Concerning that Return to Wacken release: pointless. If they want to celebrate the band's previous appearances there in '98 and '02, why don't they release an album of live tracks from those shows? As it is, this is just another psudo-"best-of" compilation, with nothing that can't be found on other records. The only time releases like this are worth it for me is if they have something new or super rare. Just putting a bunch of studio tracks from older albums on a record is lazy. I'm sure it's partially a cash grab, but I think part of it too is just "We haven't done anything in 13 years, so what can we put out to promote this?" syndrome. To be fair, this is probably more of a record label thing then something the band wanted to do, but that being the case, I'm sure they could have come up with something better then this.
Here's an idea: why don't you get the six guys together in the studio and record the 2 or 3 or however many songs that were cut from Poets and Madmen when Zak quit because Jon felt those songs didn't work with only himself? Or what about re-recording some of the tracks that were cut from Streets that haven't been put out in some form or another yet? (I've still never heard a complete version of Tonight I Would Be King). Or why not just do a few new songs like Jon talked about a couple years ago since TSO spends so much time in the studio anyways? (although if at all possible, I would prefer they save any new material for a new full album) A record of a few new songs, re-recorded lost stuff, and/or some live tracks from the previous Wacken shows would be awesome, and a hell of a lot better then this.
As for Gutter Ballet, that is a fantastic record. The title track is actually my favorite song the band has ever done. While they dabbled a bit in new ideas on Mountain King, GB is, IMO, the record where they went from being just a really good heavy metal band to one of the best and most unique bands on the planet. It was where the band really began to shine with ballads like When The Crowds Are Gone and Summer's Rain, and explored progressive influences a bit more deeply with tracks like Hounds. If there is one weak track on there, I'd say it is She's In Love, although since Jon has said the song was basically a joke to poke fun at the misogamy that was rampant in hair metal at the time, I give it a pass. I think the only issue with Mentally Yours is that the chorus is a bit repetitive, but the song is still great in other parts, especially the intro and the solo section. Easily at least a 9/10 record for me.
Topic: The Savatage Thread (Read 103069 times)
