Review SWEET SAVAGE “Bang”

Sweet Savage is a band with a long history. Founded in Belfast in 1979, they were part of the first generation of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM). Ray Haller and Vivian Campbell were the band’s original members, and Haller is still part of Sweet Savage. The band went through different and sometimes difficult phases. After releasing a few singles in the early ’80s, Sweet Savage split up in 1989 without releasing a debut album.

After reuniting in 1996, the band released their first studio album, and after releasing their sophomore album, the second era of Sweet Savage ended in 1998.

Since 2008, Sweet Savage has been back for a third stint, releasing “Regeneration” in 2011. Fourteen years later, “Bang” is ready to be unleashed. The fourth album features thirteen songs and sounds much more modern than you might expect from a band with roots in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM).

The title track sets the scene for the album, a heavily pounding energizer with an industrial texture. This approach continues with “Bad F Robot,” reflecting the intention of Ray Haller and Simon McBride (Deep Purple) when they started working on “Bang.” They wanted to create something different, and the addition of modern elements was no coincidence. They wanted to combine their roots with a new twist, a vision that also resonates in the alternative rocker “Leave Me Alone.”

“Live and Die” is the emotional peak of the album. This ballad provides some peace of mind after all the roaring riffs of the previous songs. Next is the short interlude “The Meltdown,” which brings you to “Mad World.” The synth-based beginning is another unusual moment on the album. After a while, the song reveals its guitar power with a thunderous riff. The tension between heavy sounds and synth-driven ear pleasers continues throughout, giving the song an entertaining nuance.

“The Chosen One” has a rebellious punk vibe, and the riff of “Dirtyland” brings us closer to Sweet Savage’s metal origins. “Time” is another industrial-fused riff monster kept at a moderate pace, showcasing the wide range of styles that influenced “Bang.”

The album ends with “Victorious,” another throbbing song in line with the rest of the album.
Sweet Savage created an interesting album that sounds authentic yet different. Fans of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM) should not expect a continuation of what the band delivered in the early days. “Bang” is a modern rock and metal album that sounds energetic and dynamic. It’s a modern interpretation of heavy-sounding music by a band that doesn’t shy away from innovation. It’s a captivating album, and listeners will quickly embrace Sweet Savage’s new musical twist.