Rising Insane - 'DEATHRACE' - Review

BAND. With three brilliant albums in just five years, Rising Insane remain not only one of Germany's top modern metal export, but easily one of Europe's most prolific current acts. Very few bands across the entire scene can match their level of dedication and professionalism, but all that consistency and work rate aside, it is their energy that really sets them apart from the crowd. As supercharged as expected, their latest record DEATHRACE is the invigorating and punching concotion we all needed so badly to shake up the Summer dreaminess.

https://youtu.be/OXlixMEd0cA?is=MpjVIhdCcb9SKy_K

REVIEW. The promo singles did tease a killer record in the making and the finished DEATHRACE does not disappoint in the slightest. Considering the massive jump between Rising Insane's Afterglow (2021) and Wildfires (2024), a step forward was to be expected again, but the level of improvement and maturity on display here is absolutely staggering. This as balanced, purposeful and faultless as you can aim for before hitting the big stages, and DEATHRACE sure feels like a career-defining point for the Germans. Pure fire from start to finish, supercharged to the max without a single moment of hesitation or a minute wasted.

🎶 SONGS. Proper modern metal hit parade from the pulsating opening title track to the outstanding closure 'GOOD ENOUGH' that sees Rising Insane join forces with Caskets on an absolute generational anthem. Speaking of collaborations, DEATHRACE aces that with flying colours as well, delivering memorable team-ups with fellow German newcomers ACCVSED on 'DARK', as well as Bleed From Within's Steven Jones on 'ERROR' and David Schneider on 'Grey'. Aside from that, new album tracks like 'COUNTDOWN', 'TRAUMATIZED' and 'NARCISSIST' fit brilliantly alongside proven bangers like 'OUTRAGE', and the overall result is stellar.

https://youtu.be/yqrSjNsDgss?is=qHMNNXFIBCkWj3-Z

OVERALL. Nothing surprising here, DEATHRACE is a must-check 2026 release with solid AOTY claims, scene leading aspirations and overall career-peak qualities. Swift, smooth energetic, relentless, the praises keep on coming and so do the album replays. All in all, well bloody done to Rising Insane for keeping the party alive as always!

Rising Insane - 'DEATHRACE'

Country: Germany

Release: 21 August

Label: Long Branch Records