Yesterday Meets Tomorrow: Rust N’ Rage Light Up the Future with ‘Songs of Yesterday’

Review By Glen Parkes for Jace Media Music

If you ever wondered whether the glory days of hard rock could be reborn with fresh blood and modern fire, Rust N’ Rage’s new album Songs of Yesterday answers with a deafening, guitar-screaming, fist-pumping yes. Set for release on August 22, 2025 via Frontiers Music Srl, this ten-track tour de force is less a throwback and more a rebirth, drenched in the spirit of rock’s golden era but driven by the energy and urgency of today.

Rust N’ Rage—comprising vocalist Vince (Vinsentti Koivula), guitarist Johnny (Joni Kuuri), drummer Jezzie (Joel Korpela), and bassist Eddy (Eero Mäkinen)—hail from the unassuming Finnish town of Pori. But their sound? It’s anything but small-town. Fusing the rebellious swagger of Guns N’ Roses, the razor-sharp riffage of Judas Priest, the sleaze of Mötley Crüe, and the melodic charm of Dokken, Songs of Yesterday is a thunderous statement of intent: the arena is calling, and Rust N’ Rage are answering loud and proud.

One For All (All For One) The album kicks off with a declaration of unity and defiance. Packed with a gang chorus, powerhouse drumming, and blistering guitar leads, this single is both a mission statement and a guaranteed live set staple. The accompanying video captures the band’s electric chemistry and no-nonsense attitude. Songs of Yesterday The title track slows things down just enough to bring out the nostalgia. It’s a rock ballad with weight and sincerity, paying homage to the bands that paved the way while carving out a path of its own. Vince’s vocal delivery here is steeped in soul and honesty, balanced perfectly by Johnny’s emotive solo. Just Like Brothers A brotherhood anthem for the ages. With lyrics that reflect the band’s bond and journey from local dreamers to international contenders, this track bleeds authenticity. The harmonized chorus evokes classic Bon Jovi and screams to be sung back by stadium crowds.

Hey Jane Brash, cheeky, and infectious, this glam-tinged rocker brings the party to the front door. It’s got swagger in spades, a sleazy groove, and a chorus that practically forces you to dance with reckless abandon. Gone But Never Forgotten The emotional centerpiece of the album. A power ballad that pays tribute to lost loved ones and fallen idols. Lush production, heartfelt lyrics, and tasteful instrumentation make this a standout moment of sincerity and reflection.

Rollin’ Till The Morning Pure adrenaline. A road anthem built on a bedrock of pulsing drums and high-octane riffs. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to throw the top down, hit the gas, and never look back. Open Fire A certified arena shaker. This track blazes with attitude, guitar fireworks, and relentless energy. It’s a call to arms and a showcase of the band’s tighter-than-tight rhythm section. I Am The One Aggressive and unapologetic, this song channels self-belief into musical dynamite. Vince snarls with conviction, and Johnny’s guitar solo explodes with precision. This is Rust N’ Rage at their most confident. Gave It All I Got Introspective yet powerful, this mid-tempo rocker wrestles with the sacrifices and struggles that come with chasing the dream. The song’s message, wrapped in soaring vocals and anthemic hooks, is one that resonates universally.

Fire It Up Ending on a high, this track lives up to its name. Blistering tempo, call-and-response vocals, and a rhythm section that drives like a freight train. It’s an exclamation point that leaves listeners breathless and hungry for more.

What sets Songs of Yesterday apart isn’t just its technical proficiency or throwback flavor—it’s the genuine heart behind it. Producer Olli Anttila has given the band a clean, modern production sheen without sanding down any of their raw edges. Every drum hit, every wailing solo, and every rasp in Vince’s voice feels urgent and real.

The band’s chemistry is unmistakable. You can hear it in the tight arrangements, the natural flow between tracks, and the confidence that only comes from a shared purpose. While many bands attempt to imitate the greats of the ’80s, Rust N’ Rage distill those influences into something personal, fresh, and wholly their own.

It’s rare that a band from a small town feels this arena-ready. But Rust N’ Rage’s journey—built on gigging, hard work, and a shared obsession with rock’s greatest eras—has forged them into a force to be reckoned with. Songs of Yesterday isn’t just their next step; it’s a leap onto the global stage.

Their songwriting is razor-sharp. Their performances are electric. Their love for rock n’ roll is undeniable. And now, they’ve bottled that energy into an album that feels timeless and urgent in equal measure.

Rust N’ Rage’s Songs of Yesterday is more than a nostalgic nod to the past. It’s a roaring declaration that rock n’ roll still lives, breathes, and burns with passion. Equal parts celebration and evolution, this record is destined to resonate with fans old and new.

So plug in your headphones, crank up the volume, and fire it up. The soundtrack to your next reckless, red-blooded rock revival is here.

Score: 9/10

This is Rust N’ Rage’s moment—and they’re grabbing it with both hands.