SAFE HAVEN – Savage Harvest [unreleased ’90s recordings remastered] (2021)

The Nineties wasn’t easy in the USA for bands playing traditional metal / hard rock but still existed an underground scene keeping the flame alive. That was the case of SAFE HAVEN, a band from Connecticut formed by very young musicians which didn’t care about trends.
SAFE HAVEN born back in 1990 and made two official releases: the “Cries of Mercy” single which was released on tape in 1993 including the same titled six-minute-long epic, and the “Savage Harvest” EP released in 1995. In both the band presents a mixture of classic melodic metal, hard rock, and progressive.
Their enigmatic melodies, the clean vocal approach and the complex yet catchy riffing brings to mind the likes of FATES WARNING, early QUEENSRYCHE, DOKKEN, SHOK PARIS, etc.
Now all SAFE HAVEN recordings including unreleased songs are being released into CD as ”Savage Harvest”, digitally remastered to get the best audio quality possible.

From a band founded during an era where depressive rock dominated the charts, it’s cool to hear such young musicians combining their influences from the classic US Melodic Metal genre.
For sure epics like “Second Wind”, “Cries of Mercy” or “Savage Harvest” are mainly based on a development that would often reflect this early FATES WARNING or early QUEENSRYCHE vibe, but the SAFE HAVEN leave enough space for some catchy and straightly arranged riffing that corresponds to the classic, melodic metal / hard rock standards.

Many members of SAFE HAVEN have been involved to other worth checking bands of the huge Connecticut scene. For example drummer Rich Lemley participated on the Progressive / Power Metal gods BEYOND REALITY. Guitarist Wayne Petroskey shared his talent on the Melodic Power / Progsters SILENT SHADOWS. Guitarist Matt Douglas has played on the great combo CROSSING RUBICON.
Well as you may have realized the ‘Connecticut Steel’ scene had some great bands to offer, and it’s nice to hear now SAFE HAVEN recordings.

There is a lot of material included on this reissue. For example the band’s first and unreleased demo from 1991 – given only to some friends on tapes with self made covers back on the day, the unreleased 1992 demo recording from WVOF radio, plus lots of other recordings that eventually became the bonus tracks of this “Savage Harvest” CD release. Sure, on some the sound quality isn’t the best, but for the most part the tracks here are clearly audible and well remastered.

If you are still after some fine ’90s American progressive touched by an enjoyable vibe of classic, melodic metal / edgy hard rock filled with melody and passion then do not miss the chance to discover SAFE HAVEN.
Highly Recommended

1. Second Wind+#
2. Seventh Heaven+#
3. Love Is Gone+#
4. Savage Harvest+#
5. Cries Of Mercy*
6. Foolish Quest*
7. Games People Play*
8. Now You’re Alone*
9. Can’t Stand To See You Cry*
10. Union Of Solitude*
11. Dark Before Dawn*
12. Thrown To The Wolves*
13. Raging Tempest*
14. Liar’s Eye*
15. Homecoming+#
16. Promises Broken+#
17. Day Is Done (Live)+#
18. Shock To The System (Live)^#

Chris Allen – Vocals
Matt Douglas – Guitar
Rob Taylor – Guitar
Matt Ballingham – Bass
Matt Allen – Drums*
Matt Bailey – Drums+
Justin Piccirillo – Drums^
Wayne Petroskey – Guitar#

Tracks 1-4: “Savage Harvest” EP (1995)
Track 5: “Cries of Mercy” single (1993)
Tracks 6-7: unreleased demo (1993)
Tracks 8-10: unreleased demo (taken from WVOF radio, 1992)
Tracks 11-14: unreleased demo (1991)
Tracks 15-16: unreleased home recording demo (1996)
Track 17: live (1994)
Track 18: live (reunion 2017)

BUY
www.steelgallery.com/metal-store/product/safe-haven-savage-harvest-pre-order-cd/