ROCKET REVIEW: SAVAGE MESSIAH – “The Fateful Dark” (CD)

Led by singer/guitarist Dave Silver, London, England’s SAVAGE MESSIAH return in 2014 with their 4th album entitled “The Fateful Dark”. There has been great anticipation among thrash fans for this record. The production was handled by Scott Atkins (Amon Amarth, Sylosis, Behemoth) and it is no doubt top notch. “The Fateful Dark” kicks off with the high energy, pit starter “Iconocaust”. The guitar solo on this cut is totally shredding. With pure thrash attitude and a catchy chorus, this one is definitely a keeper. Next up is the stellar “Minority Of One”, followed by the absolutely rampaging “Cross Of Babylon”. Guitarists Joff Bailey and Dave Silver shred up and down the fretboard with reckless abandon. The album features new drummer Andrea Gorio, who delivers a solid double-bass drumming attack. Track four is titled “Hellblazer” and it certainly is blazing.

However, the next song “Live As One Already Dead” is more of a ballad and that really isn’t cool with me. Right when this thrashing good album was taking off, you slow it down? Thankfully things pick right back up with the album’s title track “The Fateful Dark”. Gaining more momentum now, the listener is hit between the eyes with the kick ass “Zero Hour”, where I find Silver’s vocals to be very impressive. This is followed by “Hammered Down” and my personal favorite, “Scavengers Of Mercy”. If the entire album was as good as this song I would have given it a perfect score. This track is how thrash metal is to be done and I just only wish the rest of the songs reached this level of excellence.

The album concludes with “The Cursed Earth”, and while it’s probably my second least favorite song on the record it still is effective. Overall, I think this band is growing in the right direction. I just want to hear more thrash next time and no ballads.

TMD

ROCKET REVIEW:
[starreview tpl=16]
SAVAGE MESSIAH – “The Fateful Dark”
(Earache Records/2014)

1. Iconocaust
2. Minority Of One
3. Cross Of Babylon
4. Hellblazer
5. Live As One Already Dead
6. The Fateful Dark
7. Zero Hour
8. Hammered Down
9. Scavengers Of Mercy
10. The Cursed Earth

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