"Rage in Eden" is the fifth studio album by the British new wave band Ultravox, released on September 11, 1981, through Chrysalis Records. It marked a significant moment in the band's career, reaching #4 on the UK album charts and earning a Gold certification from the BPI for sales exceeding 100,000 copies. The album is notable for its blend of synthesizer-driven melodies and atmospheric soundscapes, characteristic of Ultravox's early 1980s work.
The album was produced by the band and Conny Plank, a German producer known for his work with Kraftwerk and Neu!. It continued to build on the band's distinctive sound that combined electronic music with rock and orchestral elements. Key tracks from Rage in Eden include "The Voice," "We Stand Alone," and "Visions in Blue," which contributed to the album's success and its place in the new wave movement of the early 1980s.
Rage in Eden represents a bold and experimental phase for Ultravox, reflecting their confidence and willingness to push boundaries following the success of their previous albums. The recording process was notably different from their previous albums. Rather than coming into the studio with pre-written material, Ultravox chose to use the studio as a creative instrument. This approach allowed them to explore new sounds and ideas spontaneously. John Foxx, the band's frontman at the time, and the rest of the band embraced this method, leading to innovative techniques like the one used in the creation of "Rage in Eden," where they reversed and then re-recorded vocals to achieve a unique effect.
The album’s cover, designed by Peter Saville, is known for its abstract and minimalist style. Saville, famous for his work with New Order, contributed to the album’s iconic visual representation. Licensing issues have since led to changes in artwork for re-issues, with the original cover only appearing on the limited initial run and later definitive editions.
The 2008 remastered definitive edition of Rage in Eden features a second disc with rare and unreleased material. It also reinstates the original cover artwork, reflecting the band's and fans' preference for the initial design despite licensing challenges.
Midge Ure, the band's lead vocalist, has expressed a strong appreciation for Rage in Eden. He noted its "starkness" and "mystical distance," which contributed to its distinct character and atmosphere. This "coldness" was an integral part of the album’s appeal, highlighting its unique place in Ultravox’s discography.
The album's innovative production techniques, along with its distinctive artwork and critical reception, solidified Rage in Eden as a significant release in Ultravox’s career and the new wave genre.
