Black Dog Promotions is back with another great band, for 2024. The Raging Project will release their latest album, Future Days, February 1st, 2024.
According to their press release, “The Raging Project emerged from Project Rage, conceived in 2007 in Besançon, France by Ivan Jacquin and Lionel Fevre. They started as an electro-metal duo, and they were later joined by female vocalist Jeannick Valleur. In 2009, they released a 5-track EP that received a warm reception in the European underground press and audience of that time. Although the project initially aimed to become a full-fledged band, it faced challenges, and after several gigs, the attempt faltered, leading to a hiatus in their musical pursuits”.
“Fast forward to the middle of 2021, after the release of the second album of his Foreign Rock Opera, Ivan decided to revive the dormant music from the ashes. Future Days is twelve songs; twelve moods really metal, with traces of electro, heavy and prog-rock elements, for an introspective journey through the eyes of travelling spirits all around the earth, wondering if human beings should deserve to be helped in saving their planet and healing their craziness for power and never-ending technology… or letting them fail through a near and lethal destiny”.
The Raging Project is made up of artists: Ivan Jacquin, on vocals, keyboards, programming, and bass synth on tracks, (1, 3, 5, 6, 10, and 11); Leo Margarit, plays drums on tracks, (2, 3, 5, and 12); Thierry Charlet, plays drums on tracks, (7, 8, and 9); Henri-Pierre Prudent, plays drums on tracks, (4, 6, 10, and 11); Fabrice Lacourt, plays guitars on tracks, (1, 3, 8, and 9), and he also plays bass on track 3; Jean-Philippe Ciman, plays bass on tracks 2 and 8; Franz Koehler, plays bass on tracks, (4, 7, 9, and 11); Olivier Gaudet, plays guitars on tracks, (2, 4, 5, and 12); Stelios Gatziolis, plays guitars, on track 11; Geoffrey Baumont, plays guitars on tracks 6 and 7; Jean-Pierre Louveton, plays guitar on track 7, and sings vocals on track 12; Amanda Lehmann, plays guitars on tracks (5 and 12), and sings vocals on tracks, (5 and 9); Jeannick Valleur, sings vocals on tracks, (3, 4, and 9); Ingrid Denis, sings vocals on tracks, (2, 7, and 9); Greg Giraudo, sings vocals on track 11; Derek Sherinian, plays keyboards and Theremin on track 9.
The Raging Project, and Future Days reminds me a little of Faith No More. In fact, the opener, “Warning”, reminds me of their song “Epic”, only louder, with more rage; but at the same time, missing that wonderful piano at the end of the song.
“Rage” features a very cool synth and keyboards sound at the opening as Leo Margarit’s drums pounds out a beat. Ivan Jacquin’s vocals ignite and scream with, (what else), rage! Ingrid Denis joins in later to temper the vocal sound a little. But she also kicks it hard as well. The piano and keyboard playing is excellent and not overwhelmed by the power electric guitars soaring. An almost rage rap breaks out near the songs’ end, and it continues until the close.
“Don’t Want” has even more venom in it. More screaming metal vocals, further enhanced by female vocals from Jeannick Valleur. This song has more strings and cooler synths and keyboards to it. The Hammond – like organ sounds also play a key role, in enhancing the soundscape’s effects. The drums on both of these heavy songs are excellent. The guitar soloing between Ivan Jacquin and Fabrice Lacourt is electric. This also sounds a little like what Phantom Elite unleashed on us last year.
“Colère” starts out with a more traditional rock/metal sound, with metal guitars and that organ sound; mixed well with powerful drums. The lyrics are in French, and I’m sure they describe metal themes. That organ solo near the middle is brilliant, but it ends too early. The late mid-section keyboards and synth effects are some of the best on the album. But soon, screaming rage vocals and metal guitar return.
“Even if I Bleed” features Amanda Lehmann, on guitars and vocals. It opens with some very cool keyboards and synths. Very spacey, with a massive drum thump. On one of the few songs, Ivan Jacquin sings in his regular rock/metal vocal. Amanda’s vocals reach higher to provide a metal version of her voice, that I have not heard on her other albums. Easily one of the best songs on the album. The guitar playing is some of the best on the album, as well.
“I Wanna Dance” opens with another cool synth and keyboard collaboration. Electric guitar is added to take this building hurricane into a roar. Then, Ivan Jacquin sings about dancing together with all his lady friends. A dance beat set to metal guitar and cool synthesizers and keyboards, with drums pounding.
“Ambient” is the slowest track on the album. It opens with beautiful piano and slow drawn electric guitar. Ivan Jacquin continues to repeat the words, “fallen angel”, all set to ambient sounds, mixed with guitar, keyboards, and slow drums. Ingrid Denis returns towards the end for her best vocal performance.
“Turn” is a full on rocker, full of heavy metal guitar and storming drums, with the sounds of organ joining in. The rage is back and Ivan Jacquin provides full-throated metal rock vocals.
“On Earth” opens with excellent spacey synths and far away galaxy keyboards. Beautiful, especially after the last song. Ivan Jacquin sings, “When the last tree has been cut down. The last fish caught. Then you will realize money cannot be eaten. What have we done to the Earth?” On this track, Ivan’s voice almost sounds like Depeche Mode’s lead singer, Dave Gahan. A very deep, dark look at that day that we slowly destroy what’s left of the Earth. Amanda Lehmann joins in with Ivan to help close this epic, over 10 minute song. Famous keyboardist, Derek Sherinian, from Dream Theater and many other great bands, plays keyboards and Theremin.
“Procession”, opens slow, with soft, warm keyboards. Then piano and synths mixed with bass and guitar. Almost like a funeral march after what has happened in the last track. Ivan reads a statement in French. Lead electric guitar solos erupt around the soundscape, while the keyboards and synths play on.
“Wrath”, is a bonus track. The English version of the fourth track on the album, titled, “Colère”.
Amanda Lehmann returns to play guitar and sing on the album closer, “Même Si Je Saigne”. It is a bonus track and the French language version of track 5, “Let it Bleed”.
The Raging Project – Future Days, is the album for you if you are full of rage, for sure! Though, later on, as it cools out, there is something for everyone. Rock, metal, ambient, dance rock, and even some pop. Over 71 minutes of music that will satisfy almost everyone. My favorite songs are: “On Earth” – (favorite), “Warning”, “Even if I Bleed”, and “Procession”.
Give Future Days a chance, for a change. Not at all what I was expecting; but isn’t it nice to be surprised, every once in a while?
Track List:
01. Warning (2’36)
02. Rage! (6’00)
03. Don’t Want (5’18)
04. Colère (4’51)
05. Even if I Bleed (7’34)
06. I Wanna Dance (2’55)
07. Ambient (6’47)
08. Turn (2’51)
09. On Earth (10’43)
10. Procession (9’00)
11. Wrath (Bonus Track, Colère English version) (4’51)
12. Même Si Je Saigne (Bonus Track, Even if I Bleed French version) (7’34)
All songs composed, written and produced by Ivan Jacquin. Format: Mixed and mastered by Markus Teske – Bazement Studio. Lyrics by Ivan Jacquin. Artwork and design by Jeannick Valleur.
Band Website and Social Media Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theragingproject/
Bandcamp: http://theragingproject.bandcamp.com
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@theragingproject
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMu7e-Mmj0kiUzdyYEZO7DQ