Locked away for years and years in a dark vault (or maybe just someone's basement), SAVAGE CHOIR's "Winter Of Probator" is finally going to see the light of day. And it's about time.

SAVAGE CHOIR was formed in the early 80's but after a short while, changed their name to DEATHMASK. After releasing just one album, "Split the Atom", DEATHMASK soon fell victim to record label mismanagement and disbanded, a then common situation for bands trying to muster enough support to find their way through the fast-growing hair metal scene. Eventually, vocalist Steve Ferrigno reformed SAVAGE CHOIR with guitarist Guy Capuzzo, Jorge Guerra on bass, and Lee Nelson on drums. Chris Eichorn also contributed bass tracks on three of the nine songs.

The second incarnation of SAVAGE CHOIR recorded nine of the intended ten demos for a concept album to be titled "Winter of Probator" hoping that this would be their ticket to stardom. But again, nothing materialized and the band was forever laid to rest and the album never released.

Now in 2014, Divebomb Records have re-mastered the "Winter of Probator" tracks and are releasing the long awaited album that should have been made available more than two decades ago. They've also included an alternate re-mix of  "War Gods of Atyrix". SAVAGE CHOIR's sound is reminiscent of classic bands like WATCHTOWER, TOXIK, and SAVATGE. Very progressive for its time, the lyrics are concept-themed and deep, and the vocals have a very high register. The guitar shredding is outstanding and the solos are almost neo-classical, in the vein as Yngwie Malmsteen.

Overall, "Winter of Probator" is raw, gritty, and really solid and had it been released, would have created a buzz in the industry way back when. SAVAGE CHOIR is one of those bands that never got its opportunity to shine, until now.

For the record, only 500 copies of the CD were pressed, making it a very limited-edition release, and contains all new artwork and a 12 page color booklet with lyrics. If you're a die-hard fan or just a collector of vintage Metal, you'd better get one of these fast.