SAVAGED
Night Stealer
(No Remorse Records)
38:41min

SAVAGED from Barcelona was formed in 2021 and quickly gained attention in the underground Metal community with their independent EP, “Knights Of Metal”. Two songs in this EP showcased the band’s enticing musicianship, combining elements of Speed and fast-paced Heavy Metal with memorable spine-chilling melodies. The band’s guitar duo, Jamie Killhead and Joan Grimalt, shine brightly in both singles, with impressive performance to remember. Jamie Killhead, who also takes over the lead vocal duties, delivers an outstanding performance with his distinctive echo-soaked vocals. While their music evokes bands like ACCEPT, SAXON, ENFORCER, RIOT CITY, SKULL FIST, JUDAS PRIEST and TOKYO BLADE, SAVAGED seems like in route to carving out their sound. And surely their debut album “Night Stealer”, which now was released through the reputable No Remorse Records label, is bearing a remarkable testament to their ability to capture the essence of ’80s Metal with unrivalled precision. The record comes with eight numbers, with the standout tracks of the EP also included. From the moment the first note strikes, it becomes evident that “Night Stealer” is a lost gem that could have emerged directly from a time capsule. The opening tracks, ‘I Will Fight’ and ‘Tons Of Leather’, provide a tantalizing glimpse into the sonic journey that awaits the listener. ‘I Will Fight’ pays homage to the early HELLOWEEN era, delivering a blistering and adrenaline fueled rocker, adorned with a soaring vocal line and impressive lead guitar work coming out of tube amps that always sends shivers down the spine. The following ‘Tons Of Leather’ showcases the band’s darker side, as lead vocalist Jamie Killhead channels the otherworldly high-pitched wails reminiscent of KING DIAMOND. The track’s classic twin guitar riff evokes the spirit of MERCYFUL FATE’s early days, creating an eerie and captivating atmosphere. However, this record offers much more than just nostalgic nods to the ’80s. The haunting intro ‘Welcome To…’ sets the stage for the eerie and enigmatic ‘Elm Street’. The song seamlessly weaves together a bloodcurdling atmosphere and a riff that could have been plucked directly from LOUDNESS’s renowned album “Thunder In The East”. ‘Elm Street’ also established how the Spaniards skilfully balance the raw and underground elements of ’80s Metal that is simultaneously gritty, melodic and irresistible. Along with the guitar duo, Aleix Coll on bass and Cristian Blade on drums also contribute significantly to the band’s powerful sound. And, surely the production has that organic and crusty nature that can hold ears and minds with full attention and anticipation. This shall urge some repeated listening, and each time it may almost feel like unwrapping a long-awaited blind purchase from the past, only to be utterly captivated from the moment you press play. From the rampant sonic attacks to the striking cover art, the album exudes the spirit of ’80s Metal in every pore, transporting the listener to a time when the genre was at its peak. This certainly makes SAVAGED’s debut effort a strong first step, as they effortlessly recreate the sound and energy that defined an era and has all the ammunition to make them a force to be reckoned with in coming times. Fanatic fans to ardent followers of true Metal cannot afford to miss out on this amazing release which is now available on both CD and LP formats and hail SAVAGED as one of the most promising new Heavy / Speed Metal bands to emerge in recent years. To find out more about the band and label, please visit www.facebook.com/savagedheavy or www.facebook.com/noremorserecordsgreece.

Randolph Whateley

Randolph Whateley

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