Originally written by Chris Chellis.
Post retro thrash-revival thrash? Eh, forget the tags. This is just good metal. While some of their similarly “new” brethren seem to lean more toward the speed of Bonded by Blood, London’s Savage Messiah tread in more diverse territory. While this doesn’t exactly amount to the progressiveness of a Master of Puppets, it is a welcome break, nonetheless.
That the guitarist/vocalist and founding member had previously played in a more traditional metal band is not lost on the sound here. There’s almost an early power/thrash feel to parts of the band’s debut. The opening riff to “The Serpent Tongue of Divinity” could be pulled straight from early Blind Guardian. Of course, it eventually turns into a raging tribute to Testament but it’s these little touches that keep Insurrection Rising from being just another retro release. The balance between the crunchy production, early power/thrash leanings and modern dirge makes for a dynamic listen.
Perhaps the most noteworthy thing this band has going for it is the aforementioned founding member, Dave Silver. This dude’s got some great pipes. “Enemy Image” serves as a great example of his range because there are a few gallopy, modern Exodus type parts that call for real grit but there’s also some lighter, more melodic passages where he has to stretch it a little. How natural he sounds singing both parts is impressive, and I’d be hard pressed to think of a better singer from the pack of newer thrash bands. The only negative is that on a few of the heavier songs he comes eerily close to Anselmo territory, but those sections are really few and far between.
If I haven’t mentioned it yet, these guys can flat out shred. Just listen to those precious 40 opening seconds of album closer “He Who Laughs Last.” I haven’t heard such a clean battle of leads since I listened to Mustaine and Broderick duke it out on the underwhelming Endgame. Fortunately, we’re spared a solo-fest and there are songs here to appreciate and listen to more than one time, so +1 to the new generation. If your heart still pumps blood and you like thrashier music then give this one a shot.
