Rush’s ‘The Albums: 2002-2012’ 7-LP Box Set Out Now

Rush, a band celebrated worldwide for its innovation and impact on progressive rock, has left a lasting legacy that continues to captivate fans. Known for their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics, Rush’s body of work spans decades, with some of their most impactful albums being reissued in a remarkable vinyl collection. The new box set, “The Albums: 2002-2012,” remasters and reissues Rush’s final four albums recorded with Atlantic Records, once again offering fans the chance to experience these musical milestones in high-fidelity vinyl.

The box set captures the essence of Rush’s late-era music, a testament to their evolving artistry and enduring relevance. It includes the albums “Vapor Trails” (2002), “Feedback” (2004), “Snakes & Arrows” (2007), and their epic farewell, “Clockwork Angels” (2012). These albums are considered landmarks not only for their intricate musicianship but also for their ability to encapsulate the band’s journey through triumph and tribulation. Notably, “Vapor Trails” came after a significant hiatus, marking a poignant return for Neil Peart, who overcame personal tragedies during the band’s break. The album was an artistic rebirth, reflecting the band’s resilience and Peart’s lyrical introspection, reaching No. 3 on the Canadian charts and No. 6 in the U.S.

“Feedback,” an homage to the music that influenced Rush during their formative years, includes covers of iconic garage rock songs, showcasing the band’s roots and versatility. From Buffalo Springfield’s “Mr. Soul” to Cream’s “Crossroads,” the album not only resonated with fans but also climbed to No. 5 on the Canadian charts and No. 19 in the U.S., highlighting Rush’s enduring ability to reinvent themselves while honoring their influences. This tribute to their musical roots stands as a reminder of the foundational sounds that helped sculpt their singular style.

“Snakes & Arrows” further showcases the band’s progressive rock mastery. As their first collection of original material post-“Vapor Trails,” this album was hailed by Peart as his best studio experience. Not only did it peak at No. 3 in Canada and the U.S. but it also garnered a Grammy nomination, cementing its status as a critical favorite throughout the progressive rock community. The album was named among Classic Rock magazine’s “Ten Essential Progressive Rock Albums” of the decade, underscoring Rush’s unyielding creative prowess.

Finally, “Clockwork Angels” represents the culmination of Rush’s studio ambitions, telling the tale of a young man’s journey in a steampunk-infused landscape. Released as their final studio album, it debuted at No. 1 in Canada and No. 2 in the U.S., a fitting coda to their revered discography. Each track weaves intricate narratives with powerful instrumentation, resonating with fans and critics alike as the definitive capstone to their legendary career.

This limited edition collection, offered in just 3,000 units globally, is available on Rush’s website, RushBackstage.com, and Rhino.com, appealing to dedicated fans and vinyl collectors. It follows a previous box set, “The Albums: 1989-1996,” which highlighted the band’s earlier Atlantic recordings, thus giving a comprehensive look at Rush’s later years under the label’s banner. The new box set’s release reaffirms Rush’s significant impact on the rock scene, even years after their last performance.

The poignant legacy of Rush, however, extends beyond these reissues. Following Neil Peart’s passing in 2020, both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have refrained from producing new music as Rush, despite offers from other drummers to fill Peart’s iconic shoes. Their decision honors Peart’s unmatched contribution to the band, while allowing new generations to discover Rush through these thoughtfully curated releases. “The Albums: 2002-2012” thus serves not only as a celebration of Rush’s final chapter but as a beacon of their cultural and musical impact in the rock genre.