How about summoning some big time applause for Earache Records and their signed SAVAGE MESSIAH? If don't know what am I talking about, here is the deal. SAVAGE MESSIAH's third and new album, "Plague Of Conscience", is I about to hit the record stores in the coming weeks and prior to its release, the band's new label decided, possibly with the band's blessing, to release the album free of charge for Metalheads worldwide to download. Not sure if it had a direct connection to the status of record sales, yet it didn't really surprised me at all as it was already done once with GAMA BOMB, which are also signed to Earache, two years ago. Call it a Christmas or a new year's gift for the fans; I call it an opportunity to once again enjoy a wonderful band that has made a huge step towards excellence.

The British steel might have undergone a process of corrosion over the years, especially after the 80s, but it certainly didn't meet its maker. Since Metal's revival, this once proud and flourished scene has been out again looking for meat just like the "Grinder" of JUDAS PRIEST. SAVAGE MESSIAH that emerged from the ashes of HEADLESS CROSS once displayed highly crafted Bay Area type of Thrash Metal through an assault made by modernity, especially when it comes to high profile type of productions as on this release.

After two albums, that each one presented a stage of development came a third with a mutation of its own. While still following the likes of Bay Area Thrash Metal in vein of TESTAMENT, this new album shows plenty of glances towards Heavy and Speed Metal. Along with IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and nowadays MEGADETH, SAVAGE MESSIAH didn't need much to reaffirm my attention of their creations and intentions.

Even though the opening of the album is quite impressive and even bombastic, I would like to forward you first to the closing chapter, "The Mask Of Anarchy". Besides being a sort of a social epos, it was the suitable ground for Dave Silver, founder, vocals and guitars, and the guys to show their true worth as recording artists and also Silver's creative mind that projected the material. The presentation of the song's segments, which were impressively arranged, showed the current face of SAVAGE MESSIAH. Everything connected smoothly while in the end leaving a taste for continuance. As one more than a handful of albums, this final track summarized the overall ideas, influences and mass amount of effort invested on the entire release. I was also amazed by "Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt", "Carnival Of Souls", "In Thought Alone", "Architects Of Fear" and "Shadowbound". It is not that hard to see that this release cracked me up.

Universally, I think that "Plague Of Conscience" is another proof that Thrash Metal can develop and touch realms that aren't exactly associated to the extreme world. SAVAGE MESSIAH presented diversity between heaviness, emotional states and musical intellect while creating a flow that isn't even close to banality. Though not old school in their music, they know the roots behind their orientations, therefore they can be a treat to everyone who listens.