Here at CGCM Towers the latest release from Savage Master is always a hotly anticipated event. And when the news came through of the release of Dark & Dangerous, albeit not until March, we were foaming at the mouth.
Fortunately for me I was the first to claim this particular review, which made me a very happy bunny.
Formed in 2013 in Kentucky, US, Savage Master have consistently produced quality metal around the subjects of the occult, death, and more. Dark & Dangerous is no different.
Lead by the formidable vocals of Stacey Savage the band powers through 11 tracks of rock and metal mastery.
The band doesn’t begin and end with Ms Savage of course, the guitars are sublimely handled by Julien Fried, Larry Myers and Adam Neal (who also plays bass) and drummer John W. Littlejohn.
Opening with the scene-setting “Three Red Candles” this one minute instrumental charges straight into “Warriors Call”. Thumping riffs introduce Stacey Savage’s first involvement and that familiar vocal is once again a powerful pleasure. Top it off with a cracking solo and we have a winning start.
Rider
“Black Rider” follows which is a headbanging triumph. The pace and rhythm just hit the spot, as do, once again, the guitars.
If you need a good singalong with fists pumping then look no further than “The Edge of Evil”. This must surely become a live staple with the potential for some excellent call and response action.
“Devil’s Child” opens with a well pitched guitar segment, and with the pace picked up even more it grabs your attention immediately. The track ends as it began with some intense guitar work, lovely stuff.
“Screams from the Cellar” reflects the title with lower toned more threatening vocals and a slower but still pumping rhythm.
It’s back to fist-pumping rock with “Never Ending Fire” a 3-minute blast of metal that will leave you worn out.
A brief spoken word/spooky noise opens “Devil Rock” and continues with everything we love Savage Master for. Riffs, pace, vocals, solos, all hit the mark. Another track that’ll get you singing along, too.
“I Never Wanna Fall in Love” is a slight departure for the band, with the subject of love being rarely touched upon. There’s no need to panic though as it is still a banger, as the kids say. (Do they still say that? I wouldn’t know…)
Fast and furious riffing carries us along with “When the Twilight Meets the Dawn”. A chunky track with immense pounding drums, this is a big booming track.
Excellent
This excellent album is concluded by an atypical Savage Master track, in “Cold Hearted Death”. Stacey Savage shows her more tender side, and it’s great to hear. Whilst the subject is familiar the song has a more profund intensity. In my opinion this is one of the outstanding tracks of the whole Savage Master catalogue. The extended solo closing the song adds to the intensity and emotion, what a way to finish!
All in all Dark & Dangerous is a killer album with everything on it that we love about Savage Master. You’ll have to wait a little while longer though, it’s not out until March 28, 2025 on Shadow Kingdom Records. It will be worth the wait though, I guarantee it.
Check out my other articles and reviews here. Sparky.