SAVAGE MESSIAH
“DEMONS”
Album Review by Chris Palmer
9/10
Savage Messiah is a Thrash/Power Metal band that hails from London. The band was formed in 2007 and has released an E.P. and four full-length albums, the last of these was the superb “Hands Of Fate”, which was released in 2017. The band, now in its twelfth year of existence, consists of Dave Silver [Vocals & Guitar], David Hruska [Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals], Mira Slama [Bass], and Charly Carretón [Drums].
In May of this year, Savage Messiah announced the release of its fifth full-length album, “Demons”, which was released via Century Media Records. Produced by David Castillo [Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Soilwork] at Jens Bogrens’ Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, “Demons” is a collection of pulverising Thrash/Power Metal anthems that deliver a fresh sound from Savage Messiah. The album is a result of the band being reborn from its previous incarnation. Dave Silver states that he… “looked at what we’ve done in the past and knew we could be taking this band way further.” Describing the new album, he continues… “The word ‘Demons’ encapsulate the story of the band. It’s about rising to the inevitable challenges that everyone faces in pursuit of any higher end goal. The album deals with attempting to conquer both the internal and external demons that perpetually arise and permanently threaten to derail and discourage.”
With that said, what about the music? As I said earlier, “Demons” is a collection of pulverising Thrash/Power Metal. There are eleven songs on this fine album, which will happily blast your eardrums for 56 minutes. Press ‘Play’ and these London metallers will infect your ears and conquer your mind with their unique blend of heavy music.
The sounds of Charly’s drums announce the arrival of opening number, “Virtue Signal”, before the band launch into a terrific onslaught of heavy riffs and powerhouse rhythms. Dave’s signature vocal scream enters the fray, the band settle into an outstanding rhythm, and this superb opener rumbles forward in emphatic style. “What Dreams May Come” sees the band turn the tempo down a notch as the song has a heavy ballad-feel, yet contains a superb guitar-solo section from lead guitarist David. The song is a powerful one which sees a top vocal performance from singer Dave. His singing abilities really do shine throughout as he hits some wonderfully melodic high notes in places, bringing an air of beauty to the song. “Heretic In The Modern World” blasts from the speakers amidst a flurry of powerful riffs and pounding bass lines from Mira, as Savage Messiah pummel you into oblivion, leaving you breathless but wanting more.
If it’s more you want, then Savage Messiah oblige with the catchy and addictive “Parachute” and the heavy piledriver that is “Under No Illusions”. Just sit back, close your eyes, and let the music absorb your mind… You’ll be nodding along to the contagious rhythm in no time while envisaging the energy and sweat of that pit as it thunders around you. With no time to rest, some great guitar-work throws you straight into “Down & Out”, as another first-class heavy number puts you through the paces before “The Lights Are Going Out” arrives, bringing a slower tempo to proceedings with its chugging riffs, beautiful guitar-solos, and wonderfully melodic vocal attack.
Heavy, fast-paced riffage returns as “The Bitter Truth” blasts forth and turns up the heat once again. The rhythm is quick and you’ll break out that air-guitar to the shredding guitar-solo sections proudly! As one extreme ends, another begins with the beautifully sung “Until The Shadows Fall”, which offers the calm before the storm that is the heavy penultimate number “Rise Then Fall”. At just 3:11 in length, it’s the shortest song on the album, but it’s a monster of a song which sets you up perfectly for closing number “Steal The Faith In Me”.
After spending 56 minutes with ”Demons”, the silence which comes at the end of the album is deafening. I can honestly say that this is an exhilarating listen and one well worth repeating numerous times. With “Demons”, Savage Messiah have certainly made an album that will infect your ears and conquer your mind. This album will be on constant repeat for some time to come, probably until the next release from Savage Messiah…! It’s chock full of excellent Heavy/Thrash/Power Metal (call it what you will) and thoroughly deserves to sit proudly in any heavy music fan’s CD/vinyl collection.
TRACKLIST
Virtue Signal
What Dreams May Come
Heretic In The Modern World
Parachute
Under No Illusions
Down And Out
The Lights Are Going Out
The Bitter Truth
Until The Shadows Fall
Rise Then Fall
Steal The Faith In Me
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