Almost-forgotten NWOBHM originators SAVAGE have risen from the ashes at a time you’d least expect them to by releasing its sixth full-length album, Sons Of Malice. One of the first of the NWOBHM bands to hit the burgeoning British scene in the early ’80s with its debut release, Loose ‘n’ Lethal (an underrated masterpiece), the band actually gained notoriety when a young upstart band by the name of METALLICA covered “Let it Loose” on their Hit the Lights demo. With their fierce guitar tone, remarkable solos and blazing riffs, Savage laid the early foundation for thrash and speed metal. Savage’s underground cult status is still present today but people often wonder why the band never made it big or went on to achieve success like DEF LEPPARD, IRON MAIDEN, DIAMOND HEAD and SAXON did, who all came out of the British metal scene about the same time. Their failure at major success is often blamed on the lack of support from their record label and management at the time, which soon caused band infighting which then led to the band calling it quits in 1986. Ten years later, the band reformed and recorded their comeback album, Holy Wars. But by then, Savage was just an afterthought but still remained a cult-like status. They recorded two more albums before an 11-year lapse, which leads us to their latest release. With Sons of Malice, Savage continues its dirty, raw, bluesy rock with classic NWOBHM signature elements but with a modernized sound. The band’s love for THIN LIZZY, SCORPIONS, SAXON and VAN HALEN is still intact on the 13 tracks that grace the CD. Sons of Malice still won’t make Savage mega stars, but they turn in a great effort while capturing the classic sound that is embedded in their roots.