| CD REVIEW Savage Grace |
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Band : Savage Grace Originally, I was gonna make separate reviews for these two re-issue albums, but then opted against that procedure, because I wanted to tell you Savage Grace’s story as a whole, and not divided in sections. You know the reason why Limb Products felt it to be a good idea to re-issue the complete works of this once San Fransisco area based band? Well, SG has just reformed (with guitarist/ singer Christian Logue as only remaining original member – but that ain’t new – and the rest of the band being members of German NWoBHM-styled band Roxxcalibur) to play a bunch of European dates, and on top the albums by the late ‘80s act are apparently hard to get these days. (As stated in the promo talk for this album) It’s quite frankly true that, when you’re talking about quality Heavy Metal from the late ‘80s, one of the top bands in the genre (based on Iron Maiden’s twin guitar dynamics, we would in those days call it US (Power) Metal, although the frequently fast-played tunes also often gave rise to such categorisation as US Speed Metal) was SG, whom were actually founded as Marquis De Sade in 1981, name which Logue was the only one to like, and which the band was “advised” to change in early 1982…pending proscecution. As Savage Grace they then released their first ’82 demos…the first featuring the songs “Curse The Night” and “Eagles Come”, he second one, done later the same year, featuring the songs “Curse The Night”, “Genghis Khan”, and “Scepters Of Deceit”, both of which had Dwight Cliff singing (the original singer in the band was one Kenny Rhoads, brother of Randy, whom was Ozzy Osbourne’s first guitarist). The latter songs was chosen by Metal Blade for inclusion on its Metal Massacre II compilation. The guys were eventually given the opportunity to record the Bill Metoyer produced 5-track 12-inch EP The Dominatress, released in 1983. Along for the ride with Logue at that time were bassist Brian “Beast” East, lead singer John Birk, drummer Dan Finch, and second guitarist Kenny Powell (whom would leave shortly before the recordings of the full-length debut, to form the equally legendary Omen). The EP (also the very first non-compilation release by Metal Blade) became a sought-after item, and was re-released in Europe (in early ’85, if memory serves correctly) through French quality HM label Black Dragon Records (as would be their later outings). With Powell out, Logue hired the services of Witchkiller guitarist Kurt Phillips, then fired him even during the recordings of the 1985 released Master Of Disguise, because he didn’t like the way he played his instrument…and ended up playing all guitars on the album by his self. Another new introduction to the band was singer Mike Smith, whom left the band shortly before the band was set to leave for a European tour (which also saw the introduction of second guitarist Mark “Chase” Markham, formerly of Agent Steel). Pity, for his nice semi-high pitch and soaring highs really màde the album. Undaunted, Logue took over lead vocals for the tour, and eventually that was the best decision he could make, because after all his singing style was just about of the same quality as Smith’s. Returning home, line-up changes continued to happen (Marc Marcum took his place behind the drums, supplanting Finch) but the band bravely went on to record their 1986 album After The Fall From Grace, this time with Logue as lead singer, something which got mixed emotions from the fans (one side loving what he did, the other one questioning his qualities as lead singer). However, by that time the band belonged among the rising stars in their scene, so the outcome was positive anyway (on top Logue didn’t have to deal with the antics of a megalomaniac lead singer). Following the release of the album, SG again went on a European tour, taking that other Black Dragon Records signee and upcoming star of the US HM scene, Heir Apparent along for the ride. Back from Europe, the band’s line-up came to a change which would mean the beginning of the end, and fans were surprised to find Heir Apparent bassist Derek Peace standing next to Logue on the stage in early 1987. The same line-up still recorded what would become the band’s epitaph recordings, 1987’s 4-track EP Ride Into The Night, but without East on the bass the remaining musicians kinda lost their footing. The band still did a 20-date US gig with Motörhead, but after that Logue moved the band to New York, in search of new musical horizons. Following more line-up changes, and with drooping heads, SG eventually returned to San Fransisco in early 1982, where they disolved later that same year. In 1993, the band’s new song “Mainline Lover” still made it onto the American Metal – Heavy ’n’ Dirty compilation album. One of the more exciting American Heavy Metal bands of the ‘80s had ceased to exist, but they left us a total of 4 releases (2 full-lengths, 2 EPs) as a reminder of how góód Metal can be! As mentioned above, Christian Logue resurrected the band with members of German band Roxxcalibur (guitarists Roger Dequis & Eric kaldschmiidt, bassist Mario Long, and drummer Andreas Neuderth), which prompted a spot at this year’s Keep It True festival in Germany (23-24 April). I’m sure that other Summer festvals will still want to add the band to their bill! Right, all that being said, time for me to tell you just what to expect on each of the 2 re-issue albums, besides the obvious…because there’s bonuses, darlings, yes indeed! You see, the first of the re-issues, compiling the 1985 debut full-length Master Of Disguise and 1983 debut EP The Dominatress (regrettably in thàt order – I personally would’ve prefered to see things done in chronological order, even if the vocals are a bit less outstanding on the EP) there’s no less than 4 bonus tracks, 3 of which are from ’82 demos (including, evidently, the aforementioned and scorching “Scepters Of Deceit”, an early version of “Curse The Night”, and the demo-only “Genghis Khan”), the fourth an ’84 demo version of “No One Left To Blame” (singer here was Mike Smith, and the track also made it to the debut album). The second re-issue already gives evidence of a slight directional change in musical style on the Ride Into The Night EP (which, incidently also includes a cover of Deep Purple’s “Burn”)…a change which is further evidenced in the 3 bonus tracks. The above mentioned “Mainline Lover” of course hàd to be on this compilation, the other 2 tracks are live recordings of tracks which by 1991 had become staple songs in the band’s gig repertoire. As for me to tell you how long the re-issues both are, I’m somewhat at a loss without having to use a calculator, for on our download promo copies the label decided to edit most of the tracks (cutting off the tail when in mmost songs a great solo section has just begun). At the band’s official MySpace page (myspace.com/officialsavagegrace) you’ll find snippets of some 7 songs posted. I’m sure more snippets will be available at Amazon.com, and I guess for full-length tracks you’ll have to consult one of the 4 videos on the band’s MySpace page! Although I’m refusing to rate this, and in spite of the label’s silly policy of edited songs, you can be sure to find both of the re-issues in my year-lists at the end of 2010! By the way, apparently a 4-track 7-inch EP including the songs “Into The Fire”, “No One Left To Blame”, “Die By The Blade” and “Betrayer”, which would be from a 1983 demo (huh, don’t they mean 1984?) was included in the early 2010 issue #18 of Snakepitmagazine (ehm…ain’t that Japanese?)! Another must-have to hunt for, lads! Tony. |