The Fateful Dark

Here we have the fourth full-length from British power thrashers Savage Messiah, a band I’m partially familiar with – although this is my first true full-length plunge. Its style is predominantly thrash metal a là modern Testament or even Exodus, with sprinklings of power metal which recall harder-edged German acts such as Mystic Prophecy or the current works from US acts like Helstar or even Agent Steel.

The Fateful Dark is a reasonably solid effort which is at its strongest in the riff and vocal department, although I can’t help feeling Savage Messiah would benefit from an injection of manic venom, as for the most part the thrash elements feel a little too clean, calculated, and precise. Still, I’d be doing a disservice to the band if I failed to mention that there is a fair share of energy and muscled musical sections.

Dave Silver’s vocals are one of the strongest aspects here, particularly so when he sticks to the mid/aggressive register, and his work really awards the music its attitude. Silver’s style isn’t too far away from those of acts like Brainstorm or even We Are Legend, with that proud, powerful approach. There are some high register vocals which sound a little silly – as evident in the opening salvo of “Inconocaust” – and is certainly an element I could have done without, although hardly a deal breaker.

Despite having my odd personal niggles, I feel the songwriting is spot on throughout the album, even in the semi-ballad “Live As One Already Dead” which is surprisingly decent (I’m sure we all know thrash + ballad = snore). The production is as expected for an Earache album, pristine and applying to the standards of the style. Savage Messiah really has the full package together, something I’m sure could earn them a fan-base much wider than that of those frequenting the dingy venues they cut their teeth in nowadays.

Maybe it’s not anything truly amazing, but Savage Messiah totally outclasses a good portion of its competition (especially here in Britain) with tight, proficient performances, and some standout numbers like the melodically charged title track or the fiery “Hellblazer” (which pretty much does as it says). If you get your thrills from the sounds of modern thrash metal or the heavier power metal acts, then this is a band you’re going to want to check out, and I’d say The Fateful Dark is the perfect place.

Written for Black Wind Metal

I just became familiar with this London based band upon my acquisition of this album and I must say I'm interested in hearing their other material. These guys play a melodic thrash that reminds me of USPM (United States Power Metal) on occasions. Founded in 2007 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Silver after the break up of his previous band Headless Cross. Hey, with a band name like that you kinda know where this guy's influences lie, right? Anyway, this is their fourth full length album and I must say I'm happy I picked this up. This is nothing innovative or new here, just a very entertaining slice of metal.

Upon first hearing the opening track "Iconocaust", I'm hearing a nice melodic intro that segues right into some good thrash riffing. This mixture of melody and thrash riffing is done really well here. The vocalist reminds me of a lot of people, but mostly Jonny Lindqvist from Nocturnal Rites. The song is a rocking mid paced thrasher with riffs that reminds me of Practice What Your Preach era Testament in parts with a catchy chorus and some killer lead solos. And it doesn't stop there. Songs like "Minority of One", "Hellblazer", "Scavengers of Mercy", and "The Cursed Earth" are thrashy but with enough melody to really make me think this was a USPM band. Not balls out thrash but speedy and crunchy with massive solos.

Then you have songs like "Cross of Babylon" and "Hammered Down" that just kick you in the teeth with full on thrash riffing....fast and aggressive that once again remind me of Testament. The guitar work, again, is the shining star here on this album with blazing solos that are done right without too much flash but with technical brilliance. The band does slow it down for a ballad of sorts called "Live as One Already Dead" that isn't that bad but nothing special. As for metal ballads, there have been better. Then there are songs like the title track and "Zero Hour" that are traditional metal songs with riff heavy and even some galloping rhythms mixed in with catchy choruses and godly solos.

So in the end, this is a band that can make an album with a variety of songs and do it with style and talent. I'm instantly a fan of this band and of this album. If their previous releases are this good, I will be very happy to have found this band. These guys are really good and this album is an enjoyable listen.


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