Savage Grace (metal band)
American power/speed metal band with a long hiatus and later revival.
Savage Grace is an American power and speed metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by Chris Logue and Brian East. Initially active between 1981 and 1993, they reformed in 2009 and later released new material. The band is known for its controversial album cover and multiple lineup changes, and it continued to release albums and tour into the 2020s.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Genre
- Power metal, speed metal, heavy metal
- Years Active
- 1981–1992, 2009–2010, 2020–present
- Label
- Metal Blade, Semaphore, Limb Music, Savage Grace Metal
- Current Members
- Sebastian Hauser / Christian Logue / Eric Antonello / Cristian Blade / Marcus Dotta / Hugo Terva
- Past Members
- (See:full listing)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Savage Grace was formed in 1981 by Chris Logue and Brian East, originally under the name Marquis de Sade. They changed their name after a French punk band of the same name. Early demos featured Kelle Rhoads on vocals, suggested by his brother Randy Rhoads. Metal Blade selected their song 'Scepters of Deceit' for the 1982 Metal Massacre II compilation. Their debut EP, The Dominatress, was released in 1983 with John Birk on vocals and Kenny Powell on guitar, who soon left to form Omen.
The band's first full-length album, Master of Disguise (1985), featured new vocalist Mike Smith and a controversial cover depicting a police officer with a topless woman holding a snake. Chris Logue handled all guitar duties on that album. The follow-up, After the Fall from Grace (1986), saw Logue on both guitar and lead vocals. After a European tour, Brian East left the band. Their final 1980s output was the Ride into the Night EP, which included a cover of Deep Purple's 'Burn' and featured new bassist Derek Peace.
After reforming in 2009, the band released an EP titled The Lost Grace and performed at festivals including Up the Hammers, Bang Your Head!!!, and Keep It True. The band split again in 2010, but reformed later. In 2023, they released their third album, Sign of the Cross, their first in 37 years. A fourth album, Underworld, is scheduled for October 2026.
Reader's Guide
Savage Grace holds a notable place in the history of American power and speed metal, emerging from the early 1980s Los Angeles scene. Their debut album Master of Disguise, with its provocative cover art, became a cult item among metal collectors. The band's frequent lineup changes and long hiatuses did not prevent them from maintaining a dedicated following, particularly in Europe where they toured multiple times. Their reformation in 2009 and subsequent releases, including the 2023 album Sign of the Cross, demonstrated the enduring appeal of their style. The band's influence is seen in the continued interest in their back catalog, re-released by Limb Music, and their inclusion on classic metal compilations. Their upcoming live DVD and fourth studio album indicate an ongoing legacy within the heavy metal underground.
Did You Know?
- The band's original name was Marquis de Sade, after the French aristocrat.
- Randy Rhoads suggested the name Savage Grace to his brother Kelle, who sang on early demos.
- The cover of Master of Disguise depicts a police officer with red demon-like eyes and a topless woman holding a snake.
- After Chris Logue disappeared during songwriting sessions in 2010, the remaining members formed Masters Of Disguise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Savage Grace (metal band)?
Savage Grace is an American power and speed metal band that originated in Los Angeles, California. The group was put together in 1981 by guitarist Chris Logue and vocalist Brian East, and they became a recognizable name in the '80s metal scene.
When and where was Savage Grace formed?
The band was founded in 1981 in Los Angeles, United States, by Chris Logue and Brian East. They quickly carved out a niche in the power and speed metal genres during the early '80s.
What happened to Savage Grace between 1993 and 2009?
The group went on a long hiatus after splitting up in 1993, a period marked by numerous lineup changes and a widely discussed controversial album cover. They regrouped in 2009 to record and perform new material, then reactivated fully in 2020.
What are Savage Grace's most notable albums?
Fans often point to Master of Disguise (1985) and After the Fall from Grace (1986) as the band's classic-era highlights. More recent releases include Sign of the Cross (2023) and Underworld (2026), both issued on their own label, Savage Grace Metal.
Is Savage Grace still active and touring?
Yes, the band has been active again since 2020 and continues to release new records and hit the road. They operate independently through their own imprint, Savage Grace Metal, rather than riding with a major label.
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