Savage Master (Satanic Kitsch Metal)

 

Well time to punch myself in the face. That’s for two reasons. One, because I said anyone liking this band should be punched in the face (paraphrasing, but basically), and two I should be punched in the face by the band for saying that. Truth be told, I’ve never been into Savage Master. I found their particular brand of Satanic heavy metal typical in terms of its basic ideas, and poorly developing beyond it. There were a number of reasons for this, but on is the necessity of a “female-fronted” band having an absolutely stellar lead. Stacey, well, she just didn’t “have it,” as it were. It takes a certain amount of training and natural ability to pull it off (see Scavenger’s lead), otherwise it’s the proverbial “forget it.” But wait, before you start to attack, they’ve finally got it. Forget their legions of fans, because these words have more weight than a million Facebook follows. Dark & Dangerous is the true direction of Savage Master. They’ve evolved wholly into a form that’s perfectly nailed what they’ve trying for for years.

   

Look at that cover. Scary glade with knife and plastic flowers? Savage Master have been running with this kitsch Satan thing since their inception. Problem is the boss girl approach doesn’t work unless you do one of two things: you either bring that shit with ripping vocals, or you ride who you are and don’t give a fuck. They finally figured out the latter, because, to be honest, the other approach wasn’t working. But in Dark & Dangerous the band finally adds a little more rawk to their sound, ripping up bars and giving dirty, alcoholic scum playing pinball there a second chance at a first kiss while they vomit on each other. This album is a nearly perfect working of attitude. This is especially noticeable in how, this time, the lead is certain of herself and not giving a fuck about sounding any certain way, or trying to do what she simply can’t. She’s riding her own fire, and it fucking kills (for once). An extra feature in this regard are the stellar solos (like a million times between than previous releases), vocal layering and tongue-in-cheek eeriness that works better than pretending you’re actually scary, in addition to a recording boosted by an ultra-clear production that only leads more to the band’s style. Toss in some OS lyrical content about love lost, worshipping Satan in its place, and you get the full package you thought you had before but only just received. Apologies to Savage Master for hitting hard, and though one person in the world probably cares, you just nailed yourself a Deaf Sparrow high score. Now get to work on more of this shit.

 

Savage Master Official Instagram

Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls

Savage Master – Dark & Dangerous
Shadow Kingdom Records
Cover Art: Band
4.7 / 5