Biography
Savage arrived somewhat belatedly relative to other New Wave of British Heavy Metal acts, compelled to observe their contemporaries secure contracts and build careers throughout the early 1980s. By the point the band finally obtained its own opportunity, the movement’s most prominent era had already faded, forcing the group to operate amid sharply diminished attention.
Formed in Mansfield, England, Savage took its name from a Judas Priest track on the Stained Class album and originally comprised vocalist/bassist Chris Bradley, guitarists Wayne Renshaw and Andy Dawson, and drummer Dave Lindley. Although the musicians began rehearsing as far back as 1978, they remained largely unknown until signing with the independent Ebony Records. Drummer Mark Brown, arriving from the local band Tyrant—itself titled after another Judas Priest song—joined in time to appear on the raw and unpolished 1983 debut Loose'n'Lethal. The album earned favorable coverage in the British metal press and ranked among the leading imports in America, yet Ebony’s limited experience and resources blocked any meaningful commercial follow-through. The partnership dissolved, after which Savage moved to Zebra for the 1984 We Got the Edge 12" and the 1985 album Hyperactive. Neither release recaptured the debut’s impact, owing in part to the band’s turn toward a more commercial style, and the group disbanded soon afterward. A brief reunion a decade later yielded the 1995 album Holy Wars and the 1997 album Babylon, both issued to widespread disinterest.
Formed in Mansfield, England, Savage took its name from a Judas Priest track on the Stained Class album and originally comprised vocalist/bassist Chris Bradley, guitarists Wayne Renshaw and Andy Dawson, and drummer Dave Lindley. Although the musicians began rehearsing as far back as 1978, they remained largely unknown until signing with the independent Ebony Records. Drummer Mark Brown, arriving from the local band Tyrant—itself titled after another Judas Priest song—joined in time to appear on the raw and unpolished 1983 debut Loose'n'Lethal. The album earned favorable coverage in the British metal press and ranked among the leading imports in America, yet Ebony’s limited experience and resources blocked any meaningful commercial follow-through. The partnership dissolved, after which Savage moved to Zebra for the 1984 We Got the Edge 12" and the 1985 album Hyperactive. Neither release recaptured the debut’s impact, owing in part to the band’s turn toward a more commercial style, and the group disbanded soon afterward. A brief reunion a decade later yielded the 1995 album Holy Wars and the 1997 album Babylon, both issued to widespread disinterest.
Albums
