Welcome to episode 142 of the Rock Interview Series, recorded on March 5, 2026. For this feature, I’m joined by guitarist John Ricci, formerly of the legendary metal band Exciter. Ricci has resurfaced with a new, heavier, and more aggressive project called Powerrage, who will release their debut studio album, “Beast”, on High Roller Records on April 24th. The band has already unleashed one powerful single, “Dark Wings,” a track that immediately grabbed the attention of longtime fans and new listeners alike. In this interview, Ricci discusses Powerrage, the new record, and what’s ahead for the band. We also dive into his history with Exciter — a group he originally formed in the late ’70s under the name Hell Razor before officially becoming Exciter in 1980 — along with his top three Exciter albums, stories involving Metallica and Megadeth, and much more.
When talking about “Dark Wings,” Ricci reveals that the song wasn’t even part of the initial writing sessions for the album. “Dark Wings actually was a later song that I wrote. It wasn’t the initial batch of the songs that appear on the album. It was almost like an afterthought,” he explains. Yet that “afterthought” ended up becoming one of the most intense and emotionally charged tracks on Beast. Ricci says the song’s aggression comes from a very real place. “You mentioned before, you know, this ‘Dark Wings’ sounds aggressive and brutal… it’s partially frustration on my part after 40 plus years of trying to play in the band and be successful. There were a lot of times where Exciter was held back for one reason or another. So all that frustration is coming out in my new songwriting.” That raw honesty is what gives the track its bite. “That’s probably why that ‘Dark Wings’ song is right in your face. It doesn’t spare anybody.”
The performance on the track backs that up. Ricci praises Powerrage vocalist Jacques Bélanger for delivering a standout performance. “Everything about that song is very aggressive and over the top vocally… the vocal range of Jac on that is just very, very impressive.” Ricci’s own guitar work is equally ferocious, a reminder of why he remains one of metal’s most distinctive players. If “Dark Wings” is any indication of what’s coming, fans have every reason to be excited — and Ricci confirms that more is on the way. “Another song, ‘Dragon Man,’ will be out on March 23rd — the second single — and it’ll also have a visualizer video.”
As for the full album, Ricci says “Beast” offers a dynamic mix while staying true to the intensity of the first single. “When you hear the whole album, it’s in the same vein as ‘Dark Wings.’ The album has 50% slow, doomy-type songs and the other 50% is very high-energy, thrashy fast songs. So it’s a nice balance.” But he emphasizes that he didn’t want to rely on old formulas or nostalgia. “I tried to write these songs from a very original point of view. I didn’t want to follow a heavy metal songwriting formula. I was trying to sound as original as possible because there’s so much competition today compared to the ’80s.”
Ricci keeps a close eye on the modern metal landscape and understands the challenge of standing out. “I follow Blabbermouth, Metal Injection, BraveWords… every day there are new bands, and they’re really, really good. It’s hard not to get lost in the heavy metal market. Concert promoters, managers, record companies — they have such a great choice. Who do they want to sign to a deal? How are you supposed to stand out? There are all these great shredding guitar players and a lot of great vocalists too.” “Beast” is Ricci’s answer to that question — a record built on authenticity, intensity, and decades of lived experience.
After years of setbacks, lineup changes, and industry frustrations, John Ricci sounds reinvigorated. Powerrage isn’t a retread of his past; it’s a declaration of independence and a reminder that Ricci still has plenty to say. If “Dark Wings” is the opening shot, “Beast” is shaping up to be one of the most compelling metal releases of 2026.
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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