Here is one complete classic metal blast from former
Virgin Steele/Burning Starr axeman Jack Starr. Truly underrated as a guitarist, Starr steps forward on this release as being one of the founding fathers of Melodic Thrash Metal (the name
Virgin Steele should say it all).
Savage is a truly stripped down album with the guitars dominating the album with simple song structure mixed in with technical arpeggios that derive from the neo-classical styles of Malmsteen to the Thrash Metal vibe of bands like Dark Angel; not to mention the dark crunch of Black Sabbath. No keyboards are present on the album; just Starr's playing being the center of the album.
Some of the key points on the album are
"Return from the Ashes" a more laid cut that contains a more blues inspired
Gary Moore style of playing. The opening track
"The Flame that Never Dies" is similar to many modern day Power Metal bands, while the instrumental
"Anthem for the Nations" showcases many styles of Starr's playing, going from a complete driving opus to an acoustic ballad like contrast towards the end.
"Sharon of the Woods" is one of the darker moments on the album, but for the most part the rest of the songs are consistent in tempo and style. I would not tag the album as a "retro album" due to the more up to date sound (although it has the feel of many harder edged 80's Metal bands), however nothing has changed as far as Starr's chops are concerned.
For production value, the instruments were recorded fairly hot (pushing the meters) and dry (more in your face) while the album has yet a "digital" sound to it (having a lack of warmth), being a little too compressed at many points. Shmoulik Avigal's vocal range is a cross between Badlands/Sun Red Sun vocalist Ray Gillan and Anthrax/Armored Saint throat John Bush, but unfortunately he is caught being flat a few times. This record itself is reminiscent of some of the early Shrapnel Records releases. On one note, the album does not come anywhere near any of
Virgin Steele's early material, I guess I was expecting a little more, but in no way am I knocking the album. It does however have the "home studio" vibe to it and leaving some is room for improvement, but this records emphasis was not on the production, but on the guitar work.
True to the Metal vein as far as the overall sound is concerned. It's for
Virgin Steele and Starr fans that have appreciated his playing over the years.
Written by
Hashman Monday, June 2, 2003
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