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#SAVATAGE 1983 - 1991 Thread!
A band that should have had wider appeal in the 80s but garnered a smaller, yet die-hard following.
That they crossed so many musical boundaries could be why: it was just hard to pigeon hole the band.
Letâs dive into the first 6 LPs.
But first, quick thoughts!
80s era #Savatage sounded like equal parts #Dio, #WASP, #Megadeth & #QueensrĂżche - but yet still had their own distinct sound*
Probably too âthought provokingâ & progressive for most. [read: ahead of their time, and not exactly MTV friendly]
80s era #Savatage sounded like equal parts #Dio, #WASP, #Megadeth & #QueensrĂżche - but yet still had their own distinct sound*Probably too âthought provokingâ & progressive for most. [read: ahead of their time, and not exactly MTV friendly]
* We canât talk #Savatage and not take a moment to recognize #CrissOliva. HE gave the band their sound.
A genius.
Note that while Savatage didnât release their debut LP until 83, theyâd been playing some of those songs since 79, as #Avatar, when Criss was only ~17.
A prodigy.
A genius.
Note that while Savatage didnât release their debut LP until 83, theyâd been playing some of those songs since 79, as #Avatar, when Criss was only ~17.
A prodigy.
While #CrissOliva played with technical precision, it was never robotic - there was still some swing & swagger.
And his chord progressions felt âexoticâ, dark, with a theatrical flair...
...not a million miles away from Chris DeGarmo ( #Queensryche)...
And his chord progressions felt âexoticâ, dark, with a theatrical flair...
...not a million miles away from Chris DeGarmo ( #Queensryche)...
...with that, #Savatage are often compared to #Queensryche -and thatâs ok, but only up to a point.
Both bands emerged the same time; C Oliva & DeGarmo both born in 63, and both clearly listened to a lot of #Rush & #JudasPriest
Though both bands from opposite corners of the US.
Both bands emerged the same time; C Oliva & DeGarmo both born in 63, and both clearly listened to a lot of #Rush & #JudasPriest
Though both bands from opposite corners of the US.
In terms of the bands hitting the map, there was one key difference:
#Savatage didnât have a âQueen of the Reichâ up their sleeve.
Yet.
Aright, to the batcave! Album reviews in 3..2...1...
#Savatage didnât have a âQueen of the Reichâ up their sleeve.
Yet.
Aright, to the batcave! Album reviews in 3..2...1...
#Savatage - Sirens 8/10
1983
A raw & rough-edged feel, still honing their latter trademark style. Recorded in a day.
Given some songs stem from the late 70s, thereâs also a slight #NWOBHM feel - see: Rage or Twisted Little Sister.
MUST HEAR: âScream Murderâ. Trust me.
1983
A raw & rough-edged feel, still honing their latter trademark style. Recorded in a day.
Given some songs stem from the late 70s, thereâs also a slight #NWOBHM feel - see: Rage or Twisted Little Sister.
MUST HEAR: âScream Murderâ. Trust me.
#Savatage - Power of the Night 8.5/10
1985
Max Norman production, allowing #JonOlivaâ vocals to shine, and breathes life into Crissâ riffs, fills, & solos - but some songs may feel dated, like Warriors & Hard for Love.
Ballad âhit singleâ In the Dream, a sign of things to come.
1985
Max Norman production, allowing #JonOlivaâ vocals to shine, and breathes life into Crissâ riffs, fills, & solos - but some songs may feel dated, like Warriors & Hard for Love.
Ballad âhit singleâ In the Dream, a sign of things to come.
#Savatage - Fight for the Rock 6/10
1986
Their âTurboâ.
The band hates this album, though possibly unfair - the label forced their hand in wanting radio friendly tunes. Thereâs even 2 AOR covers. Title track is cool. Hmm.
OH! There is at least one diamond in the rough: Hyde.
1986
Their âTurboâ.
The band hates this album, though possibly unfair - the label forced their hand in wanting radio friendly tunes. Thereâs even 2 AOR covers. Title track is cool. Hmm.
OH! There is at least one diamond in the rough: Hyde.
#Savatage - Hall of the Mountain King 10/10
1987
The moment the band came to life. Full creativity, writing with abandon.
THIS is Savatage. A band unleashed. Firing on all cylinders. Distinct riffs, songs within songs.
Play âStrange Wingsâ or title track with volume at 11.
1987
The moment the band came to life. Full creativity, writing with abandon.
THIS is Savatage. A band unleashed. Firing on all cylinders. Distinct riffs, songs within songs.
Play âStrange Wingsâ or title track with volume at 11.
#Savatage -Gutter Ballet 10/10
1989
Lightning striking twice. And not a copy of HotMK. Certainly moments of a âbrighterâ, more progressive style.
While thereâs the obvious greatness, note also the more subtle genius of Hounds > The Unholy is the 1-2 knockout punch.
Mandatory.
1989
Lightning striking twice. And not a copy of HotMK. Certainly moments of a âbrighterâ, more progressive style.
While thereâs the obvious greatness, note also the more subtle genius of Hounds > The Unholy is the 1-2 knockout punch.
Mandatory.
#Savatage - Streets 7.5/10
1991
Concept album. When the band went *too* theatrical. Based on a book destined to be a broadway play, and it shows. Great moments interspersed with filler.
Best song: Believe. But thatâs because itâs When the Crowds Are Gone from Gutter Ballet.
1991
Concept album. When the band went *too* theatrical. Based on a book destined to be a broadway play, and it shows. Great moments interspersed with filler.
Best song: Believe. But thatâs because itâs When the Crowds Are Gone from Gutter Ballet.
#Savatage went on to make 5 more albums.
Jon Oliva retired from vocal duties. Zak Stevens stepped in, and, well, he tried his best. The downgrade was instant.
The broadway style became the norm
It was only a matter of time before their inner Trans Siberian Orchestra took over.
Jon Oliva retired from vocal duties. Zak Stevens stepped in, and, well, he tried his best. The downgrade was instant.
The broadway style became the norm
It was only a matter of time before their inner Trans Siberian Orchestra took over.
Criss Oliva died in 1993.
He was 30.
He & his wife, Dawn, were struck head on in a car collision with a drunk driver. She survived.
The band kept going but the heart & soul of Criss was irreplaceable. Jon came back for their last album but it was time.
#RIP #CrissOliva
He was 30.
He & his wife, Dawn, were struck head on in a car collision with a drunk driver. She survived.
The band kept going but the heart & soul of Criss was irreplaceable. Jon came back for their last album but it was time.
#RIP #CrissOliva
âAnd the lights
Turn them off my friend
And the ghosts
Weâll just let them in
Cause in the dark
It's easier to seeâ
- When the Crowds are Gone
Fin.
Turn them off my friend
And the ghosts
Weâll just let them in
Cause in the dark
It's easier to seeâ
- When the Crowds are Gone
Fin.
