Sweet Savage – Bang 2025

Belfast metal pioneers SWEET SAVAGE will release a new album, “Bang”, on September 12 through earMUSIC. The LP’s second single, “The Chosen One”, can now be streamed below.

Formed in Belfast in 1979 by bassist and vocalist Ray Haller and future DIO/DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell, SWEET SAVAGE was part of the first wave of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. But unlike their peers, SWEET SAVAGE never released a full album during their first run. Instead, they became underground legends, gaining wide recognition after METALLICA covered their track “Killing Time” — co-written by Campbell — and released it as the B-side of their multi-platinum single “The Unforgiven”. The friendship between the two legendary bands continues to this day.

Now, with “Bang”, the band returns in fighting form. SWEET SAVAGE are not here to revive nostalgia, but still, on the new album, their roots are unmistakable — aggressive, fast-paced metal infused with industrial textures and punk rock’s DIY ethos.

From the explosive title track to the slower, hard-hitting “Live And Die” and the anthemic “The Chosen One”, the album keeps shifting gears without losing punch. Every track feels urgent and direct — this is the sound of a band with nothing to prove and everything to say.

Frontman Ray Haller is backed by longtime drummer Marty McCloskey and guitar force Phil Edgar. The album features guitar work by former band member Simon McBride, who toured and recorded with the band before launching his solo career and joining DEEP PURPLE.

01. Bang
02. Bad F Robot
03. Leave Me Alone
04. I See The Light
05. I Don’t Know
06. Live And Die
07. The Meltdown
08. Mad World
09. The Chosen One
10. Dirtyland
11. Time
12. Outside
13. Victorious