08.2025 | Released: 22.08.2025

Established nearly 16 years ago by four local musicians in the small Finnish town of Pori, Rust N Rage (RNR) began delivering albums with 2013's Showdown, which was produced by One Desire's Jimmy Westerlund. A long six years later, Tales From The Wasteland arrived in 2016. After a shorter four years, in 2018, and picked up by Italy's Frontiers Music, RNR dropped their third album, One For The Road, wherein I was introduced to the band. Now, with new management and acclaimed Finnish producer Olli Anttila on board, RNR returns with their fourth studio album, Songs Of Yesterday, remaining with Frontiers Music.

Rust N Rage

Drawing 80's inspiration from Guns n' Roses, Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, and Dokken, the band has crafted a sound rooted in classic hard rock but with a fresh and personal twist. The band commented: Songs Of Yesterday is an ultimate collection of nasty riffs and tasty hooks; all forged in the fires of adrenaline filled rock n' roll! These tracks are sure to get your head banging, so give it a spin and play it loud!

While the title, Songs Of Yesterday, may suggest some nostalgia, RNR is essentially taking classic AOR melodic hard rock and making it personal and relevant to this generation. The best elements of the genre are self-evident: clean melodic lead vocals complimented by harmonious gang band vocals, swift and harmonious riffs, rock rhythm and groove, catchy hook in the refrains, and ambitious guitar solos. Then, thanks to these same characteristics, the songs have radio-friendly and arena ready AOR accessibility.

Straight up fast paced rockers arrive with Fire It Up, Open Fire, One For All, and Just Like Brothers. Hey Jane bumps of the AOR sound with its up beat pop, groove, and solid vocal arrangement. I'm surprised it wasn't dropped as a single. The only ballad comes with Gone But Not Forgotten, again, moved by a great vocal arrangement.

All in all, with Songs Of Yesterday, Finland's Rust N Rage continue to deliver their finely crafted version of classic AOR-inspired melodic hard rock for fans of the genre both old and new. Very recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

With Songs Of Yesterday, Finland's Rust N Rage continue to deliver their finely crafted version of classic AOR-inspired melodic hard rock for fans of the genre both old and new. Very recommended.

Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album at Amazon (US site) in your favorite format.

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