Review: Savage Master/Mystic Storm "The Power/Wondering Time"

Release date: Out now!

Label: Shadow Kingdom Record

5–8 minutes

The Nwothm

Shadow Kingdom Records presents a striking split release from two of traditional metal’s most compelling modern acts: Savage Master and Mystic Storm. The Power / Wandering Time, available on 12″ vinyl, brings together three brand‑new tracks from each band, offering a sharp contrast in style while celebrating the shared roots of classic heavy metal.

Savage Master continue their run of strong releases following 2025’s Dark & Dangerous, returning here with three fierce, riff‑driven songs that capture everything fans love about their sound. Their contribution leans into weight, atmosphere and that unmistakable raw edge, delivering heavy metal that feels confident, forceful and steeped in their signature occult flair. These tracks serve as a reminder of why the band remain such a reliable force and hint at exciting things to come from their next full‑length.

Mystic Storm take the B‑side in a very different direction, marking their first new material since 2021’s From the Ancient Chaos. Their three songs erupt with bewitching speed metal, weaving together razor‑sharp riffs, theatrical vocals and an eerie sense of grandeur. The band balance aggression with atmosphere, shifting between frantic energy and shadowed mysticism in a way that instantly sets them apart. It’s a powerful return that will no doubt catch the attention of listeners who missed their earlier work.

Together, these two bands create a 27‑minute journey through two distinct visions of heavy metal: one raw and direct, the other intricate and otherworldly. Shadow Kingdom Records is proud to unite them on one release, offering a split that feels essential for anyone who thrives on the spirit and fire of the underground.

Review

Savage Master – One Step Closer To Love kicks things off and straight away we get some moody guitar work taking charge. If I could describe the feeling I get from it is of a car bombing it down a road not stopping for anything! The riffs here are simple and fiery but because of this everything feels locked in. The double kick just adds weight and oomph to the sing and course Stacey Savage just commands with her glorious vocal presence. The solo section for me is the real winner here as it really leaps out of the mix and sends electricity down your ear canals. Absolute awesome!

Savage Master – The Last Kiss leans into the heaviness of the riffs, the bass the drumming to begin with giving fans a chance to pump their fists. All while an interesting spoken passage sits on top of the music (also making multiple appearances). The song plays with a mix of structure ideas and cool vocal layers while again feeling punchy and very locked in. There is certainly some character and feeling injected into the song at the right moments. Once again the solo sizzles and scales above the chunky rhythm section.

Savage Master – The Power continues in the vein of the previous two songs. The band deliver strong, powerful heavy metal that dials in on the riff rather then being overly flash. “The Power” feels muscular with meaty guitars and a rhythm section that provides a solid backbone to the music. This is going to be one of those fun songs where you will be able to join In on the big calls of The Power when you hit the choruses! Great straight to the point heavy metal.

Mystic Storm – Тень Грядущего changes the tone a bit with their musical direction. We transition into a world of mystical feeling. but then the punishing heavy metal madness begins. The opening riffs will melt your mind before a big metal scream jumps out at you. The metal moves to a dream state before a storm of heaviness comes right at you. The vocals are a highlight in themselves. A mix between eerie, theatrical and something that will easily grab your attention.This song has a ton of layers to it and I love It. I certainly feel like I am in mystical world that feels a mix of unnerving and grand in size. Considering I have never heard this band they have already made me want to listen to more.

Mystic Storm – Блуждающее время is next up and the intro section feels dark and gloomy. Imagine walking through a landscape where you feel everything is watching you! Soon enough it breaks down for a brief moment before the pace picks up. I am sat at my desk writing this headbanging to this section uncontrollably. The vocals come in and crawl down my ears like worms. The 16th note hi hat stomp patterns further on add some bounce to the song really making you want to throw your self around. Once again this song has loads of intricate layers and texture that make enjoyable experience. The section where it breaks down to acoustic guitars and the melodies on top drift through your mind. Simply, there a lot of details, nuances and not for one second did I loose interest. This is metal where you feel the scale, the menace all while watching the booming storm clouds rumble above. Love It

Mystic Storm – В Бездны is the final track to this split and once again we enter a world where the shadows play tricks on you. The track chops between tempos and here the riffs jump out more then the previous two songs. I think the song pulls back on the wild in your face madness and tones things down a little. There is this driving feeling to the song especially with the guitar work and pounding 4/4 beats that are present throughout. I love the twists and turns the song takes especially on the little melodies that weave in and air. While there is some atmosphere to the song it is not as much as the previous two mystic Storm tracks. For some reason some of the riffs made me think loosely of The Night Eternal. Either way I am glad my ears fell on the band because I will certainly be checking out more of their music.

Conclusion

In the end, this split EP works precisely because the two bands feel so different. Savage Master deliver that no‑frills, straight‑shooting heavy metal built on powerful riffs, locked‑in grooves and Stacey Savage’s commanding vocal presence. Their side of the split feels like a muscle car bombing down an empty road, engine roaring, refusing to slow for anything. It’s simple, fiery, and all the more effective because of that focus—every riff hits, every chorus lands, and the solos spark like live wires.

Mystic Storm, by contrast, pull you into a far more layered and intricate world. Their songs twist, shift and expand with theatrical vocals, eerie atmospheres and riffs that feel like they’re carving shapes in the dark. There’s scale, menace and mystique in everything they do, and each track reveals new textures without ever losing that heavy metal bite. They’re the kind of band that leaves you wanting to dig deeper the moment the final note fades.

Together, the split showcases two very different visions of heavy metal—one raw and road‑ready, the other shadowed and expansive. Both sides hit hard, both sides offer something memorable, and by the end you’re left with the sense that this pairing wasn’t just interesting, but genuinely exciting. A killer release from two bands who know exactly who they are and deliver it with conviction.