Band: Savage Messiah
Title: Insurrection Rising
Label: Candlelight Records
Distribution: Plastic Head Distribution
Release date: 07/09/2009
Review: CD

The London-based Thrash formation Savage Messiah became quite an important act within the international scene after the self-release of the 2007-debut album, Spitting Venom. Earlier this year they signed to major label Candlelight, releasing the second full length, Insurrection Rising, with a total running time of 43:26 minutes.
Musically Savage Messiah still bring a mixture of both modern and ‘classic’ old times-inspired Thrash Metal with attention for groove, melody and heaviness. The rhythmic tracks combine elements from different scenes, or better: this isn’t just a rip-off from, let’s say, the Bay Area or Gothenburg-scene. At the same time, the band combines elements (technical craftsmanship, catchy rhythm, inspirational riffing, melodic groove, song structures etc) from Megadeth, Darkane, Metallica, Carcass, Sanctity, Testament, Arch Enemy; even Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Possessed or Anvil sometimes come to mind. Such kind of mixture is not necessarily that world-shocking, yet in this band’s case, with the permanent addition of ‘own’ elements, it does intrigue. The equilibrium between fast and furious parts at the one hand, and more intimate ones, the equilibrium between uncompromising and creative, it works for Savage Messiah.

80/100

Ivan Tibos.