The traditional heavy metal scene has seen, in the last 10 – 15 years, a blazing resurgence of acts fiercely dedicated to the foundational and fundamental sound of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. I would say that among these ardent revivalists stand SAVAGED, who are hailing from Barcelona, Spain.
The Catalonian band, since their formation in 2021, have distinguished themselves not by any ‘’reinvention of the wheel’’ or by the redefinition of any heavy metal genre but by a passionate devotion to the untainted essence of the genre. Their successful debut album, just one year before, in January 2024, offered a strong declaration of intent, that was paying homage to the titans that forged the path.
Now, with ‘’Rising’’, their sophomore full-length album, retaining all the driving force of their momentum, SAVAGED embark on a new chapter, not straying from their established course but boosting their heavy metal vision to more elevated heights.
The compositions feel more mature and expansive, the arrangements exhibit a greater depth without sacrificing the immediate impact and directness that define their music. The band marches on, firing on all cylinders with tracks like ‘’Queen of My Salvation’’ (the band’s first single) and ‘’The Long Walk’’ showcasing their skill for crafting irresistible, chant-worthy anthems in the vein of ACCEPT, RIOT, SAXON, IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST.
In all tracks but especially to songs such as ‘’Across the Burning Fields’’ and ‘’The Conqueror’’ the guitar work by Joan Grimalt and Jamie Killhead is consistently sharp and articulate, delivering an outbreak of classic riffs and intense solos that are both technically proficient and emotionally resonant.
Vocally, Jamie Killhead proves himself again as a very high value asset of the band. Listen for example to the song ‘’Stars are Falling’’ (the band’s second single of the album) and you’ll catch the point of what I’m talking about.
His performance is passionate, imposing, commanding, navigating the melodic passages with clarity before launching into powerful, high-pitched affirmations or soaring assertions such as those delivered in the title-song ‘’Rising’’, where the singer experiments in a territory laid down by giants of this music, such as King Diamond or the mighty JD Kimball in the most epic recitations.
Of course, the desired outcome that I listened to, throughout the album, could not have been achieved if there was not a solid and powerful rhythm section, built by Aleix Coll on bass and Cristian Blade on drums, structuring the necessary drive and propulsion for the sonic take-off of the songs. 
‘’Rising’’ embodies the spirit of classic heavy metal. Anthemic choruses, soaring vocals, soul-lifting harmonies and hooking melodies characterize the compositions that will lead the traditional heavy metal disciples to multiple listens repeatedly full of bliss and satisfaction.
‘’ Rising’’ has been released on the 30th of May 2025 by No Remorse Records and is available on Digital format. It will be also available on CD on the 13th of June 2025 and on LP on the 18th of July 2025.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
