SAVIOR FROM ANGER - Lost in the Darkness (Rock It Up / 2009)

Italian Metal is on the fast lane, as we get to hear some fine debuts in 2009. "Lost in the Darkness" is another proof.

The band is basically Marco Ruggerio, who did all guitar work and wrote the songs + singer Alessandro Granato. Drums and Bass were recorded by two different rhythm crews, at two different sessions. Both recordings differ in sound, but not in musical or songwriting-quality.

Ok, after a short mystical intro, the band crashes in with a powerfull double-bass drive and a furious riff, that could have been writen by Tipton/Downing for "Defenders of the Faith". The next highlight is Granato`s high-pitched voice, that gives the icing to this Speed/Power Metal opener, called "Claustrophobia".

"Victim of Rage" is the next attack in best US Metal tradition, again with a great, varied guitarwork (riffs, twin-runs, solos) and some powerful Tate-Rivera-like vocals. Between driving speed- and stomping power-parts, some melodic bits shine through.

"No way out" is a cool Speedster, that shows up with a dose of Thrash attitude. In-your-face stuff, with a riff, after the first break, that is best Exodus-Tempo of the Damned-tradition. The song again impresses with loads of variety, melody and power. Fine soloing by Ruggerio here.

"Killing Greed" is the last track from that first session. Power-Speed Metal at it`s best.

The following six tracks come from the other session. "Double Shot" is a heavy stomper, "Mindstruck" pure Speed Metal and "Through this life" a beautiful power-ballad, that shows once more Granato`s skills as power-singer.

All in all "Lost in the Darkness" is a brilliant debut with not one weak song on it. Musically the band is beyond reproach. The sound is good and the cover artwork fits well, with it`s mystical touch.

Modern traditional Metal in the best sense. It seems, that we have to keep an eye on the Power/Speed/Thrash stuff, that is coming from Bella Italia...

91/100


Nick

http://www.myspace.com/marcoruggiero
http://www.marcoruggiero.com/

I will soon post my own review on Shapeless Zine, unfortunately only in italian...
I've to say that Marco did a good work, sometimes remembering Nameless crime (his previous project), something trying to recreate a new vision of US power in "his own words"...

"Bella Italia" !!! ROFL

I know Marco since he played in Nameless Crime. We're in the same City ;) I hope we could review this album soon on my web magazine.

I'm just listening to a song on their MySpace page: nice stuff!

And very good artwork! (made by one of my oldest friends)