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Ghost in the RuinsSavatage |
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Well this one kind of creeped up without warning didn't it? "Ghost in the Ruins" is a tribute to former founder/guitarist Criss Oliva, who died needlessly and way too young a few years back. All the old classics are presented during a number of live shows that covered '87-'90 when Jon Oliva was the singer and features the original classic lineup-just the way you remembered 'em. And for those that don't, now is your chance-hear them live and at their peak! If ever there was a band that exemplified power, might and majesty in a live performance, it was they. Now several years and numerous lineup changes later, little has changed for a band that remains the class of the metal elite. The focus here is on the Savatage that once was-the one that first saw the light of day with their first release "The Dungeons are Calling" from '83, hit the big time with '87's pinnacle "Hall of the Mountain King," and broke new ground with the highly regarded rock opera "Streets" in 1990. Opening here, we catch a glimpse of the "City Beneath the Surface" from The Ritz in New York City followed by a triple play from their "…Mountain King" album during their assault on Philadelphia's Spectrum in '88-"24 Hours Ago," which opened many a show back in the day, "Legions," and "Strange Wings," which even now remains a core classic for the listening faithful! This is not just some quickly thrown together live holdover while the group still figures out their next move. It really is a testament to their talents for bringing the music to life and keeping the flame burning for Criss, who will always be regarded as one of the best in his field-hear him do a blinding intro that leads into the "Hall of the Mountain King," clipped from their gig at L'amour's in Brooklyn. "When the Crowds are Gone" from the "Gutter Ballet" disc seems to hold new significance in this context-lyrically, emotionally-it all just fits with what is a touching moment for the brief life of a well respected guitarist, band mate and brother and the band that's never lost the belief…. Released by Nuclear
Blast Records, Haupstrasse 109 - 73072 Dusseldorf. Germany Review By Vinnie Apicella |
Poets & MadmenSAVATAGE |
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How SAVATAGE could manage to pull such an incredibly brilliant disc out of a heaping pile of adversity is beyond me but whatever the formula, whatever the cost it was worth it all and in spades. “POETS & MADMEN” is another conceptual piece written and performed by SAVATAGE in conjunction with their Svengali Producer Paul O’Neil. The story line this time concerns the journey that three teenagers embark upon when they break into a long abandoned mental hospital’s file room and begin reading one particular patient’s case file. The story has all the usual epic-Metal elements with twists and turns that run lockstep with the music but I have rarely, if ever, heard it done better. This album moves the listener from their own deepest emotions, exaltation to despair and back stopping occasionally for a melancholic interlude when the time is right for it. The mastery of lyrical/musical fusion SAVATAGE and O’Neil exhibit on this disc is so far beyond anything else available today that this record is destined to stand alone and it is my true hope that will be enough for its commercial success. If there was a single thing that pushes this record over the top, for me, it is the return of Jon Oliva to the microphone. Oliva’s voice is not the most dynamic in Prog-Metal but it was absolutely perfect for this project. Zachary Stevens could have sung the words but not with this effect. Standout tracks are “Awaken” which has a bit of a “Gutter Ballet” feel to it and the ten-minute plus masterpiece “Morphine Child.” These two tracks are vital SAVATAGE and will surely rest any previous compositions from any fan’s “favorites” hierarchy. As if you could get to the end of this disc and not count yourself as well rewarded for the purchase price there is a pair of bonus tracks, featuring material that was recorded previous to Zachary Stevens leaving the group, I presume. In any case, extra music to listen to while you prepare your ears and emotions for another go ‘round with the innards of the main portion of the disc. Brilliant beyond compare. Released by Nuclear
Blast Records, Haupstrasse 109 - 73072 Dusseldorf. Germany Review by DAVID LEE WILSON IAN SCOTT ENTERTAINMENT |
