Former EXCITER guitarist John Ricci has formed a new band, POWERRAGE, which will release its debut album, 'Beast', on April 24 via High Roller Records.
The self-titled LP was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound and features artwork by Mario Lopez.
Ricci is joined in the band by bassist Todd Pilon (formerly of Witchkiller), vocalist Jacques BĂ©langer, and drummer Lucas Dery.
In contrast to his work with EXCITER, Ricci says POWERRAGE represents a fresh start: 'Well, with this band I didn't want to be another EXCITER,' he explains.
'It was time to move on.
Even though EXCITER was based around my guitar style, and it was a successful formula, I wanted to start from scratch and start all over again.' Ricci wrote everything on 'Beast', including music, lyrics, and melodies.
POWERRAGE is 100% his musical vision.
Ricci previously left EXCITER in 1985 following the release of the band's first three classic albums — 'Heavy Metal Maniac' (1983), 'Violence & Force' (1984), and 'Long Live the Loud' (1985).
He rejoined the band in 2014, but has since departed.
POWERRAGE's eight-song album features tracks such as '01.
Dark Wings', '02.
Cremation Damnation', and '08.
The Black Mass'.
Ricci's decision to leave EXCITER is somewhat mysterious, with bassist Allan Johnson stating that Ricci simply said he was 'fed up' without providing further explanation.