Following the acclaimed release of their latest album Wild Dogs Unchained, via Massacre Records, legendary US heavy metal power trio THE RODS have unveiled the new video for “Tears for the Innocent.” A haunting and emotionally charged track, which stands as one of the most poignant moments on the record.
Written and sung by guitarist/vocalist David “Rock” Feinstein, “Tears for the Innocent” is a heartfelt reflection on the devastation of war and the human suffering it leaves behind.
“This song is about senseless war, and the innocent people that die because of it,” explains Feinstein. “We cry for those innocent people and feel sorry for what they have lost. Their homes, their land, their lives.”
With its powerful message and stirring melodies, “Tears for the Innocent” showcases THE RODS’ timeless ability to merge heavy riffs with genuine emotion. A reminder that classic metal can still carry deep meaning and conscience.
The new video follows the release of Wild Dogs Unchained, a record that redefines the band’s legacy with renewed fire and uncompromising energy.
David Feinstein says: “World On Fire” is inspired by the state that our world is in right now. Wars, hunger, homelessness. It’s about having faith that our world will get better and asking, “What can we do to help make that happen?”
The Rods are back with “Wild Dogs Unchained“, a new album that combines reimagined classics from their past with masterfully crafted new songs.
Hooks, grooves, crafty, formidable, and rebellious are songwriting attributes that The Rods gladly embrace. On Wild Dogs Unchained, the veteran power trio continues their famed aural assault, with songs like “Eyes of a Dreamer” and “Tears for the Innocent,” revealing heretofore unrealized musical melodicism, while re-tooled classics, “Hurricane” and “Wild Dogs Unchained,” percolate with renewed vigor.
On Wild Dogs Unchained, the playing is harder, the grooving is heavier, and the singing more soulful than ever before. David “Rock” Feinstein (guitar/vocals), Freddy Villano (bass), and Carl Canedy (drums) have crafted a definitive Rods album aimed at pleasing die-hard fans and new audiences alike.
TRACK-LISTING: 1. Eyes Of A Dreamer 2. Rock And Roll Fever 3. Mirror Mirror 4. Tears For The Innocent 5. Wild Dogs Unchained 6. Time To Rock 7. Run Run Run 8. World On Fire 9. Make Me A Believer 10. Hurricane
LINE-UP: David “Rock” Feinstein – guitar/vocals Freddy Villano – bass Carl Canedy – drums Guest Musicians: Lonnie Park – keyboards & orchestration
Producer: The Rods Mixing / Mastering: Chris Collier @ CMC21 Productions, Las Vegas, USA Guitar & vocal tracks: Lonnie Park @ Barncastle Studio, Freeville, NY Bass tracks: Freddy Villano @ Flying V Studios, Ithaca, USA Drum tracks: Carl Canedy @ Nire Studios, Carbondale, USA Photos: Roger William Theise Artwork: Mark Rizzo
THE RODS are a storied heavy metal band that rocked their way through the ‘80s with a powerful, raw energy that had fans and critics alike calling them “The American Motörhead.” Once the go-to opening act for some of the biggest metal bands in the world, THE RODS toured throughout the ‘80s with the likes of Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and Iron Maiden, among others. Along with contemporaries like Anvil and Raven, THE RODS are an integral part of what is commonly recognized today as Heavy Metal’s “golden age,” and emerged during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Following their latest, much acclaimed 2019-album Brotherhood of Metal, now, THE RODS have announced their signing with Massacre Records,and are currently gearing up for the release of their forthcoming studio offering, entitled “Rattle The Cage”! The album will be available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats on January 12, 2024, the pre-sale has just started at: https://therods.bfan.link/rattlethecage
Drummer Carl Canedy comments: “THE RODS are thrilled to have signed with Massacre Records! The staff and the label’s commitment to Metal is second to none. We feel our new album, “Rattle The Cage”, is one of our best ever. We’re looking forward to working with everyone at Massacre to help make this album as successful as it deserves to be. The Rods have always been about bringing their music to the fans. We will be doing just that in 2024! “
To share a first appetizer, today, THE RODS are presenting their upcoming album title track! “Rattle The Cage”is now available on all digital streaming services at THIS LOCATION, a music video is now premiering HERE!
“In preparation for this new album, I received a message from Carl stating that he had an idea for a new song,“ vocalist and guitarist, David “Rock” Feinstein, reveals.“He sent me the title, and some lyric ideas, and of course I thought the title and concept he formed was great. He then left it to me and my imagination to add more lyric ideas, and complete the musical work. The song is about the everyday person who feels trapped at what they might be doing in their life. No matter what the job may be, the need for relief was in need. It’s also about freedom, and about standing up for what you feel is right, and not being taken advantage of. Rattle the cage, and be heard. Let your feelings be known, and stand up for your rights. It really applies to everyone’s life.“
Heavy, dark, deep, insightful, and maybe even a bit more inciteful than ever before: “Rattle The Cage”is THE RODS at their incendiary best! Lyrically, they’ve taken a cue from David “Rock” Feinstein’s cousin, Ronnie James Dio, providing the listener with a similar sense of hope and resiliency in the face of an ever-changing world. Musically, the band is tighter than ever! Founding members David “Rock”Feinstein and Carl Canedy are joined by new bassist Freddy Villano (Quiet Riot, Widowmaker), and the results are simply sublime: The songs are rhythmically tighter, yet more musically unbound, the grooves heavier, and the melodies more dynamic.
Mixed and mastered by Chris Collier, “Rattle The Cage” benefits from his masterful, modern touch, with the kind of sound that will simultaneously appeal to core fans as well as new generations of listeners! THE RODS epitomize the term power-trio, and the word “power” has never been more evident in their music than it is now. 2024 will markTHE RODS’ 45th anniversary, in support, they will be playing many special dates and performances to commemorate 45 years together. With such an impressive history firmly notched in their collective belt, THE RODS are still firing on all cylinders, and as eager as ever to crank it up, louder than loud!
Rattle The Cage” track listing:
Now And Forever
Wolves At The Door
Cry Out Loud
Rattle The Cage
Can’t Slow Down
Metal Highways
Hell Or High Water
Play It Loud
Shockwave
Hearts Of Steel
THE RODS: David “Rock” Feinstein – Guitar, Lead Vocals Freddy Villano – Bass, Vocals Carl Canedy – Drums, Vocals
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