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Sign Of The Cross

    
       
       
       
     
             
Savage Grace are a heavy metal band from the USA forming during the eighties when heavy metal was still in its infancy. The band released two albums - 'Master Of Disguise' (1985) and 'After The Fall From Grace' (1986) - and then disbanded during the nineties, remaining quiet for over two decades...    
             
...reforming in 2020 - led by original member, guitarist Christian Logue - the band are back with an almighty bang! 'Sign Of The Cross' is the bands third album, and is a breath taking slice of fast paced and highly melodious heavy metal - ten songs across fifty two terrific minutes! Breathing life into the new album, Savage Grace immediately swing into full stride with the incredibly infectious and fast paced 'Barbarians At The Gate', displaying the brand of power driven heavy metal as made famous by British legends Judas Priest. Savage Grace are in devastating form here, destroying the airways with aplomb to leave only desolation in their wake. An absolute barnstormer of an opening salvo!    
             
And with no let up in terms of energy, pace or power, the album romps on with the heavy hitting 'Automoton' - featuring the classic old school gallop of traditional heavy metal. Albeit with a little more flair, Savage Grace blending elements of power metal into their root heavy metal sound. The blistering opening one-two has been phenomenal, making listeners, fans and followers immediately sit up and take notice. Take notice of a comeback, for surely this is what 'Sign Of The Cross' is! A comeback, after twenty silent years - but silent no more! Savage Grace are anything but silent, roaring like a lion possessed, the title song 'Sign Of The Cross' jingle jangling its way into sight, to eventually become a thumping slab of majestic metal. The fire thunder and brimstone oozing from 'Sign Of The Cross' (the song) is incredible, the band a savage force of nature. Pace lights up the album once more with the energetic 'Rendezvous', planting one "foot on the monitor" as the band revel in their second coming. More passion, more desire, and more oomph than ever before - what a rebirth!    
             
The ballad sounding title of 'Stealin' My Heart Away' is there to confuse you, for 'Stealin' My Heart Away' is no where near ballad territory! Far from it - pulsating and pounding like an eclectic mix of hard rock and heavy metal, attracting fans of both genres to the Savage Grace soundscape. What a terrific boundary breaking song, the band maintaining the albums barnstorming start. The overwhelming intensity since the album began has been unrelenting, the pace and power doubling, no - tripling, for 'Slave Of Desire' is a full throttle thrill ride of rampaging heavy metal. Simply breath taking stuff from the American four piece outfit! I'm telling ya, there's just no escape - the band holding a tight grip over listeners, and not letting go. 'Land Beyond The Walls' is another power driven metal march to head bang hard to, Savage Grace echoing a sound that's so fucking addictive. Is 'Sign Of The Cross' (the album) heading for the Album Of The Year title? Maybe, just maybe!    
             
Relaxing the intensity for just a little bit, you're eased into 'Star Crossed Lovers' on the crest of a thirty second melodic rock intro, and then wam bam thank you Savage Grace - pulsating heavy metal takes over once more! And the album resumes its full on in your face metal attack - the band serving up an absolute treat for old and new fans alike. And hopping on to the melodic metal freeway, 'Branded' is perhaps the lightest song on offer, retaining the albums overall intensity and heavy metal gallop, yet emanating a softer side not seen (or heard) previously. The final song on offer, is a live recording of 'Helsinki Nights', showcasing the bands incredible stage presence - full of energy and intensity. Pretty much the same as the album then! An album of fucking great heavy metal.    
             
Overall, Savage Grace ooze energy and oomph in abundance, delivering a power driven and highly melodious album of infectious heavy metal.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Metal-Roos    
             
Review is also featured at Metal Gods TV    
             
             
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