Review | Highway Chile – Rat Race

No Dust Records

Dutch (New Wave of British) heavy metal pioneers Highway Chile set to make waves again in the current social with a likewise titled album ‘Rat Race’. Formed in the early 1980s, Highway Chile has been a cornerstone of the Dutch heavy rock scene, with founding members Martin Mens and main songwriter Ben Blaauw at the helm laying down the wonderful guitar duels and wonderful harmonies.

The band‘s history is intertwined with that of Helloïse, another prominent Dutch rock band. In 1984, Highway Chile members Ernst van Ee and Blaauw left to form Helloïse, which gained even more fame before disappearing from the scene in 1989. Today, Highway Chile’s lineup includes former Helloïse members, with Stan Verbraak on vocals and Marchell Remeeus on bass, creating a powerful fusion of both bands’ legacies, forging a future from their elaborate past.

‘Rat Race’ is a statement of their enduring legacy and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. This 8-track record showcases a masterful blend of classic melodic hard rock and heavy metal, infused with the combined heritage of Highway Chile and Helloïse.

SHEER MUSICIANSHIP

The opening title track ,,Rat Race” sets the stage for the album, though it did not immediately grab my attention. Its simple structure and pace with Stan Verbraak’s somewhat isolated vocals might initially seem underwhelming and need time to grow. However, this track serves as a prelude to the musical journey that unfolds, raising anticipation for what’s to come.

As the album progresses, it becomes clear that my/any initial reservations are quickly dispelled by the sheer musicianship and exploratory nature of the tracks. The fusion of both bands’ legacies creates a swirling potion of classic melodic hard rock, constantly enhanced by brisk injections of classic NWOBHM elements that elevate the listening experience. The blend of styles is remarkable and keeps you on edge.

Stan Verbraak is widely regarded as one of the Netherlands’ finest vocalists, brings a charismatic and strong radiant presence to the forefront. His classic bluesy and soulful tone adds a powerful croon and soar to the hard rocking songs, particularly evident in the roaring  fierce ,,The Enemy Within’’. This track showcases the band’s powerful guitar structures, reminiscent of Tony Iommi’s finest work. The thunderous roar and ominous pace are further emphasized by Marchell Remeeus’ powerful low bass playing and subtle funky notes. New drummer Jaimy Quite intensifies the rhythm, setting the stage for a wailing guitar duel that blossoms into colorful melodic grandeur. Simply sizzling!

CONSTRUCTIVE CREATIVITY

,,Rocking Chair Rock” opens with intense guitar harmonies, leading into a throbbing and pulsating rocker filled with guitar licks and melodic explorations. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics add a pleasant touch of humor to the composition and displays their agility as lyricists.

The album’s constructive creativity is a standout feature, deeply rooted in the sounds of the ’80s and ’90s while offering a fresh approach. ,,We’re Good” exemplifies this intensely, blending sheer power and melodic precision, while the thunderous ,,Wasted Years” takes it up a notch on its turbulent discharge. Blaauw and Mens’ guitar harmonies, intricate riffs and hooks, as well as their standout duels are central to the record, complemented by vibrant drums that resonate with engrained dynamics.

SOCIAL ISSUES

,,A Song We All Can Sing” features stagnant ‘buzzsaw’-driven verses and a howling bridge and chorus, with Verbraak showcasing his impressive vocal range. This great track, like many others on the album, touches on social issues and the complications of modern Western society, giving the record a quasi-conceptual feel in the lyrical segment without becoming overly heavy-handed.

The emotional semi-ballad ,,No Reason Left to Stay” revives Helloïse’s elusive past of Ben Blaauw and Verbraak’s collaborations contemplating on emotional discharged (semi) ballads with weeping and soul stirring appeal. It underlines Stan’s impressive vocal delivery, featuring a powerful croon and soaring chorus. The subdued guitar work, lively low bass lines, and scattering drum groove create a perfect backdrop for the jaw-dropping guitar solo that duels with discharged emotions.

The album closer, ,,Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy” wraps up the record with a unique twist, incorporating elements reminiscent of Queen’s stacked harmonies and benchmark Uriah Heep melodies and construction, percolating frequently (briefly) into a sweeping chorus. This track effectively bridges gaps between contemporary and classic rock, fusing various flavors onto a bluesy foundation of riffs. It serves as a fitting conclusion, encapsulating the soul of Highway Chile’s musical existence.

TED NUGENT

With their video for ,,Rat Race” enhanced with slick AI generated imagery, the album cover of the record is as organic as their sound. The picture of old green doors covering a staircase, with one door open displays the band’s take on their careers as the poster of their band on the right is the original concert poster from the 80/81 era when Ben Blaauw won Ted Nugent’s Gibson Birdland guitar during a guitar battle on national radio. It is the perfect coverart for an album uniting the band’s rich past and present.

HIGHWAY CHILE – THE CONCLUSION

‘Rat Race’ is a powerful return for Highway Chile, showcasing their ability to craft engaging, melodic hard rock songs with a classic metal edge embedded in its core. The album’s strength lies in its seamless blend of both Highway Chile and Helloïse’s best elements, resulting in a fresh and familiar sound that will undoubtedly appeal to long-time fans and newcomers with a heart for nostalgia and classic hard rock. With its mix of hard-hitting rockers, emotional ballads, and socially conscious lyrics, ‘Rat Race’ stands as Highway Chile’s enduring relevance in the Dutch and European metal scene.

Release date: 28 March 2025