Savage Blade – We Are The Hammer. NWOTHM Classic Heavy Metal

Classic Rock Magazine

We’re excited to announce the inclusion of the title-track from our debut album, “We Are The Hammer” on the “New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal” compilation CD that shipped with issue #68 of Britain’s “Classic Rock Magazine”.  To be recognized as part of the “New Wave” by such an established, major publication as CRM is something we’re extremely proud of! Our thanks to CRM and Geoff Barton, and as always, to our fans -  we pledge to fly the banner of true metal high! Check out the Classic Rock site for more! Here’s a bit from the liner notes of the CD, written by CRM’s Geoff Barton:

“It seems impossible that, a little over 20 years ago, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and I were outlining plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. “Jeez… that whole movement influenced me so much,” I remember Lars saying. “We’ve got to do something like… an album!” Well, it had a protracted birth, but eventually a double-disc set titled NWOBHM-’79 Revisited went on sale, featuring a host of tracks from Maiden, Leppard, Paralex, Gaskin, Raven, Sweet Savage, Diamond Head, and more.

Now, in 2009, a new breed of band has emerged, clearly influenced by Lars’s incessant exhortations about NWOBHM’s undying brilliance, and disillusioned by the preponderance of down-tuned screamo-metal. So, please welcome… cue Thunderstick-style drumroll… the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).

As Lars said back in the day: “One of the interesting things to note is the uniqueness and individuality that each NWOBHM band possessed, which is something that I feel is sadly missed in today’s very bland, conservative and “play it safe” HM mentalities, where everybody just gets away with imitating the latest competition.” Wise words that haven’t dated one iota.

They say what goes around comes around – and the NWOTHM is the irrefutable proof.
-Geoff Barton, Classic Rock Magazine

July 2nd, 2009
For Immediate Release:

Canadian power metal warriors, Savage Blade, are proud to announce their recent signing with Germany’s Pure Steel Records, for the worldwide CD release of their critically-acclaimed debut album, “We Are The Hammer”.

“Savage Blade have kicked out a massive debut album”, says Andreas Lorenz of Pure Steel Records. “From first note to last, this album breathes the true spirit of classic heavy metal, with playing and songwriting skills that stand on the same level as many legendary 80’s metal bands. We see a bright future with Savage Blade, and look forward to forging a successful partnership, and delivering their premium brand of vintage-style metal to the masses”.

Chock-full of monster riffs, pounding rhythms, instantly memorable hooks and balls-to-the-wall vocals, the album is sure to strike a power chord with fans of the NWOBHM and the classic metal bands of the early 80’s. The title track from “We Are The Hammer” has already become an underground hit – it was recently featured on the “Metal Crusade” CD compilation in Germany’s Heavy Magazine, and will also be appearing in the debut episode of “ManSkate” – a new Canadian reality series, showcasing skateboarders over 30 years of age, looking to claim their dominance in an all-out-war of stunts, challenges and bad behavior.

“The Canadians have delivered with “We Are The Hammer” – an absolute masterpiece which belongs in every Metal fan’s collection. Newcomers of the Year.”
- Tom Schmahl, Metal2Metal

“We released our debut album independently as a limited edition vinyl LP earlier this year, and we’ve had a truly great response so far – especially in Europe”, says Chris Rand of Savage Blade. “We were fortunate enough to have received a few label offers, but it was obvious to us from early on, that signing with Pure Steel was the right decision. Their distribution is fantastic, and their commitment to true metal is unwaivering. With PSR behind us, we’re ready to deliver in full-force.”

Although Pure Steel have yet to announce an official date for the CD, a mid-summer release is expected.

“Savage Blade teaches us a lesson that any metalhead, young or old, should memorize… the past will always come back to punch you in the face. Savage Blade is the hammer, and the world is their anvil. Album rating: 9.0/10 ”
- Lior Stein, Metal Express Radio