Savage Grace was formed by guitarist Christian Logue and bassist Brian East in Los Angeles, California in 1981. They original named the band Marquis De Sade, but already the next year they changed the name, and recorded a 3 track demo. 1 of the songs on the demo, named "Scepters of Deceit", was chosen to appear on Brian Slagel's 'Metal Massacre II' compilation on Metal Blade Records. This led to a small break thru for the band, and a 5 track EP was recorded and released in 1983, also on the Metal Blade label. This release featured Kenny Powell on guitars, who left soon after to form Omen. The artwork for the EP caused the band some controversy, and the hoped for success was not to be found, so the cooperation with Metal Blade was cut. Another 2 track independent demo was released in 1984. Then in 1985 the band released their debut album, 'Master Of Disguise' on the indie label, Important Records, licensed under the Black Dragon label in Europe. The next year they released the follow up album, 'After The Fall From Grace', and another EP in 1987, 'Ride Into The Night'. Sadly internal struggles, line-up changes and practically no label back-up led the band to split up in 1992. Today they are considered cult classics in the speed metal genre.
1985
MASTER OF DISGUISE / THE DOMINATRESS
(1985/1983, 2010) LIMB MUSIC
MASTER OF DISGUISE (1985)
THE DOMINATRESS (1983)
BONUS TRACKS:
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Line-up 1-9 & 18: Vocals : Mike
Smith Line-up 10-14: Line-up 15-17: Vocals : Dwight Cliff Guitars : Christian Logue Bass : Brian East Drums : Dan Finch |
original artwork
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Savage Grace are just one of many bands that escaped me during their heyday. I was always familiar with the name, and certainly the band's controversial album covers, I just never got around to pick up any of their records during the vinyl days. And since the CD versions became highly sought after collectors items over the years I never bothered to look for overpriced, used CD's on eBay. Savage Grace became almost forgotten after their original stint. But as an underground act they slowly gained a lot of popularity, and were hailed as one of the leading acts in the US speed metal circuit. Back when they were still active they played with bands like Exodus, Slayer and Dark Angel, and more often then not, Savage Grace was the headlining act! Unfortunately the band seemed unable to keep a stable line-up, and combined with other bad career decisions Savage Grace never hit it big, like so many other contemporary bands. Luckily Limb Music have now reissued all of the band's albums, and added virtually every song the band ever recorded as bonus tracks.
On the first of the 2 reissues we get 1985's 'Master Of Disguise', the band's debut album, and 1983's 'The Dominatress' EP. Limb have also put on most of the band's 2 demos from 1982 and 1984 (only 1 song is missing, probably due to no more space on the CD). The EP and album tracks have been remixed, while all of the tracks have been remastered. The extensive booklet is packed with lyrics, photos and liner notes. That makes this package a genuine gift to fans, new and old alike.
Musically Savage Grace are firmly planted in the US metal soil. The demos show a band influenced by what was going on in the NWOBHM movement, and especially Iron Maiden and Judas Priest must have made an impact on the band. However, as time passed Savage Grace upped the ante, and the tempo. So in time for the release of their debut album in 1985, the band had morphed into a full fledged speed metal act. Even though this CD reissue features at least 3 different line-ups, and most noticeably 3 different singers, there is still consistency in the material. All the singers operate with a high pitched falsetto singing style, but also with enough convincing power, needed for this kind of music. The guitars vary from a very Maiden-esq dual guitar approach, to machine gun speed metal riffing. No matter the pace of the song, or the line-up performing, it is always the song that is in focus. The songwriting sports strong hooks, and on 'Master Of Disguise' the band have worked hard on writing memorable melody lines, both vocally and musically. Subtle details, like the use of layered vocals here and there, brings the songs to higher levels. And the sonically enhancements on this reissue give the music the justice it deserves.
'Master Of Disguise' is of course the main focus here, and quite rightly so. This album is a speed metal classic, and should be mentioned in the same breath as Agent Steel's 'Unstoppable Force' and the early works of bands such as Grave Digger, Running Wild and Helloween. Songs like "Master Of Disguise", "Fear My Way" and "Sons Of Iniquity" must be hailed as some of the best in their genre. However, the 5 songs from the "The Dominatress" EP aren't any inferior in quality. The band just hadn't quite landed their trademark sound yet. "Curse The Night", "Live To Burn" and especially "Too Young To Die" are landmarks in the bands catalogue. The most noticeable demo track is of course "Scepters Of Deceit", a song that was chosen by Brian Slagel to appear on his 'Metal Massacre II' compilation.
Limb Music has done a really good job with this reissue, and I'm glad to finally be able to call myself a fan of Savage Grace because of it. I hope more classic US metal and speed metal fans do themselves a favor in checking out 'Master of Disguise'.
Killer tracks: Fear My Way, Master Of Disguise, Sons Of Iniquity, No One Left To Blame, Curse The Night, Live To Burn, Too Young To Die
AFTER THE FALL FROM GRACE / RIDE INTO THE
NIGHT
(1986/1987, 2010) LIMB MUSIC
AFTER THE FALL FROM
GRACE (1986)
RIDE INTO THE NIGHT (1987)
BONUS TRACKS:
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Line-up 1-9: Vocals,
Guitars : Christian Logue Guitars : Mark Marshall
Line-up 10-13: Vocals,
Guitars : Christian Logue Guitars : Mark Marshall
Line-up 14-16: Vocals,
Guitars : Christian Logue Guitars : Gene Chapman
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 original artwork
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The second set of Savage Grace reissues includes remastered versions of the band's second full album, 'After The Fall From Grace' (1986), and their second EP, 'Ride Into The Night' (1987), put onto 1 CD. 3 bonus tracks have also made the cut. The first one is a song recorded in 1991, that first appeared on a compilation album, named 'American Metal - Heavy 'n' Dirty' (1993). The last 2 were recorded live in Las Vegas, the 5th of May, 1992.
After a successful tour of Europe, where band leader, Christian Logue, took over the vocal duties after Mike left the band abruptly, the band headed back into the studio to record their sophomore release. Only Brian and Christian were left from the last album, and in came Marc (drums) and Mark (guitars). The new album was named 'After The Fall From Grace', and split the bands fan base down the middle. People seemed to either hate Christian's singing, or they loved it. He certainly didn't have the set of pipes like any of his predecessors, but that didn't stop him from doin' his best. I have to admit that he does sound a bit strained when he tries to reach for the highest notes. But no one can tell me that the man could not hold his own behind the microphone.
Musically 'After The Fall From Grace' picks up where the debut left us. This is a blend of US power and speed metal. The pace is pretty much held steadily fast all throughout the album, save for the more mid paced metal anthem opener, "Call To Arms". I can't say that I like this album as much as the debut, but it is not that far behind either. And I bet if Mike Smith had stayed on to record these songs, we'd had yet another milestone speed metal album on our hands.
On the 'Ride Into The Night' EP we experience more nuanced songwriting. The songs are basically slower, and, for lack of a better term, seem more progressive in nature. The EP ends with a cover of Deep Purple's "Burn", a fitting number as many feels that this track was the first speed metal song ever. On 'Ride Into The Night' Derek Peace (ex-Heir Apparent) replaces Brian East as the bands bass-player. The cover art caused the band even more controversy.
This was to be the last record from Savage Grace, because after a US tour following the EP, Derek left again, and the band parted ways. An attempt to resurrect the band was made during the early '90's, with yet another line-up behind Christian Logue. This time the band abandoned the speed metal, and tried to adopt a more LA sleaze sound! Then in 1992 the band was put to rest definitely. They left us with a bunch of killer speed/power metal songs though!
Trivia: The executioner on the cover of 'After The Fall From Grace' is Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Death a.o.).
Killer tracks: We Came, We Saw, We Conquered, After The Fall From Grace, Age Of Innocence, Tales Of Mystery, Ride Into The Night, We March On
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