Interesting!
That’s the word that came to my mind when I heard “Running for Your Love (Tonight)”; it’s been the first single taken from the debut album of SAVAGED and also the choice for their first official video clip. A fast, rousing tune, full of energy and power with a nice melodic middle part – so fresh and catchy, sounding REALLY good!
The second single was released almost a week ago and it’s “Elm Street”. This time, my thought was:
Weird!
It starts with some enticing riffs, going on with fine rhythm changes and uplifting yelling vocals, reminding classic bands like SAXON or ACCEPT but with a touch of spooky quirkiness, justifying the song’s title – in the album, they cleverly added an unnerving intro titled “Welcome to…”.
In both singles, Jamie Killhead and Joan Grimalt offer a fantastic guitar duo that stands out immediately. Aleix Coll on bass and Cristian Blade on drums are also doing a great job. As far as the vocals are concerned, Jamie Killhead is simply awesome in his second role in the band, as the man behind the microphone.
So, there you have two tracks that already make you wanna hear more from the band – and that, my friends, is SUCCESS!
To start from the very beginning, SAVAGED were formed in 2021, bringing out their “Knights of Metal” EP the same year – a two tracks independent release that attracted a lot of interest in underground metal community. Both “Knights of Metal” and “Stealing the Night” are included in their debut’s tracklist too, being absolutely KILLER songs of excellent musicianship, combining elements of US Power Metal, classic fast-paced heavy sound and remarkable melodic lines. Listening to them, ENFORCER, RIOT CITY and SKULL FIST but also JUDAS PRIEST and TOKYO BLADE are brought to mind; but you know what? SAVAGED manage to play like doing THEIR OWN THING and the outcome is AMAZING! Not something ground-breaking yet so enthusiastically and masterfully presented that cannot be overlooked. I repeat myself: this is no trailblazing music you’ve never heard before; still, SAVAGED are truly ASTOUNDING in their debut and it wouldn’t be a lie to say that they are one of the BEST new heavy/speed bands out there, delivering STEEL as sharp and shining as it gets!
It’s worth noting that without even having an album released, the band performed at Headbangers Open Air 2023 next to bands such as RIOT V, JAG PANZER, SACRED REICH and FIFTH ANGEL, gaining a reputation of being a real live powerhouse!
So, no wonder that within no more than three years of existence, the Spanish quartet are ready to present their full-length debut, “Night Stealer”.
The album opens with “I Will Fight” which is a striking song, typical of their style; a blending of speed and melody with a mysterious synth theme followed by a sweet guitar solo. I don’t know exactly why but GALAXY came to my mind. Anyway, the band grabs our FULL attention right from the start!
Then comes “Tons of Leather”, a song based on the Teutonic Metal tradition, exhibiting raw power, anthemic chorus, galloping riffs and crispy screams, all the ingredients to make it a tasty, epic track!
Having already mentioned most of the album’s songs, it’s only “Money Sucks” that I didn’t comment at all; another classically built track, not a highlight, but enjoyable nonetheless.
To wrap this review up, I just want to assure you that SAVAGED will be one of the groups that will be talked about in the future. They are definitely the right material for a worldwide acknowledgement and they totally deserve our support and love – for they are true METAL to the bone!
“Night Stealer” will be released on January 26th by No Remorse on both CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order both CD and LP here.
