Get ready for a heavy metal revolution! Former EXCITER guitarist John Ricci is breaking free from his past and forging a bold new path with his band POWERRAGE. But here's where it gets intriguing: Ricci isn't just revisiting old glory—he's starting from scratch, determined to create something entirely his own. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the music; it's about the courage to reinvent oneself in an industry that often thrives on nostalgia.
On April 24, 2026, POWERRAGE will unleash their debut album, Beast, via High Roller Records. Mixed and mastered by the legendary Dan Swanö at Unisound and featuring striking artwork by Mario Lopez, Beast promises to be a raw, unfiltered expression of Ricci's vision. Joining him in this endeavor are bassist Todd Pilon (formerly of WITCHKILLER), vocalist Jacques Bélanger (who lent his voice to three EXCITER albums: The Dark Command [1997], Blood Of Tyrants [2000], and New Testament [2004]), and drummer Lucas Dery.
While Ricci and Bélanger share a history with EXCITER, Ricci is quick to clarify: 'With this band, I didn't want to be another EXCITER. It was time to move on.' Bold words from a man who helped define EXCITER's sound, but is this a step forward or a risky departure? Ricci acknowledges the challenge: 'Starting over and not depending on your past accomplishments is definitely a very difficult task, but I feel confident enough I can make it happen.'
Beast is a testament to Ricci's creative autonomy. 'I wrote everything on *Beast: music, lyrics, melodies. POWERRAGE is 100% my musical vision,'* he explains. All eight tracks are brand-new, with no recycled riffs from his EXCITER days. The tracklist reads like a manifesto of aggression:
- Dark Wings
- Cremation Damnation
- Dragon Man
- Haunted Hell
- I Torture I Kill
- The Devil Is Screaming
- Damned And Cursed
- The Black Mass
But let's address the elephant in the room: Ricci's departure from EXCITER in September 2018 left fans and bandmates alike scratching their heads. Was it burnout, creative differences, or something else entirely? In a 2019 interview, bassist Allan Johnson admitted, 'That's still somewhat of a mystery. We haven't seen or actually spoken with John since it happened.' Ricci's cryptic explanation—'I'm kind of getting fed up and I want out'—left more questions than answers. Is this a pattern for Ricci, or a one-time exodus? After all, he left EXCITER once before in 1985, following the release of their first three iconic albums: Heavy Metal Maniac (1983), Violence & Force (1984), and Long Live the Loud (1985). Johnson humorously noted, 'It's like déjà vu,' but with Daniel Dekay now filling Ricci's shoes, EXCITER seems poised to move forward.
Ricci's journey with EXCITER wasn't without highlights. Their 2010 album, Death Machine, marked his return as the sole remaining original member. A 2014 reunion with Dan Beehler and Allan Johnson saw the band playing sporadic shows—until Ricci's latest departure. Is POWERRAGE his final act, or just another chapter in a career defined by reinvention?
As Beast prepares to roar into the world, one thing is clear: John Ricci isn't just making music—he's making a statement. But is this a step toward greatness, or a risky gamble? Weigh in below—do you think Ricci can redefine his legacy with POWERRAGE, or is he better off sticking to what made him a legend? The metal world is watching.
