Hailing from Tampa, Florida, these guys started out as Avatar back in 1979. The driving force behind the band were the two brothers, Jon and Criss Oliva. In 1983, although already having released one EP under the Avatar moniker, they had to change their name due to copyright problems. Savatage was born, and their first album, entitled 'Sirens', was released. Since then the band have gone through numerous line-up changes, the tragic death of co-founder/guitarist extraordinaire Criss Oliva, endless touring, and a nice collection of albums. They are truly a unique metal band, and my personal favorites.

"RAISE THE FIST OF THE METAL CHILD!"

L to R: Keith Collins, Steve Wacholz, Criss Oliva, Jon Oliva

1983 - 1986

SIRENS/THE DUNGEONS ARE CALLING (1983/1984, 1994) MUSIC FOR NATIONS

This is Savatage's first two albums (or album and EP) on 1 CD, re-released in 1994. Both albums were in fact originally recorded during the same recording session.

I used to own both these albums on vinyl, and on individual CD released, as well as a rare 'Sirens' picture disc. This Music For Nations CD reissue has all the original songs, as well as 4 bonus tracks. And since I've commented on the original recordings on the Silver Anniversary Collections Series releases of 'Sirens' and 'Dungeons Are Calling' further down on this page, I'll stick to writing a few words about the bonus track on this release.

"Lady In Disguise" is an early version of the track that later appeared on 'Fight For The Rock'. It is actually better than most of the regular tracks on the album. And it would have served as a well needed break if it had been included on the debut. "The Message" is one of the songs from the 'Sirens'/'The Dungeons Are Calling' session that was never used on any of the original albums, or re-recorded for any of the other albums either. "Fighting For Your Love" also appeared for the first time on the 'Fight For The Rock' album, then named "Crying For Your Love". But this is the original recording. The live version of "Sirens" is cool. It was later (almost) released on the 'Live Devastation' CD (more on that further down this page. So I guess that means it was recorded on the 'Gutter Ballet' tour, in Germany.

Trivia: The cover art for 'Sirens' is a copy of the children's book 'The Borribles Go For Broke'.

SIRENS (Silver Anniversary Collections Edition) (1983, 2002) METAL BLADE

In 2002 Metal Blade reissued Savatage's debut album, 'Sirens', in their Silver Anniversary Collections-series. I'm not quite sure if they were aware of the obvious math-error here, as 'Sirens' was originally released on November 1, 1983 on Par Records. That was 19, and not 25 (as in silver anniversary), years ago. It has been reissued a number of times, both on it's own, and as a split with 'Dungeons Are Calling'. This Metal Blade reissue is the first one that has been remastered. Personally I don't care for the grey cover art, and the large silver printing. The original art always looks the best to me. The booklet also leaves a bit to be desired. The band timeline is missing a page, as it starts with the year 1992 (apparently the timeline starts in the 'Dungeons Are Calling' reissue in the same series, so this is the second half!) The 3 bonus tracks are nice. But I would have liked to know a little more about them.

'Sirens' is a debut album from a band coming out all guns blazing. This is no frills American heavy metal at it's best. The title track opens the CD, and shows a hungry band, ready to tear the paint off your walls! And when they follow up with "Holocaust", the standards are set! Both songs are molten metal from the early 80's, and that is the sound that was originally labeled as power metal. "I Believe" follows on a slower note, but soon picks up in pace as it throttles along. Jon rasping vocals are at their most vicious on this number, and Criss absolutely annihilates, showing what a master axe-slinger he really was. "Rage" is probably my least favorite track from his album. But it is also arguably one of the fastest numbers Savatage has ever recorded. "Dr. Killdrums" is living up to his nickname here. "On The Run" is yet another mid-paces number, with a flashy guitar-solo. Not every track on this CD is as good as the best ones. But 'Sirens' sees a young and hungry band who has taken their influences, and created something of their own. I have to admit that I initially didn't get much out of this album. I became a fan of the band when 'Gutter Ballet' was released in 1989. I'm not sure what I expected, but this sure wasn't the Broadway metal I came to love the band for. Over time I've come to like it as much as anything else released under the Savatage moniker.

"Out On The Streets" was later re-recorded for the 'Fight For The Rock'-album. The bonus tracks were probably recorded during the 'Gutter Ballet' sessions. "Target" contains parts used in other Savatage tracks, such as "Symmetry" (from 'Handful of Rain'). This track has also appeared on various bootlegs, and under different titles, such as "Fear Is Talking" and "Hear It Coming". It's amazing that such a cool song was never properly used. Criss' solo is amazing! But then again, they always were. "Living On The Edge Of Time" is another rowdy metal number that would have fit nicely on 'Power Of The Night'. After 87 tracks of silence, there is a hidden, untitled bonus track finishing this album. This is an acoustic little Criss-instrumental, with a keyboard background.

Trivia: "Sirens", "Holocaust", "I Believe", "Rage", "Scream Murder" and "Living For The Night" were all written in 1979, and performed live for years prior to this release. Along with every song from the bands second album, 'The Dungeons are Calling', they were recorded in January, 1983, when the band was still named Avatar.

Killer tracks: Sirens, Holocaust, On The Run, Scream Murder

DUNGEONS ARE CALLING (Silver Anniversary Collections Edition) (1984, 2002) METAL BLADE

'Dungeons Are Calling', the band's sophomore effort, was this EP, released on March 22, 1984, just shortly after 'Sirens'. Apparently all the tracks on this album were recorded on the second day of the three day process that encompassed the 'Sirens' album in 1980. Again, I initially found that the band's raw beginnings were not up to par with the bands later works. But once again I found the title track to be an instant Savatage classic. The only other track worthy of mentioning was "By The Grace Of The Witch", a sadly overlooked gem. But with time I've learned to appreciate all of these songs. This is pure American heavy metal. This is what we used to call power metal during the 80's. The music is rowdy, and in your face. Jon sings with an attitude, and Criss, like always, is playing impeccably. Original bass-player, Keith Collins, is vividly audible in the mix, and adds a bottom end that drives the music along. "Killdrums" have always done the band justice. And this foursome would go on to create some awesome stuff together.

"City Beneath The Surface" and "The Whip" first appeared on the ultra-rare Avatar 7" single. In fact, I believe that the same recordings were used on both releases. "Out On The Streets" was re-recorded for the 'Fight For The Rock' album.

There are 4 bonus track on this 2002 Metal Blade reissue, all of which are from the 'Gutter Ballet' recording sessions. Jon Oliva later rearranged and rerecorded "Before I Hang" on his "Global Warning" album. Savatage often recorded different version of songs. And "Stranger In The Dark" is an alternative version of "This Is Where You Should Be", a song that would later on appear on the bonus disc for the compilation album 'From The Gutter To The Stage'. The untitled hidden track is a weird tune, without any guitars, and with Jon doing all the instruments with his keyboard! Anyone remember Max Headroom? Well, here you have Jon doing his own version of said character!

Rock trivia: Though it is a loosely based concept album, the title track, contrary to popular belief, is not about Hell or torture. The song is about the horrors of drug use. The song used many metaphors, which have been sometimes misunderstood. The album cover is a picture of a human scull with a homemade syringe, the cover is in reference to the title track of the album. Original vinyl version of the album has the title 'The Dungeons Are Calling'.

Killer tracks: The Dungeons Are Calling, By The Grace Of The Witch, Visions, City Beneath The Surface

POWER OF THE NIGHT (1985, 1997) CONCRETE

'Power Of The Night' was Savatage's major label debut. As such the recording budget was raised to $150.000, and Atlantic Records brought in renowned producer, Max Norman, to help elevate Savatage's sound.

Savatage were getting a lot more recognition with this, their second full-length album. Again the title track is one blistering power metal tune, that became an instant classic. And there are also a lot of other "forgotten" gems on it. I still cannot really get into songs like "Necrophilia" and "Hard For Love", so this is far from my favorite Savatage record.

My reissue comes with an acoustic version of "Sleep", a song originally on the "Edge Of Thorns" album. But the version on this CD is sung by Jon instead of Zak.

Killer tracks: Power Of The Night, Unusual, Warriors

L to R: Steve Wacholz, Jon Oliva, Criss Oliva, Johnny Lee Middleton

1986-1988

FIGHT FOR THE ROCK (1986, 1997) CONCRETE

This is what might happen to any up and coming bands if they sign to a major label. The label persuades the band to take on a more commercial sound, and the band is practically ruined! This is by far the worst Savatage album ever, and they knew it too! The sound moved away from power metal, and towards hard rock/pop metal. Atlantic Records wanted them to become the next Journey!?! And the fans would not have it. It's also a strange album in that several of these songs are actually re-arranged/re-arranged versions of older Savatage songs. ("Out On The Streets" was originally released on the 'Sirens' album, and "Crying for Love" was originally recorded for the first Avatar EP, then named "Fighting For Your Love". "Lady In Disguise" has also appeared in a different version, as a bonus track for the 'Sirens/Dungeons Are Calling' split reissue. And 2 of the songs are cover-versions ("Wishing Well" was originally recorded by Free, and "Day After Day" is a Badfinger (who?) tune). "If I Go Away" is an acoustic bonus track, originally recorded for the 'Streets' album. Here Zak sings the track that Jon originally sung. Oh, I should also mention that Johnny Lee Middleton replaced Keith Collins on bass.

Trivia: The cover art is of course influences by the famous 'Raising The Flag On Iwo Jima' photograph. On the original Iwo Jima photo one of the men holding the flag was Chris Caffery's uncle!

Killer tracks: Fight For The Rock, Lady In Disguise

HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING (1987, 1997) CONCRETE

'Hall Of The Mountain King' is in many ways the album that first showcased what was to be the Savatage sound. It's a first for many things that were to become almost synonymous to this band. Paul O'Neill was the producer (and has produced all Savatage albums since), Gary Smith made the cover artwork, and they incorporated a classically inspired instrumental track. As with most other Savatage albums, the title track is the best one. But most of the other songs are also very good, so this is the first of their albums that I can enjoy from beginning to end. It's also a cool for me, being from Norway, that they picked the classic part from Grieg's "Dovregubbens Hall" (or "Hall of the Mountain King") as the theme for the title-track. "Stay" is the acoustic bonus track here, and it was recorded for the album "Streets", but never used. A MUST!

Killer tracks: 24 Hrs. Ago, Strange Wings, Hall Of The Mountain King, The Price You Pay

'Gutter Ballet' tour line-up

L to R: Steve Wacholz, Jon Oliva, Chris Caffery, Johnny Lee Middleton, Criss Oliva

1988-1990

GUTTER BALLET (1989, 1997) CONCRETE

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was watching MTV's Headbanger's Ball, and Vanessa Warwick was talking about a band called Savatage, who had just released a new album called 'Gutter Ballet'. Then she showed some clips from the "The Hall Of The Mountain King" video. "Hmmm, sounds good", I thought. But then she introduced their latest video, and "Gutter Ballet" came on. It hit me like a ton of bricks! Man, it was the best darn metal-tune I'd EVER heard! What a glorious idea, combining metal with theatrical/classical influenced music! I practically ran to the store the next day, only to discover that they had not even heard about Savatage. But I ordered the album, and a week later it entered my wax-spinner. I must have played that vinyl album hundred times over during the first couple of days of owning it. I just could not get enough of it. Savatage are in many ways my favorite band, to this day, and this was the start of my "love affair". The album is very diverse, from the mellow and theatrical "When The Crowds Are Gone", to the hard hitting numbers like "Of Rage And War" and the emotional "Hounds". No vocalist have ever come close to the feeling Jon Oliva gives me here. No guitarist have ever surpassed the genius of Criss' playing on this album. This album is the closest thing to having my feelings on a silver disc! A MUST!!!!!

'Gutter Ballet' was originally intended to become what 'Streets' became, namely a rock opera. So the title track and "When The Crowds Are Gone" were written with these intentions in mind. But the record label wanted a new album, and the band thought they had such a great title, and 2 awesome songs, so they used them a bit early. The last 3 tracks, "Mentally Yours", "Summer's Rain" and "Thorazine Shuffle" together form a trilogy.

This album also sees the addition of Christopher Caffery as the second guitarist, but he doesn't really play on the album, because he re-joined the band when the recordings were already finished. He had already played on the previous tour, but never on stage. He was hidden behind the PA system!

Criss Oliva recorded "Silk and Steel" in a single take in NYC, after the recording sessions were officially over. "Thorazine Shuffle" was originally a bonus-track on the CD-version of 'Gutter Ballet'. "All That I Bleed" is the acoustic bonus track, with Jon singing the song that Zak originally recorded for "Edge Of Thorns".

Killer tracks: All of them!!!!!!!!!

L to R: Steve Wacholz, Jon Oliva, Criss Oliva, Johnny Lee Middleton

1990-1992

STREETS - A ROCK OPERA (1991, 1997) CONCRETE

'Streets' marks the beginning of another trademark for Savatage; the concept albums/rock operas. The story is about a burnt-out rock star named D.T. Jesus. We follow his career from drug-dealer to rock star, where his past comes back to haunt him. I was really disappointed with this album when it was new. I liked less than half of the songs, and could not get into the story at all. But over the years I've been told numerous times that this is the pinnacle of what Savatage were, and ever will be. So sitting here writing this, and going through the song titles, I realize that that just might be true. 'Streets' is really an amazing album that combines everything good in metal. Sure, it's no longer the power metal sound from their first releases, but I got into Savatage after they had already moved away from that sound, so I don't mind. First and foremost this is Jon Oliva's moment in time. Just listen to "Tonight He Grins Again" to really get goose bumps all over. That man lives and breathes the metal feeling! And when we get songs like the title track and "Believe" (the song the band gets the most questions about) All the fans should be pleased. On this re-release you also get the acoustic bonus track called "Desirée", a track that was originally intended for this album, but was later scrapped because they never could find a female singer to sing it! 'Streets' was originally going to be named 'Gutter Ballet', but the band already used the title on their previous album.

Killer tracks: All of them!

L to R: Steve Wacholz, Johnny Lee Middleton, Zachary Stevens, Criss Oliva

1992-1993

EDGE OF THORNS (1993, 1997) CONCRETE

I'd almost forgotten about Savatage by the time this album came out. I was so disappointed with 'Streets' back then, I totally ignored the band for a couple of years. But when this hit the store-shelves my blood started pumping again. And it was a tremendous feeling to hear the opener and title track for this album. What a metal tune! And the singer had also gotten more controlled and melodic! Cool! But wait a minute.... that is not Jon singing!?! What's happened? Turns out Jon's voice did not hold up as good anymore, so the band decided to get a new singer. Enter Zak, and Jon isn't even listed as a member (although he is credited as the piano/keyboard-player). He is also credited as co-writer on all the songs, as well as a co-producer. So why he's not pictured as a band-member is beyond me. (Apparently Jon stepped back to pursue independent projects, read: Doctor Butcher). But the "new" Savatage got me all fired up again, and this album is another blast from start to end. Only "Light's Out" and "Scraggy's Tomb" are below par here. So this album got played a lot, and I can still remember places, feelings and smells connected to listening to this CD. The girl posing for the cover-art was Criss' wife Dawn. The acoustic bonus track is a version of "Believe" (originally released on "Streets") where Zak sings instead of Jon. A MUST!!!!

Killer tracks: All of them!

Then the tragic death of Criss Oliva occurred. Only months after the release of "Edge Of Thorns" the fabulous guitar-player was killed by a drunken driver. I remember getting the sad news while attending Artch's farewell concert in December 1993. He is truly missed, and I rate him as one of the best guitarists in the world, alongside Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot).

Christopher Michael Oliva: April 3rd 1963 - October 17th 1993

L to R: Steve Wacholz, Johnny Lee Middleton, Zachary Stevens, Alex Skolnick

'Handful of Rain' line-up 1994

HANDFUL OF RAIN (1994, 1998) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

After Criss' death Jon eventually chose to continue the band. But when 'Handful Of Rain' was released (an album any knower of the Mountain King states as his most personal work ever) he was once again not in the band line-up. Again he is the co-producer/co-writer, but not pictured on the cover. On my reissue he is also credited for playing rhythm guitar and drums, but this is clearly put in the liner-notes for this reissued version, as the letters used are in a different color than the original print. Alex Skolnick (ex-Testament) replaced Criss as lead guitarist. Most fans regards this album as one of the bands weakest, but I do not agree. I love most of the tracks on it, and the last track, "Alone You Breathe", Jon's tribute to his late brother, is worth the albums cost alone! This is one of my all time favorite Savatage tracks, and for the first time in this bands history, the title track isn't my favorite on the album. Also noticeable is the track "Chance", where the band for the first time introduce the harmonized counter-point vocal-lines. Another killer album in my opinion. My reissue also includes an acoustic bonus track. It's Jon singing his song to his late brother, a heart-wrenching rendition of the beautiful "Alone You Breathe". You can actually "hear" that the man has tears in his eyes singing it! A MUST!! The US version has a slightly different cover, also pictured above (right).

In latter years Jon has come forth saying that this is almost a Jon Oliva solo record. Other then Zak doing the vocals, and Alex doing some lead guitar work, no other Savatage member is playing on this album. Jon did the drums, the rhythm guitars and the bass work. So basically this is Jon and Paul's effort. One can only wonder why he still was not listed as a member of the band!

Killer tracks: All but 8

JAPAN LIVE '94 (1995) ZERO

Jon Oliva decided to go back to Savatage for the tour supporting 'Handful Of Rain' (he was never really gone though). And with the addition of Jeff Plate, replacing original drummer Steve Wacholz (later to join Crimson Glory), a new line-up saw the light of day. This live-album is an ambivalent experience. If you've never attended a Savatage concert you get to hear what an awesome live-band they really are. But if you've seen this band live, you've probably also heard how much better they can be. My main complaint is the set-list. There are way to few classic tracks from the earlier days, and way to many songs from the latest studio-album. It's still great to have some of the tracks, which the band has almost never played again later, recorded live. The way Zak and Jon sings "Gutter Ballet" together, taking turns on singing the lines, is pure magic! Hearing Zak roar through "Sirens" is also a treat. But where is "Dungeons Are Calling" or "Power Of The Night"? And the counter-point part of "Chance" is also amputated. I'm so glad I've heard all these tracks done properly live on other occasions. Savatage live is still a moment of joy! I've also been told that Chris Caffery re-recorded most of the guitar parts on this album, deleting the work Alex Skolnick originally played. This album has also been re-released with a different cover, under the name 'Live In Japan'.

'Dead Winter Dead' line-up

DEAD WINTER DEAD (1995) CONCRETE (Limited Edition 2CD)

'Dead Winter Dead', the second concept album from Savatage, drew the theatrical aspect even further. Paul O'Neill is the Jim Steinman of metal, and he seems to control the ship a little too much on this one. This was another huge letdown for me when it was new. But as with the other Savatage releases, I've learned to like it, as it has grown on me a lot with the years. It is still one of the few albums I can't enjoy all the way through, but it still includes some of their best moments. The instrumental track eventually spawned the whole Trans-Siberian Orchestra idea, and gave the band an unexpected hit. Despite the fact that Jon rejoined the band on the last tour, he is still not on the member-list, even though he is very much present on the album. Heck, he even sings on a couple of the tracks! The story is a lot more complicated that the one on 'Streets', but in short it's about two people fates in Sarajevo, after the fall of the Berlin wall in 1990. I found this Limited Edition double disc in a heavy metal-store in Germany. The second CD only has 2 songs, and it is supposed to be a promo-single for the next Savatage release, called 'Ghost In The Ruins'. 

Killer tracks: This Is The Time, I Am, This Isn't What We Meant, Dead Winter Dead, One Child

GHOST IN THE RUINS - A TRIBUTE TO CRISS OLIVA (1995) SPV

As the title indicates, this album is a tribute to the legacy left behind by one of metals best, but sadly most overlooked guitarists, Christopher Michael Oliva. And what an album this is! All the tracks are recorded live between 1987 and 1990. It showcases the bare essence of what Savatage sound like live, raw and enthusiastic. A band so tight, so hungry and so well balanced, you won't find anything like them anywhere. The way their music comes to live is magic to me, and this is just another testimony to why this is my all time favorite band. This album was originally released in Japan only, then with another cover and under the name 'Final Bell - Live'. ENJOY!

FROM THE GUTTER TO THE STAGE - THE BEST OF SAVATAGE 1981-1995 (1996) CONCRETE

CD1: Sirens - Live Power Of The Night Prelude To Madness - instrumental Hall Of The Mountain King 24 Hours Ago Gutter Ballet When The Crowds Are Gone Silk And Steel - instrumental New York City Don't Mean Nothing Agony And Ecstacy Believe Edge Of Thorns Chance Mozart And Madness - instrumental One Child CD2: Shotgun Innocence Forever After This Is Where You Should Be D.T.Jesus

Some compilation albums are great, some not so great, and some are designed only to suck more money from the fans. I'm not quite sure where this one belongs, but after several live albums being release within the last years, a compilation was not what I was expecting. The song-list is OK, except for the picks from 'Streets'. I could also do without most of the instrumental tracks. The thing that makes this compilation essential however are these two thing: 1: The track "Believe" comes as a single track, instead of the last half of "Somewhere In Time/Believe", like it was on it's original for on 'Streets'. 2: The 4 tracks on the bonus disc! All 4 previously unavailable, or only released as Japanese bonus-tracks. "Shotgun Innocence" and "Forever After" were both recorded for the 'Edge Of Thorns' album. "Shotgun Innocence" was the last recording Criss Oliva ever made. "This Is Where You Should Be" is a song recorded for the "Hall Of The Mountain King" album, but it never made the final cut. It is the first real power ballad the band made, and I can't fathom why they ever left it out. This has grown to become one of my favorite Savatage songs ever! "D.T.Jesus" is actually the original rendering of the track "Jesus Saves", that ended up on 'Streets'. The band often did multiple version of songs, and one can only hope that they one day release a complete album with all these extra recordings! This particular song started out as an orchestrated ballad, but ended up as the harder version we all have heard. The complete package also contains a Savatage patch. I bought the whole thing brand new for over 25$, only to get the songs on the second CD. 

'The Wake Of Magellan' line-up

THE WAKE OF MAGELLAN (1997) CONCRETE

It seemed like forever, but it was in fact only 2 years since their last studio effort. Jon Oliva is finally back where he belongs, on the member-list and band-pictures! The album sound more like a Paul O'Neill album, rather than the latest from Florida's finest. When I first brought this CD home I could not really get into it. It seemed to lack a climax, and none of the songs took off in any way. But over time I've learned to get with the flow so to speak, and got used to the laid back feel this album has. There are some real stinkers present, and sadly some of them is sung by Jon. But there are also some real gems here, like "Welcome" and "Anymore". I hate the fact that they even changed their logo for this one. I bet the success of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra made them (read: Paul O'Neill and the corporate business people) want to try to commercialize the bands appearance. Not the best Savatage album, not the worst. This is yet another concept album. Click here to read the story, and to view the surrounding cardboard cover art for the Special Edition I own.

Killer tracks: Welcome, Turns To Me, The Wake Of Magellan, Anymore, The Hourglass

I saw Savatage live 3 times on the tour for this album. So all of my CD's got signed by various band-members. I life-long dream had come true, and they were awesome live, every time.

THE BEST AND THE REST (1997) VICTOR

Another compilation album. This one was released in Japan only, but I scored a copy in a German heavy metal shop. I bought it solely to get the then exclusive to this release track, called "Voyage". The track in question is an instrumental, that later has appeared on the "Commissar" single. The rest of the CD is a sad documentary of the bands history, as it is missing essential tracks as "Sirens". Why the song "Complaint In The System" has been given a spot is beyond me.

In the year 2000 both Zak Steven and Al Pitrelli left the band. Al moved on to be a part of Megadeth, while Zak left to avoid touring. He can now be found singing in a band called Circle II Circle.

'Poets And Madmen' line-up

POETS AND MADMEN (2001) SPV/STEAMHAMMER (BOX)

The return of The Mountain King on vocals!! Zak left due to his decision to spend more time with his family. After 4 years of waiting for a new studio-album I had so high hopes for this release, I just had to be disappointed. Rumors had it that Paul O'Neill was not as involved with this album, making much more room for Jon and Chris to create a new "classic" Savatage album. This is only the truth in part. Paul has co-written all of the tracks, and is also the producer. This is yet another concept story, and the only thing that reminds me of the "old days" is Jon's vocals. But the album totally lacks the tracks that gives me goose bumps. Not one of the tracks will be considered classics in my book. After hundreds of spins I've grown to like this CD as well, but I can't help it to feel sad when thinking about what a killer this album might have been. Click here to read the concept-story, and to view alternative cover art for this release. My version is the Limited Edition Box Set w/bonus tracks, poster and a sticker.

Killer tracks: Stay With Me Awhile, Commissar, Drive, Morphine Child, The Rumor, Man In The Mirror

'Poets And Madmen' touring line-up

I got to see the band live again on the tour for this album. Jon had once again stepped back leaving the vocal-job to newcomer Damond Jiniya. They also recruited guitarist Jack Frost (Seven Witches, Metalium), but later kicked him out to re-hire Al Pitrelli (after Megadeth disband). Once again I got to meet the band, and they signed my stuff, so now all my Savatage CD's are signed.

STILL THE ORCHESTRA PLAYS: GREATEST HITS VOLUME 1&2 (2010) EAR MUSIC (2CD/DVD)

Savatage have, for all purposes intended, been laid to rest. Jon claims Savatage eventually evolved into Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but I guess that is just his way of saying that Paul O'Neill is the one pulling the strings, and he is content making money with the latter. Still, long time Sava-fans will never give up their hope of once again buying new music released under the Savatage name. Talk of box sets and long awaited DVD's made it across the world online, and many of us anticipated something special for the bands 25th anniversary in 2008. Still, nothing happened. Thus it was a bit strange to learn that a new Greatest Hits compilation would see the light of day in 2010. But here it is, a 2CD/1DVD set, optimistically entitled 'Still The Orchestra Plays'.

Supposedly this collection is released prior to yet another set of reissues of the bands back catalogue, and this time they are remastering them as well. The 2 CD's are packed with 20 prime time Savatage classics, chronologically organized. It's fun to listen through them all and really hear the vast changes that this band went through over the years. Not many bands managed to change this much, and still come thru it with flying colors. From the pummeling  US power metal of "Power Of The Night" to the multi-layered orchestral metal of "The Wake Of Magellan", this is one band never content on releasing the same album twice. Disc 1 is also a killer showcase in the legacy that is Criss Oliva's guitar work. Just listen to the man deliver pearls in song after song! I can't really hear that any of these songs have been remastered though. I've tried to play some of them back to back with my regular CD's, and I can't tell them apart.

Now, one can always debate which songs belong on a compilation like this, and which don't, but all in all this is a fine overview of the bands career. Still, omitting "Believe", and why "NYC Don't Mean Nothing" is found a spot, and not "Jesus Saves", are downright crimes! More understandable are the lack of songs from 'Sirens', 'Dungeons Are Calling' and 'Fight For The Rock'. The rights to the first 2 titles are owned by a different record label (Metal Blade), and the latter didn't exactly deliver any "hit" songs. The 3 newly recorded acoustic renditions are nice, and reason enough to buy this package. But some new tunes would have been even better.

It is also nice to finally have the 'Live In Japan 1994' video on DVD. It's doesn't capture Savatage at it's best, but it is the only pro-filmed video the band has ever released. And the concert is packed with songs they seldom played on subsequent tours. The 4 panel digipak comes with a nice design, and the booklet has all the lyrics, plus some nice photos. If you're looking for a reason to start you're Savatage collection, why not start here?

Jon Oliva guest appearances:

Seven Witches - 'Xiled To Infinity And One'

Circle II Circle - 'Watching In Silence' (as writer)

Chris Caffery - 'W.A.R.P.E.D.'

Chris Caffery guest appearances:

Doro - 'Fight'

Circle II Circle - 'Watching In Silence' (as writer)

Eidolon - 'The Parallel Otherworld'

Zak Stevens guest appearances:

Chris Caffery - 'House Of Insanity'

Jack Frost guest appearances:

Rob Rock - 'Eyes Of Eternity'

Steve Wacholz guest appearances:

Jon Oliva's Pain - ''Tag Mahal'

Al  Pitrelli guest appearances:

Alex Skolnick guest appearances:

Chris Caffery - 'Pins And Needles'

Related artists:

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Doctor Butcher, Jon Oliva's Pain, Chris Caffery, CircleIICircle, Metalium, Megadeth, Widowmaker, Alice Cooper, Seven Witches, Testament, Crimson Glory, Metal Church, Frost