Ryder are back with a vengeance. Following a line-up change in early 2024, the Queens-based rockers have unleashed 'Menagerie', a ten-track beast that marks a bold new chapter in their career. Following a steady build of singles, the album is everything you could have hoped for, showcasing Ryder at their most raw, powerful, and dynamic.

'Menagerie' is an album of two halves. On one side, you've got the balls-to-the-wall, hard rock anthems that will have you throwing punches in the mosh pit. Tracks like ‘Walk the Wire’ and ‘Queen Viper’s Kiss’ hit you with the intensity of early Misfits, a fast and unrelenting firebomb of pure rock 'n' roll energy. This is the Ryder we know and love, the band that delivers high-octane performances that leave you breathless.

But there's another side to 'Menagerie', a more introspective and reflective beast. Songs like ‘Eulogy’ offer a poignant gut-punch, a lament on loss and what might have been. It's a classic rock ballad in the vein of Poison's ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’, with a mournful guitar solo that will pierce your soul. These quieter moments provide a beautiful counterpoint to the album's explosive energy, showcasing Ryder's versatility and depth.

And then there's the album's namesake, the epic eight-minute journey that is ‘Menagerie’. This is Dante's Inferno of the album, a sprawling masterpiece that takes you through layers of storytelling and musicality. With its operatic quality reminiscent of Queen or Meatloaf, ‘Menagerie’ is a testament to the band's sheer talent and ambition. It's a cinematic experience that demands to be heard from start to finish.

Throughout the album, Ryder explores themes of struggle, triumph, and identity, reflecting their own evolution as artists. James Ryder's vocals are as powerful as ever, soaring over the heavy riffs and intricate melodies. The new lineup, featuring Max Knight on lead guitar and the rhythm section of Nick Bavaro and Rod Viquez, brings a renewed energy and dynamism to the band's sound.

'Menagerie' is an album that demands to be experienced as a whole, from the explosive opening tracks to the haunting melodies that linger long after the music fades. This is Ryder at their finest, a band that continues to push boundaries and deliver unforgettable rock 'n' roll.

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