SAVAGE

With the ubiquitous resurfacing of NWOBHM bands during the past few years, here's another who've returned with a brand new album after a decade-long hiatus. Originally formed on the threshold on the NWOBHM movement in 1979 by like-minded teens, the Mansfield rock/metallers experienced a degree of success in their day, including performing to 10,000 people around Europe on a bill with Metallica and Venom (and became sporadic beer drinking buddies with the former according to press blurb). They disbanded in 1986, reformed during the nineties, only to cease activity once again at the turn of the century. But here they are again with another full-length offering, 'Sons of Malice', and judging by the quality of songs, they're evidently as passionate about their music as they ever were. Well, two of the founding members are present, namely vocalist/bassist Chris Bradley and guitarist Andy Dawson, with an old pal, Mark Nelson, behind the kit and Chris' son/Andy's nephew, Kristian, also contributing guitar. With self-proclaimed influences from the rockier end of the rock-metal spectrum, this is still a dominant compositional proclivity for the Bradley/Dawson songwriting partnership. Although this would undoubtedly have been labelled as metal back in the day, with people's heaviness immunity and tolerances shifting emphasis over the years in terms of what actually constitutes rock or metal, expect hard-edged rock when you approach this, but rock with an energetic riff-driven impetus, catchy hooks, engaging melodies and enough foot-tapping/head-banging amplitude to warrant repeated listens. Moreover, 'Sons of Malice' also scores points in the vocal department. Some frontmen's voices seem to mature with age and Bradley is definitely one of those as his singing performance is quite marvellous throughout the album. The production, mix, and mastering are also top-notch so it's a polished sounding record too - compositionally retro it might be, but with a fairly modern sound. All in all, a wise move for Savage to reform once again - 'Sons of Malice' indubitably proves such.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Minus2Zebra Records

Album

SONS OF MALICE

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

58:51

RELEASE DATE:

23rd April 2012

TRACK LISTING

1) The Rage Within
2) Black N Blue
3) Sons of Malice
4) The Hanging Tree
5) Monkey on My Back
6) Junkyard Dogs
7) Blow
8) Waking the Dead
9) Choose Revolution
10) Now; 11) Look At Yourself
12) Master of War; 13) Fallen Idols

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"...a wise move for Savage to reform once again - 'Sons of Malice' indubitably proves such."