MOB RULES – Rise of the Ruler

Following a seven-year gap between their previous studio album, Beast Reborn (2018), a six-year gap between their Beast Over Europe (2019) live album, and a one-year gap between their anniversary compilation record, Celebration Days – 30 Years of Mob Rules (2024), German power metal band Mob Rules return with their tenth studio album, Rise of the Ruler (2025). Being the first new studio release on their new label, ROAR, the latter is a conceptual continuation of their first two studio albums, Savage Land (1999) and Temple of Two Suns (2000); listen to “Back to Savage Land” and “Dawn of Second Sun” as living proof. The storyline transports listeners to a hostile, dystopian world where resources are becoming limited. It’s also worth noting that all the lyrics were provided by keyboardist Jan Christian Halfbrodt, whose angelic keyboard melodies are spread throughout Rise of the Ruler.

30 Years Have Gone So Fast and Here We Are Back Again

For those who aren’t familiar with Mob Rules, they are a mix of German power metal band Helloween and British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Ah, just because their band name is the title of Black Sabbath’s tenth studio album, doesn’t mean they sound like that band. Nope, there are no luscious, orchestrated melodies in Black Sabbath, not one bit. Rise of the Ruler kicks off with “The Fall of Dendayar,” a short intro that transitions into the bombastic and free-spirited, “Exiled.” The following track, “Future Loom,” is full-on speed metal and what an adrenaline rush! Speaking of which, the double kick drum work on the album is incredible; drummer Sebastian Schmidt is an absolute beast. “Dawn of Second Sun” has a gorgeous melody that resembles Iron Maiden’s Brave New World (2000) era.

“Back to Savage Land” is one of those driving songs that’ll get listeners a speeding ticket. It’s a headbanger, for sure, but the video game guitar solo is off-putting. Why do some guitar players feel the need to cram in as many notes as possible into their solos? Who knows, but that’s a slight complaint. “Nomadic Oasis” is musically the most interesting song on Rise of the Ruler because it’s not a typical power metal track. It’s dark, progressive, atmospheric, yet there’s a pop quality that stands out, most notably in the chorus. “On the Trail” is also quite different from the rest of the album because it’s a laid-back, acoustic number that gives off campfire vibes and peaceful vibes with concert attendees holding out lighters to further enhance the performance. “On the Trail” marks another collaboration with vocalist Ulli Perhonen, who previously duetted with vocalist Klaus Dirks on “My Sobriety Mind” from the Beast Reborn record. “Equilibrium (Rise of the Ruler)” brings the album to an anthemic and monumental close.

Final Assessment

Mob Rules’ Rise of the Ruler is a gorgeous sounding record with orchestrated melodies and enchanting, modern production. To experience the record in all its glory, though, listeners will have to listen to it from start to finish, not bits and pieces. The concept is sad, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. For those who are interested in free-spirited and glorious power metal, give Mob Rules’ Rise of the Ruler a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. The Fall of Dendayar
2. Exiled
3. Future Loom
4. Dawn of Second Sun
5. Back to Savage Land
6. Trial and Trail of Fear
7. Providence
8. Nomadic Oasis
9. Coast of Midgard
10. On the Trail
11. Equilibrium (Rise of the Ruler)

Band Lineup

Klaus Dirks – lead vocals
Sven Lüdke – guitars
Florian Dyszbalis – guitars
Markus Brinkmann – bass guitar
Jan Christian Halfbrodt – keyboards
Sebastian Schmidt – drums

Check out the music video for “Dawn of Second Sun” from Mob Rules’ Rise of the Ruler!