OFF: Savatage

[Alex S. Garcia]

I recently bought the latest from Savatage (Poets and madmen)... and was a
bit disappointed. I was expecting something more along the lines of their
last few albums, which were amazing, and instead it seems to me that they
attempted a return to their earlier style, mixed in with their more recent
prog-oriented metal. Mind you, I don't own any of their earlier work, so
this is mostly a guess based on what I've read on this list and elsewhere,
since I was told they used to be a trash band.

Now "Poets" isn't trash, of course, don't make me say what I haven't said
*grin* but there are (too) many moments where the band uses guitar riffs and
drum beats typical to trash. I could be wrong, I'm not a specialist on the
subject, but what I do know is that I don't always like what I hear - most
of the time in the chorus. Now, there are parts I like in almost every song.
There are a few I dislike from start to finish, though (ie. "Drive" - and
even the lyrics are stupid on that one; not to mention, I can't see how this
piece fits in with the rest of the plot).

And then, there is the _one_ exception... the epic "Morphine child" which
left me stunned and speechless. Without doubt one of their best pieces ever.
Wouldn't throw away a single note in that one :-)

Also, this was my first opportunity to hear an album with Jon Oliva on lead
vocals. Hmmm.... What can I say? That I understand why he stopped singing?
:-) I'm not saying he's a bad singer, mind you, he actually sings quite
well, it's just that I don't think he has an interesting voice, its a bit
bland. Although I can imagine him well screaming on trash pieces, his voice
is great for that *laughs* He does show quite some talent on "Morphine
child", though, just wish all the songs were like that one.

But anyway, all this does have a point. No, seriously :-) I've been
attracted to two older Savatage albums for a long time, namely "Gutter ball"
& "Hall of the mountain king". In both cases I'd say it's mostly because of
the album covers and also the title for the second. But I'm not sure whether
I'd like them or not. Soooo... since I now own "Poets and madmen" perhaps
someone can tell me, based on the above comments, if you think I'd like any
of the two mentioned albums - and which songs could they be compared to (if
any) off the new album... ?

OK, I'll stop ranting now and be quiet already :-)



Alex.

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