“Intelligent Design” was the debut full-length by V-Rats, a hard-working band from the Midlands of England. The talented and experienced band members had been session musicians for the likes of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Tygers Of Pan Tang and more, as well as touring the V-Rats extensively in the UK and gaining major sponsorship deals, so when they finally got to recording this album anticipation was high!
Independently released in 2008, “Intelligent Design” serves up a full plate of traditional guitar-driven hard rock and metal, with a splash of groove, blues and funk. V-Rats was the brainchild of vocalist/bassist Pete MZ Emms, who arranged the whole album, so it’s not surprising that his style is a perfect fit. Add to that the searing guitar work of Paul May and Mike De Jager and you have a match made in heaven! Production values are also high, with everything sitting in the mix exactly where it should. So it you missed “Intelligent Design” the first time around, or you’re sick of the bland music being churned out today, buy this album! This is true musicians rocking it old-school, their musical heritage on full display.
This V-Rats re-issue has been given a 2026 remaster by guitarist Paul May and includes three previously unreleased bonus tracks, demos recorded for a follow-up album that never eventuated. And if that wasn’t enough, the whole layout features the spectacular original “Intelligent Design” artwork commissioned from world-renowned fantasy illustrator Rodney Matthews!
USA customers: a limited quantity of this CD is available at this USA distro
TRACK LISTING:
Intro
No Good For Me
Dirty Little Secret
Know Definition
‘Et Al’
Lisa
Point Of No Return
So Over You
All The Ones You Want (You Can’t Have)
South Of My Heart
Devil To Pay
Blood Demons & Whiskey
Bonus Tracks
Does It Really Matter
Roll Of The Dice
Reign
*2008 REVIEWS*
-“This release is filled with 12 tracks, lasting 50 minutes of some of the finest hard rock music you’ll ever hear. I can wrap up my review for the V-Rats’ Intelligent Design with these two words – BUY IT!” (9.9/10, Word Press)
-“Intelligent Design stands out with its consistency in that each of its songs holds up under repeated play. All around, V-Rats come highly recommend for any fan of metal and hard rock.” (90%, Angelic Warlord)
-“Intelligent Design is an excellent disc of fresh metal done with heart! If you add that Rodney Matthews has designed for them the cover of the booklet, well, you have more than one reason to try this beautiful disc.” (80/100, Flash Magazine)
-“This hugely impressive set shows that there is still plenty of guts and passion to be grabbed from the heavy metal template.” (8/10, Cross Rhythms Magazine)
-“No frills metal and well worth checking out.” (4/5, Get Ready To Rock)
-“Consistently good songs and delivery! Definitely worth a listen.” (4/5, Guitar Techniques Magazine)
-“The V-Rats offer a good old hard rock sound with a modern funky touch. On the menu, the band gives the classic ingredients of this musical style.” (7.5/10, Metalium Magazine)
-“It’s another smoking album that has no weak points. If these guys keep it up like this, you should expect big things from them. They are a powerhouse outfit and deserve to be near the top of the heavy metal pile.” (Music Street Journal)
-“The kind of music V-Rats make reminds you of when you first fell in love with heavy music, how the big fat riffs, thick vocals and soaring lead guitars made you feel. It is true what has always been said, good songs with great hooks and chorus never goes out of style. These boys rock! Check out one of last year’s best hard rock releases – the UK does it again!” (Under Ground Record Reviews)
