Review SAVAGE MANIA “Demonic Assault”

Bollnäs, a city in northern Sweden, is home to a young band that is launching with the stunning debut album, “Demonic Assault” . The album isn’t actually a brand new release, as Savage Mania launched it one year ago as a self-release. It was a digital-only release, but now that they have signed a deal with Fireflash Records, the album will also be available in physical formats.

“Demonic Assault” is a wild and ferocious album with thrash metal roots. Drawing inspiration from 80s genre heroes, Satanic Mania unleash relentless power, with the intro being the album’s calmest moment. With an eerie atmosphere, “Intro” announces some savage metal, kicking off with “Undead Rebirth”. A Slayer-esque riff starts the song, and there are more riffs like this, showing the impact of a band like Slayer on the music of the four-piece Swedish band.

At less than 30 minutes long, there is no doubt that one or two extra songs would have been welcome. On the other hand, though, this debut features a boiled-down thrash metal assault with no weak moments.

It’s not innovation that creates the buzz here. Rather, it is the untamed and raw power that the band generates through their unwavering commitment. This album is not about fretboard acrobatics. It’s about the savagery of metal, which makes tunes like “Master of Hell” a headbanger’s delight.

Aggressiveness and a rebellious mindset come together on the album. Alongside Slayer, there are songs referencing the early Kreator, while “Remorse” has a solid Motörhead vibe embedded in pure thrash metal. Savage Mania don’t consider any brakes. They go full speed ahead, as can be heard in the raging “Storm of Steel”. In case you’re wondering what “Fastrack” is about, the title says it all. Despite its stronger punk vibe, the song still fits into the thrash metal context.

“Demonic Assault” is a thrash metal gem. It is the debut album of a young band who recorded this full-length album in just two days. It is one of the most remarkable and wildest thrash metal debuts in years. The combination of old-school energy and youthful enthusiasm results in a superb album that will challenge people’s neck muscles.