Savage Master - Mask of the Devil (2014)Release ID: 35749
I just have to review some Savage Master.
Savage Master is a Kentucky based outfit that describe their music as occult heavy metal. I love the band and I go see them every time they come to town, which is about yearly for the last 4 years. I would describe their sound as somewhere between NWOBHM, and thrash, with lyrics closer to something like Coven-very evil, but also very catchy heavy metal. The band has changed line-ups a few time but they are super consistent in what they sound like album to album, so if you like this one they have 3 more that are pretty much the same sound (this is very much a compliment).
The driving forces of Savage Master are of course front woman Stacy Savage, and guitarist Adam Neal. Stacy sounds like a witch, her vocal delivery is sharp and cutting, with a hint of a cackle. Adam knows how to dial in a fantastic tone, and they write great fucking songs!
I rate this album 4 out of 5 stars, the 5th star is reserved for a Savage Master live performance. Let me paint the scene for you:
There is an alter of candles. and a single slowly flashing red stage light. Then some of the biggest dudes you have ever seen come on stage in executioners hoods and start just fucking ripping metal-this is the sick fucking riff variety not the flashy guitar solo variety though they can and will do that later. Then a smaller figure clad in a red or black robe comes up on stage, and the robe is dropped to reveal a leather clad Stacy Savage. One of the most charismatic front people in the business. Stacy absolutely owns the stages. The band then proceeds to tear the house down. At some point a gimp appears, and on really special nights the beast they call the desolate one himself appears for the finale. It's a fucking awesome time, everytime!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ui752fY2o <--DO IT LIVE!
I'm kind of treating this review as a review the band themselves rather than just this album. As I said their sound and quality is incredibly consistent, and in a live set they will play all these Bangers, or at least most of them:
Mask of the Devil
"Blood on the Rose"
"The Ripper in Black"
"Altar of Lust"
With Whips and Chains
"With Whips and Chains"
"Looking for a Sacrifice"
"Burned at the Stake"
Myth Magic and Steel
"High Priestess"
Those Who Hunt at Night
"Queen Satan"
Those would be my 8 choice cuts, but if you like one Savage Master Song you will enjoy them all, and you will enjoy it even more in the live setting.
Under the banner 666
Beneath the inverted crucifix
Beyond hell and back again
Burning hot and we're ready to sin
