Savage (band)

Savage's first album Loose 'N Lethal

Savage was a heavy metal band from Mansfield, England.

The band is most remembered^{[citation needed]} for the song titled "Let it Loose", a track which made significant impact on the early 1980s metal scene, and would later give rise to the name of their first album, Loose 'N Lethal, released in 1983 and nowadays considered a classic^{[citation needed]}.

The group was formed in 1976 by 15-year-old bass player Dave Menegaux, vocalist and guitarist Kevin Osborn, guitarist Mark Clese and drummer Gregg "Slammer" Hammer, but after only one official gig in nine months, the band disbanded until regrouping 1980.^{[citation needed]}

In 1980, they released their first demo tape, in 1981 they managed to release "Scene of the Crime" and, what would be their most renowned song, "Let it Loose". The song incorporated a sound bordering on speed and thrash metal, and influenced many bands to follow similar styles^{[citation needed]}. In fact, there is a 1982 demo tape of Metallica covering this song^{[citation needed]}.

In 1982, Ebony Records picked up the band. Their first release under the Ebony label was a track for a compilation titled "Metal Fatigue". The release was met with good reviews^{[citation needed]} and Ebony decided to release two new Savage tracks on a 7" Single, which sold well. They debut album, "Loose And Lethal" was released the next year.

Although being an impressive unit^{[citation needed]}, receiving compliments from magazines, fans, and bands, Savage lacked support, since small label Ebony did not know how to promote them beyond semi-pro levels.^{[citation needed]}

In 1984 the band decided to leave Ebony Records and signed to a new label, Zebra Records, quickly diving into a limited US tour with acts such as Venom and Metallica. At the end of the year they issed their first release for Zebra, the 12" EP "We Got the Edge". However, the magic which had been so evident on previous releases^{[citation needed]} had evaporated, and a radically different second album, "Hyperactive" only exacerbated the situation.

Discography

Albums

• Loose 'N Lethal (Ebony Records, 1983)
• Hyperactive (Zebra Records, 1985)
• Holy Wars (Neat Records, 1995)
• Babylon (I.R.S. Records, 1996)
• Xtreme Machine (Neat Records, 2001)

Singles/EPs

• Aint No Fit Place (Ebony Records, 1982)
• We Got The Edge (Zebra Records, 1984)
• Cardiac (Black Dragon, 1986)