Bang [LP]

Formed in Belfast in 1979 by bassist and vocalist Ray Haller and future Dio/Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, Sweet Savage were part of the first wave of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal – alongside Iron Maiden, Saxon, Diamond Head, Judas Priest and others.

But unlike their peers, Sweet Savage never released a full album during their first run. Instead, they became underground legends, especially after Metallica covered their track ‘Killing Time’ and released it as the B-side of their multi-platinum single ‘The Unforgiven’. The friendship between the two legendary bands continues to this day.

Now, with ‘Bang’, the band returns in fighting form. Sweet Savage is not here to revive nostalgia, but still, on the new album, their roots are unmistakable – aggressive, fast-paced metal infused with industrial textures and punk rock’s DIY ethos.

Frontman Ray Haller is backed by longtime drummer Marty McCloskey and guitar force Phil Edgar. The album features guitar work by Simon McBride, who once toured and recorded with the band before launching his solo career and joining Deep Purple. Sweet Savage is back with ‘Bang’ – and yes, the album hits as hard as the title suggests.