SAVAGE MASTER - Myth, Magic and Steel
Shadow Kingdom Records
By now everyone into True Metal should know who SAVAGE MASTER are. But for those of you still in the dark I'll throw some light your way. SAVAGE MASTER are a five piece metal act from Louisville, Kentucky. Since starting out in 2013 they've rode the wake of old school metal's revived thunder. Fronted by a curvaceous siren and backed by four masked menacing henchmen. They a combination of WARLOCK, MANOWAR and Mario Bava Italian style horror chic.
Since starting out a few years ago the band has released two solid full lengths and two equally good EPs. With this their third full length you, if you're a naysayer, might think a slump is in order for a band with a shtick. Not so with this one though because Myth, Magic and Steel continues the string of solid sounding release momentum.
From the opening salvo of it's catchy title track getting things moving. You get another crowd chanting chorus style cut tailor made for the hungry metal crowd raising their horned fists. There's even a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6btx8W_z1zA
From that point on you've got fiery follow-ups, reminders of past efforts and some explorations into new territories. My highlights were fast paced rockers like "The Devil's Ecstasy", "Crystal Gazer" and "Lady of Steel" which to me is easily an ode to Stacey Peak.
"The Owl" is a change of pace for the band. It's a slower Hard Rock/Doom style cut which breaks out into some galloping rhythms and dynamic guitar soloing. It invokes memories of CIRITH UNGOL as far as the song goes. Strangely enough the cover artwork of Myth, Magic and Steel also reminds me of CIRITH UNGOL or at least Heavy Metal Magazine covers from the past.
In the end I have to admit my bias. I like SAVAGE MASTER because they've brought back a cool attitude and theatrical sense to metal which does come across as fresh to a point. I think their first two albums are perfect and I saw em earlier this year for the first time. Yeah I was singing along to their songs. They put on a great show so I'm hoping to see em again on their latest tour.
So as far as this one goes I'd say half of it reminds you of what they've done before which is good. Then there's a part where you think those cuts are good but don't reach what they could be capable of. And next come the experimental ventures which are good and welcome because you don't want to have a one trick pony. It's that last part which kinda makes me excited. Just listen to "Warrior vs Dragon" and wonder what could come next.
https://www.shadowkingdomrecords.com/
https://savagemasterofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/savagemasterofficial/
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