I have no idea how this record is not as famous as Walls of Jericho, Battalions of Fear, and some other records like them. Check this forgotten gem out, crank up the volume and party with your friends like there is no tomorrow. It's a shame that the band's career failed to develop after this convincing debut or else this group would be considered among heavy metal's most influential veterans of the eighties. The final result sounds absolutely unique, grows with every spin and hasn't lost any of its charm in three and a half decades and counting. Savage Grace's Master of Disguise is a melodic, playful and timeless album somewhere between heavy, speed and thrash metal stylistics with a few glam and punk stylistics thrown in. Contemporary social justice warriors might throw a fit by just looking at it but this record is for people who want to have fun instead of discussing social issues to death. The cool cover artwork with the charismatic cop, the naked lady and the beautiful motorcycle already show what kind of cool, energetic and pitiless music awaits. While most speed metal bands sound negative in their aggressive approach, Savage Grace sound like they were enjoying themselves a great deal while recording this cult classic in the mid-eighties. Title track ''Master of Disguise'' opens with an excellent drum solo before bumblebee bass and electric guitar sounds kick in which are followed by mad screams and laughter to kick off what might be the record's most aggressive cut. ''Fear My Way'' on the other side is an excellent heavy metal song with inspired guitar play and passionate vocals that must work even better on stage than on record. The opening ''Bound to Be Free'' does its title justice and kicks things off with liberating chemistry, energy and speed. The vocals are youthful, passionate and melodic and will please fans of early heavy metal, glam metal and even punk rock alike. The rhythm section is quite energetic with a vibrant audible bass guitar sound and playful drum patterns that are give the opportunity to shine on multiple occasions. The guitar riffs are tight, pitiless and energetic while the guitar solos find the perfect balance between melody and energy. The musicianship is fast but very skilled. I'm usually not too fond of speed metal because many bands perform it in an overtly aggressive way with predictable and repetitive musicianship and exchangeable and gruff vocals. Be careful though, since some remastered versions have replaced the original drum tracks with samples. Some reissued versions of this classic record include five bonus songs from the early extended play The Dominatress that offer even more value for money. The Californian quintet offers nine energetic songs with a concise running time of thirty-five minutes. Savage Grace's debut record Master of Disguise is a critically overlooked speed metal gem that oozes with charisma.
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