Album Review: Serengeti by MoonRage – A Heavy Metal Gem from 1995
Released in 1995 under Meanstreak Records, Serengeti by MoonRage is one of those albums that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. This US-based rock outfit dives headfirst into heavy metal territory with a raw, unfiltered energy that feels like it belongs in a dimly lit dive bar where fists pump and heads bang relentlessly. It’s not perfect, but damn if it isn’t memorable.
The album kicks off strong with “Soulbound,” which sets the tone for what’s to come. The riffs are crunchy, the vocals are raspy yet powerful, and there’s this underlying groove that makes you wanna stomp your feet even when you’re just sitting on your couch. What sticks out most? The chorus—it’s simple but hooks you in a way that’ll have you humming it hours later. You know how some songs feel bigger than they actually are? That’s “Soulbound” in a nutshell.
Another standout track is “Freedom (Through Your Eyes).” If you’re looking for something with a bit more depth, both lyrically and musically, this one delivers. The guitar work here has a melodic edge that cuts through the heaviness without losing its bite. And yeah, maybe it’s cheesy as hell to admit, but the lyrics about breaking free hit different after a long day of adulting. It’s the kind of anthem you blast while driving nowhere in particular, windows down, screaming along like nobody’s watching.
Other tracks like “Mutilate” bring the brutality, while “Stolen Child” leans into a darker, almost haunting vibe. Meanwhile, “Rainmaker” throws in enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. But honestly, the real charm of Serengeti lies in its lack of polish. There’s no overproduced sheen here—just pure, untamed aggression mixed with moments of unexpected melody.
Looking back at Serengeti, it’s kinda wild to think about how underrated MoonRage remains. Sure, they weren’t reinventing the wheel, but sometimes you don’t need to. Sometimes all you need is an album that punches hard and leaves a mark. And hey, isn’t that what heavy metal’s all about?
Final thought: Listening to this record feels like finding an old cassette tape in the backseat of a junkyard car and realizing it still works. Imperfect, gritty, and totally worth it.
