Mit der Veröffentlichung von ´Pure Steel Records Years 2014–2017´ blicken SAVIOR FROM ANGER auf eine prägende Phase ihrer Bandgeschichte zurück. Wir nutzten die Gelegenheit, um mit Mastermind Marco Ruggiero über die Anfänge, die Zusammenarbeit mit Bob Mitchell, die Jahre bei PURE STEEL RECORDS und die Rückkehr der Band ins Rampenlicht zu sprechen. Nachfolgend das komplette Interview – im englischen Originalwortlaut.
The name SAVIOR FROM ANGER comes directly from a VICIOUS RUMORS song. Were you aware at the time that you were almost creating a musical obligation for yourselves? Where does inspiration end and your own identity begin?
R. Sure! Our style is US Metal and our favorite bands are VICIOUS RUMORS, METAL CHURCH, RIOT, CRIMSON GLORY, SAVATAGE and more. SAVIOR FROM ANGER is a tribute to these bands, but with our own original songs. I mean, we are inspired by these bands, but the songwriting of our songs has its own identity.
The compilation ‘Pure Steel Records Years 2014–2017’ sounds significantly rawer and more direct than the well-known version of ‘Temple Of Judgment’. When listening to it again, did you discover any songs that you actually like better today than on the original release?
R. This release is the original recording with the Italian musicians, except for Bob Mitchell. I sent it to “Pure Steel Records” in 2015, but the label didn’t like the production and asked me to re-record all the songs in a German studio. Meanwhile, I had chosen European session musicians for ´Temple Of Judgment´, so these original masters were never released in the past. They were finally released in April 2026 by MRM Production.
With Bob Mitchell, one of the most distinctive singers of the US underground suddenly stepped up to the microphone. How difficult was it to involve a musician based on another continent in the creative process long before remote productions became the norm?
R. I wrote all the music and vocal parts and made offers to many singers like Mike Howe from METAL CHURCH, Tony Moore from RIOT, Mats Levén, Michael Vescera and more. But they asked me for expensive fees to collaborate, so I chose Bob Mitchell from ATTACKER. I sent Bob all the demos of the album, and he sent me back the final vocal recordings.
Craig Wells of METAL CHURCH was involved in the songwriting. What kind of input did he actually bring to the table? Was it more about riffs, song structures, or the general approach to classic US Power Metal?
R. Craig sent me a few riffs for the song ´In the Shadows´. I wrote the vocal parts and added other riffs to complete the song. It was a great experience for us to have a guest like Craig Wells on one of our songs.
Your music clearly stands between American Power Metal and European influences. Are there moments where you consciously decide, “We want to sound American here” – or does this blend just happen naturally during the writing process?
R. All SAVIOR FROM ANGER songs were born as a tribute to US Metal—the same atmosphere, attitude, style and structure. It all happens naturally.
After breaking up in 2017, hardly anyone would have expected a comeback. What was ultimately the turning point that made you decide to bring SAVIOR FROM ANGER back to life?
R. In 2017 I had serious family problems and SAVIOR FROM ANGER was put on standby until 2024. But the band was never split up. Only in 2024 did I announce a new line-up for the band and we came back with a new album.
Many bands polish old recordings to a high gloss for anniversary releases. You are taking the opposite route by intentionally releasing alternative, unpolished masters. Is perfection in Heavy Metal sometimes actually a disadvantage?
R. ´Pure Steel Records Years 2014–2017´ is real—no tricks, raw sound, no modern production. In 2025, the Italian label “Metal Zone Italia” released a seven-CD box set for the band’s anniversary called ´The Ultimate Power Force´. The box contains our whole remastered discography, demos, live recordings, singles and more.
In an era dominated by algorithms, streaming, and short attention spans, you remain faithful to a traditional heavy metal sound. Does that sometimes feel like resistance against the zeitgeist, or do you simply not care about these developments?
R. I founded SAVIOR FROM ANGER to write songs inspired by US Metal. It has been a natural process for all SAVIOR FROM ANGER albums.
Looking back at your discography today – which album defines SAVIOR FROM ANGER most completely? The raw debut, the evolution on ´Age Of Decadence´, the often highly praised ´Temple Of Judgment´, or the current band phase?
R. It’s not a simple answer. All the band’s albums have been an evolution until today. At this time, SAVIOR FROM ANGER is the result of many years of experience.
Hypothetically, if you were allowed to curate a festival lineup for one night featuring exclusively 80s and 90s US Power Metal legends: Which five bands would absolutely have to be on it – and which one would you love to perform the song ´Savior From Anger´ with live on stage?
R. METAL CHURCH, RIOT, VICIOUS RUMORS, CRIMSON GLORY and SAVATAGE. With these bands I would like to play my songs and realize my dream. Unfortunately, I don’t like to play cover songs anymore.
