Thrash legends Nasty Savage from Brandon, Florida, have returned with their first album in two decades, The Jeopardy Room, which arrived on October 11 via FHM Records. Recorded at Tampa’s iconic Morrisound Recording Studio and produced by Jim Morris, known for his work with Savatage and Crimson Glory, this long-awaited release reignites the band’s signature sound. Metal Insider caught up with mastermind “Nasty” Ronnie Galletti to discuss their return with their latest record.
What was the process like recording the new album Jeopardy Room?
We got a record deal last October. We had a timeline to play the Keep it True festival Germany to celebrate 40 years of Nasty Savage. We also planned to release the 1st NS album in 20 years. All this took time planning layout design of art work and finally Mastered files all had to be completed including lead time to produce the physical product.
We wrote 8 songs Pete 4 / Jeopardy Room / Schizoid Platform/ Operation Annihilate/ & Sainted Devil. Dave 4/ BrainWasher / Southern Fried Homicide/ Aztec Elegance/& Blood Syndicate. I wrote all lyrics. Already had the 6th Finger. Already had Witches Sabbath from our 80s demo tape. I asked Donald and John Tardy from Obituary to be special guests on Witches Sabbath to bring that old school to this new project from the future to the past with total respect for them and how honored they delivered the classic song but made it epic. Recording back at Morrisound was excellent working again with legendary Jim Morris. He is the 6th Finger and much more than an engineering fellow. We did this whole project in 8 sessions including mix and Mastering. Drums Bass Rhythm guitars leads then vocals. Step by step we got it all done. Special guest Jerry Outlaw played solos on 6th Finger , Brain Washer & Schizoid Platform. He played with Savatage and John Oliva and he added some killer vibes for sure.
How has the response been so far since the release of the new record?
Everything is more than positive. This record should be the Comeback Record of the Year ! Or even considered for the record of the year. Ha ha. If you haven’t heard it check it out because it will really kick your ass. The drums, the bass and the guitars will take you inside your inner mind and beyond ! The rhythm will set you free ! Get inside the Jeopardy Room and find out!
Can you discuss the inspiration behind the title track?
Hate is the chain That enters your brain. Run if you can flip side of man. Stop on a dime in 69. Everyone sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are. Satan in high heels Devil doll delirium. ….wow that’s a good question. We are in Jeopardy everyday driving to work together, punch the clock and trade them in for pay. Getting cut off in traffic stopped at the light running late rude drivers won’t let you out or over. Going into the grocery store or buying shoes for your kids paying your bills insurance it’s all out there inside the Jeopardy Room love relationships trust passion fear the challenge to push on to stay positive …..it’s everything and more but the music is powerful and it will set you free. Once you are inside this room you can not get out!
Try that door it Operation Annihilate try that dood it’s the Sainted Devil go down the hall open that one oh it’s Schizoid Platform go down that spiral staircase you may be locked in Aztec Elegance painted indigo blue. This whole album has its own identity with each song and if you know you know.
What themes are explored in songs “Southern Fried Homicide,” “Witches Sabbath,” and “Blood Syndicate?”
Real life visions rhyme with cool words and story telling of abstract twisted messages of emotions. Dig deeper and you will feel the passion. Read between the lines to get even more. “In the land of the blind one eye is king all is one one Devine the rhythm will set you free cryptid humanoid graveside crucified plato’s stepchild in the eyes of the sculpture she freak double feature sparrows back the sun into being Leif laden trees scream out the moon ” Schizoid Platform . Witches Sabbath was an old classic from the Wage of Mayhem Demo. It speaks for itself I guess. A horror feature that takes you inside the witches Sabbath Southern Fried Homicide. “Joy and sorrow Today and tomorrow what greater crime than the loss of time ” I love this song. It’s heavy and totally makes me crazy.
How has the songwriting process evolved since the early days in the 80s?
It’s a whole new crew. You adapt you create creativity you let them run with the ball to use the passion to produce and create. It was very exciting for me to write 8 short stories from titles I had. Storytelling in my way to totally kick ass music that the guys created was magical. I would give them a title and a quick description concept of the feeling I had for it. They all did the work. They gave me a blank canvas and I had to add the color and the paint to create a colorful painting. It’s the Jeopardy Room do not pass it up after 20 years I felt like a caged dog and still had a lot to say!
How do you feel about the current state of thrash metal compared to forty years ago?
It’s bigger, it’s growing, it’s even been commercialized. Social media platforms changed everything about radio airplay and national exposure and that’s a great thing. More bands are working harder touring, recording and doing good business. More shows younger demographics growing all the time. More promoters continue to support the past and the future. Hard work always pays off common sense and being real and true to your business will always keep you grounded.
Despite the breakups and reunions over the last several years, how does the new record mark the official new chapter for Nasty Savage?
For sure 100% that’s all we have now. I love all the past members, all the past records and songs. You love them equally like your children. But you have to have a high octane fuel passion for what you are doing today and tomorrow. “Joy and sorrow Today and tomorrow what greater crime than the loss of time?” As we get older we want to produce more and more like Picaso who never wanted to stop producing his art. We even have new songs coming. Who knows what tomorrow will bring ? It’s all out there beyond the wall.
Is there anything else you want to say or add about the new album?
I think the greatest thing is music brings us together no matter where we live, what color we are, religion or politics it doesn’t matter the rhythm will set you free. The power of people is amazing and metal people are some of the most true and loyal supporters of the music and the bands they love. I’m here to get your vote to ck our Nasty Savage Jeopardy Room. It’s great to reach people who don’t even know who we are.
We lost our original drummer Curtis Beeson this month. May he RIP. We also lost a ton of equipment in the storm that flooded our jam room. There is a go fund me account to please support. I want you to join the nasty Savage Facebook group ck out and join Nasty Savage metal Knights.
Our IG is nastysavageband mine is ron.galletti. Thank you very much for all you do to support metal and the bands who play it. Thank you for giving us the great opportunity to tell this story of a band 20 years later releasing this new album. Keep up the great work Metal Insider!
