“We’re not here to read your rights”
Savage’s relatively late debut album (1983’s Loose N’ Lethal) might make them seem like one of the few New Wave of British Heavy Metal bands that couldn’t lay a claim to being an influence on the mighty Metallica. But, far from being Johnny-Come-Latelies, Savage had already been around for a while. By 1981 they had already released a demo, a single and made two appearances on a compilation album Scene of the Crime. One of those compilation tracks was the classic Let it Loose and it soon made its way into the hands of, you guessed it, Lars Ulrich. Only appearing in early Metallica live sets and on a demo tape, it’s not one of the more famous or celebrated Metallica NWOBHM covers but there’s a strong whiff of the thrash giants’ early style here. And although ‘tallica didn’t exactly pass it off as one of their own they weren’t in a hurry to draw attention to the fact that it was a cover either. And, if any listeners thought it was one of their own original songs, that was fine by them too. Have a listen to the 1981 Scene of the Crime version of the track here to hear why.
[Savage – Let it Loose]
HEAVY METAL OVERLOAD 
Great song! Not too familiar with Savage, but a great way to start my Sunday Morning. Now on to try and do one review this morning.
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It’s a good track to get you going on the morning, that’s for sure! Good luck with the review!
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I dig it! I don’t know these guys too well (at all).
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Me neither really! I don’t go further than the debut album with them.
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I recall reading about these guys in Kerrang back in the day when I could get my hands on a copy of the mag. It’s amazing how many bands Metallica have acknowledged…Just read the other day one of the dudes I believe from Diamond Head or Budgie can’t recall said they didn’t make a dime in there day but when Metallica recorded there stuff it bought a house for the Diamond Head or Budgie guy ..whoever it was…
Good on Metallica doing that kind of stuff….
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Yup, having Metallica cover one of your songs must be like winning the metal lottery.
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Smokin’! I am in round 2 with this goddamn cold today, and this perked me right up. Take that, Lars!
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Say what you like about Lars, but the guy sure knew his NWOBHM!
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I can say what I like about Lars? Hoo hoo, brace yourself!
Yeah he either really knew his stuff, or someone was telling him about these bands, or he was reading a lot of magazines…
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I think it was a combo of all those things.
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I like this. Seems New Wave of British Heavy Metal is my thing.
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It’s a great era. So much brilliant stuff, even from the also rans. And none of those pesky dog vocals!
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Exactly! Proper vocals and some excellent guitar tones!
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Now that I’ve worked all day and cooked tea, this was a good song to unwind to.
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This song goes well with all of the main meals!
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I’ll have to play it for breakfast in the morning.
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Wow, that’s elements of Kill Em All, right there. I think I need a copy of Scene of the Crime.
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Worth it just for the cover!
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Chris Bradley of Savage is my dad. Andy Dawson is my uncle
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Hi Gemma, that’s awesome. You have metal in the blood. Say hello to them all from HMO!
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