After two incredibly well-received albums, SAVAGE MASTER are back with their third offering of classic Heavy Metal mayhem, coming to you via Shadow Kingdom Records on October 25th.
Ripping in with hugely anthemic NWOBHM style riffs, pounding drums and punching bass warmth, the classic feel of this record is off to a flying start for the howling high pitched vocals to cascade over. The band have a pummelling groove akin to Angel Witch while taking the operatic sing-a-long availabilities of Judas Priest under their wings to make for an excitingly refreshed take on that excellent old school Metal feeling we all know and love. There is a certain familiarity to the band one can find with acts like Monument, White Wizzard and Haunt that really is uplifting and empowering. It makes a change to review something that is not remotely extreme but do not be fooled, I love this kind of stuff as a huge fan of the classic bands and when it is done right, this kind of worship is beautifully catchy and fun to listen to. Savage Master nail all the nuances and charm of the 80s British bands with plentiful blistering guitar leads filled with soul, thunderous bass, catchy upbeat drums and hauntingly powerful vocals, these guys just do not falter. Three albums into their career and they are stronger than ever with a monolithic album of speeding, intense and thrilling Heavy Metal. Songs like “The Devil’s Ecstasy” show some more thrashy touches to things but still keep that melodic and chorus-driven vibrancy that is important to retain. Overall there is not a dull moment on this record with a fierce bravado from the full band that screams of a time seemingly long gone that keeps the classic Heavy Metal flame burning with a huge array of insanely skilful musicianship and vocal work that hits hard, repeatedly and with grace. There is no shortage of musical diversity with doomy songs like “The Owl” contrasting speedy tracks throughout to make sure they offer a varied and interesting experience that is brilliantly captivating, while songs like “Lady Of Steel” give that fantastic Iron Maiden level of energy that is just monstrous and ready for a live situation to really bring things to life. Savage Master have delivered some of the best modern worship of classic Heavy Metal which I think will certainly be worth spinning a ton of times for all the old school maniacs and newcomers to Heavy Metal alike. After bout after bout of anthemic, speeding NWOBHM style onslaughts, the album closes with a bow out in the form of a hugely catchy power-ballad that drives out one melancholy-tinged final banger to close off a ripping release, great stuff. Wonderfully played and demanding of your attention, this album rules and if it doesn’t get you pumping your fist or singing along then I have some genuine concerns for your wellbeing. -8.5/10
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