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.
Tracklist:
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
18. Shock To The System
1-4 Savage Harvest (Demo 1995)
5 Cries Of Mercy (Single Tape 1993)
6-7 Unreleased Demo 1993
8-10 Unreleased Demo (Taken from WVOF radio) 1992
11-14 Unreleased Demo 1991
15-16 Unreleased Home Recording (Demo 1996)
17 Live 1994
18 Live Reunion 2017
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