The Savatage Thread

[wolfking]

That was familiar but a kick ass and welcome piece of music.  I'd happily take another album like this.

[faizoff]

I'm not too familiar with the pre-Gutter Ballet material but this thread bumped inspired me to listen to Hall of the Mountain King and it is so kickass. Going to check the previous albums out.

Also have to say that tribute live album 'Ghost in the Ruins' with old tracks played by Criss are seriously kick ass. One thing I do have to say is I absolutely love the guitar riff tones from that Savatage period of Hall to Streets. It's so uniquely Savatage, you know it's them when you hear it.

[Grappler]

I'm not too familiar with the pre-Gutter Ballet material but this thread bumped inspired me to listen to Hall of the Mountain King and it is so kickass. Going to check the previous albums out.

Also have to say that tribute live album 'Ghost in the Ruins' with old tracks played by Criss are seriously kick ass. One thing I do have to say is I absolutely love the guitar riff tones from that Savatage period of Hall to Streets. It's so uniquely Savatage, you know it's them when you hear it.

Hall of the Mountain King is so 

And I love that live album with Criss Oliva as well. 

[nick_z]

I'm not too familiar with the pre-Gutter Ballet material but this thread bumped inspired me to listen to Hall of the Mountain King and it is so kickass. Going to check the previous albums out.

Also have to say that tribute live album 'Ghost in the Ruins' with old tracks played by Criss are seriously kick ass. One thing I do have to say is I absolutely love the guitar riff tones from that Savatage period of Hall to Streets. It's so uniquely Savatage, you know it's them when you hear it.

Love that live album. Criss Oliva was such a fantastic player. Agreed on the tone - although I actually think, purely in terms of guitar work, the Edge of Thorns album was his absolute peak.

[wolfking]

I'm not too familiar with the pre-Gutter Ballet material but this thread bumped inspired me to listen to Hall of the Mountain King and it is so kickass. Going to check the previous albums out.

Also have to say that tribute live album 'Ghost in the Ruins' with old tracks played by Criss are seriously kick ass. One thing I do have to say is I absolutely love the guitar riff tones from that Savatage period of Hall to Streets. It's so uniquely Savatage, you know it's them when you hear it.

Love that live album. Criss Oliva was such a fantastic player. Agreed on the tone - although I actually think, purely in terms of guitar work, the Edge of Thorns album was his absolute peak.

I'll agree with this.  That has some of the most monumental lead playing ever in my opinion.  The solos of the title track, He Carves His Stone, Degrees of Sanity, Miles Away and Follow Me are just out of this world.

It's funny, learning to play the guitar, Criss was one of my biggest influences and it's funny that his two main influences which is so apparent now listening to him I never really got into as guitarists until just lately.  Criss was a perfect mix of Michael Schenker and Eddie Van Halen.  So I guess Criss was my Michael Schenker or Eddie for others.

[NunoTenniscourt]

Criss was a riff making machine. I may be partial because I knew him in the Florida scene before Savatage took off, but he's easily in my top 10 of all time.

"Edge of Thorns" album his peak? Hmmm. I might have to think that one over, but I certainly can't say I'd disagree right now. His guitar work in "Follow Me" is just so fucking emotive.

[wolfking]

You knew him?  Jesus, I class you a celebrity

[faizoff]

I'm not too familiar with the pre-Gutter Ballet material but this thread bumped inspired me to listen to Hall of the Mountain King and it is so kickass. Going to check the previous albums out.

Also have to say that tribute live album 'Ghost in the Ruins' with old tracks played by Criss are seriously kick ass. One thing I do have to say is I absolutely love the guitar riff tones from that Savatage period of Hall to Streets. It's so uniquely Savatage, you know it's them when you hear it.

Love that live album. Criss Oliva was such a fantastic player. Agreed on the tone - although I actually think, purely in terms of guitar work, the Edge of Thorns album was his absolute peak.

I'll agree with this.  That has some of the most monumental lead playing ever in my opinion.  The solos of the title track, He Carves His Stone, Degrees of Sanity, Miles Away and Follow Me are just out of this world.

Edge of Thorns was my first 'new' Savatage album after I discovered them with Gutter Ballet, (hadn't heard Streets at the time) and I had no idea that Jon had taken a step back from vocal duties, it was hard to get band news at the time so I was surprised to hear Zack's vocals. The whole album was a pleasant surprise with Criss' playing as the highlight.

That album has some absolutely amazing solos from Criss and those you mentioned indeed are truly out of this world. The production of that album is definitely my favorite of the band across the discography. The following Zack albums are excellent and been listening to them too. 

[NunoTenniscourt]

You knew him?  Jesus, I class you a celebrity

I used to see him at their local club gigs, and talked to him quite a bit. I was in the Florida music scene just as "Hall of the Mountain King" was released. He was reserved and humble. Wasn't one to buy his own hype at all.

Even to this day, when October 17th rolls around, I see tribute posts about him from friends on Facebook. The Florida metal scene is still reeling after all these years.

[wolfking]

You knew him?  Jesus, I class you a celebrity

I used to see him at their local club gigs, and talked to him quite a bit. I was in the Florida music scene just as "Hall of the Mountain King" was released. He was reserved and humble. Wasn't one to buy his own hype at all.

Even to this day, when October 17th rolls around, I see tribute posts about him from friends on Facebook. The Florida metal scene is still reeling after all these years.

With good reason, one of the biggest losses in music history in my book.  He also seemed like the quiet humble type.  What a player.

[WardySI]

Was late to the Savatage game at least by old-school standards and Edge Of Thorns was my first and remains my personal pick of the bunch for all the reasons pointed out already above. 

Was one of those records bought on a whim based purely on the cover art and the fact I was young enough to have disposable income.  Never once regretted that choice and then remember reading the terribly sad news of Chris' tragic passing not long after 

If you ask me the title-track Edge Of Thorns has to be one of the best anthemic openers of any album 

[nick_z]

I'll agree with this.  That has some of the most monumental lead playing ever in my opinion.  The solos of the title track, He Carves His Stone, Degrees of Sanity, Miles Away and Follow Me are just out of this world.

It's funny, learning to play the guitar, Criss was one of my biggest influences and it's funny that his two main influences which is so apparent now listening to him I never really got into as guitarists until just lately.  Criss was a perfect mix of Michael Schenker and Eddie Van Halen.  So I guess Criss was my Michael Schenker or Eddie for others.

Yep, I think this nails it. He took these influences, made them his, and sprinkled the whole thing with a healthy dose of metal 

If you ask me the title-track Edge Of Thorns has to be one of the best anthemic openers of any album 

So, so good. That piano intro and then the guitar coming in...

[wolfking]

He just had that sparkle in his playing that I hear in both Schenker and Eddie.  He used the Dorian mode a lot which Schenker did also.

[wolfking]

You know what, silly me I realised I'm missing probably the most important player having a listen through some random Tage tracks, Randy.  Perfect combo of Randy, Eddie and Schenker.

[TAC]

Kade, give me ONE Chris Oliva Savatage album to listen to. I assume he's the lone guitarist as well?

[wolfking]

Kade, give me ONE Chris Oliva Savatage album to listen to. I assume he's the lone guitarist as well?

I know you hate his brother, so that would leave Edge of Thorns which has Zak Stevens.  Highlights are He Carves His Stone, Follow Me, title track.

Although, for a kick, check the instrumental Temptation Revelation from Gutter Ballet, tell me who he's thinking about when he wrote and recorded that.

I reckon though if you can stand Jon, you MAY get a kick out of the Heavier Hall of the Mountain King.

[TAC]

Ok, even if I give hall a run through, I'll be concentrating in the guitar. I saw them on that tour.

[wolfking]

Ok, even if I give hall a run through, I'll be concentrating in the guitar. I saw them on that tour.

It's got more balls than Edge of Thorns, but has Jon Oliva. 

[wolfking]

Halls highlights are the title track, Beyond the Doors of the Dark, 24 Hours Ago and Strange Wings (Ray Gillan backing vocals!)

[TAC]

Although, for a kick, check the instrumental Temptation Revelation from Gutter Ballet, tell me who he's thinking about when he wrote and recorded that.

Oh wow! Totally.


Check out Andy's solo at 1:30 on Is Anybody There? Even the opening riff too.

I'll try and get through some Savatage. I've heard them all, but I want to focus on Chris.

Speaking of guitarists that died way too young, I was listening to Raising Fear this morning. Dave Prichard was awesome..

[wolfking]

Although, for a kick, check the instrumental Temptation Revelation from Gutter Ballet, tell me who he's thinking about when he wrote and recorded that.

Oh wow! Totally.


Check out Andy's solo at 1:30 on Is Anybody There? Even the opening riff too.

I'll try and get through some Savatage. I've heard them all, but I want to focus on Chris.

Speaking of guitarists that died way too young, I was listening to Raising Fear this morning. Dave Prichard was awesome..

Huh?

[TAC]

Andy Laroque-King Diamond-Give Me Your Soul...Please-Is The Anybody There?.
I know, random reference but a total Schenker moment.

[wolfking]

LaRocque did come to mind, but the song name didn't ring a bell.  great album but always listened without really knowing the tracks.  I'll grab the CD now.

Actually, check out the last song, don't know the name but I softer slower song, Andy's solo on that is fabulous, and also has some Schenkerisms. Underrated solo from him IMO.

EDIT:  Moving On at 1:40.  Fuck that's a good simple, effective solo.

[wolfking]

Ha, haven't listened to this one in ages.  lol, Is Anybody There? is a rip off of Eastman's Curse haha.

Wow, he even has Scheker's tone on this little solo.

[TAC]

I love GMYS...P. That and The Puppet Master are my two fave KD albums.

[wolfking]

I love GMYS...P. That and The Puppet Master are my two fave KD albums.

Yeah, Puppet Master is fantastic.  I was always partial to Abigail II also.

[WardySI]

This has been a great thread of late, back listening to Hall and Gutter, Thorns too...

Just sayin'

[NunoTenniscourt]

And how great are "Silk and Steel" and "Temptation Revelation"?

I've often wondered what a Criss Oliva all-instrumental (comparable to Vai and Satriani)  album would have been like.

[T-ski]

I’m sure I’ve posted this in this thread somewhere, but Criss’ solo in “Ghost in the Ruins” is one of my all time favorites.

[faizoff]

I've done an almost full re-listen to the bands albums with just Edge of Thorns and Poets and Madmen remaining. I had barely paid any attention to the first few releases up to and including Hall. All of them apart from Fight for the Rock have been excellent. I know the story behind Fight that the record company wanted a more radio friendly album and there are gems there but largely just an ok record. I have to say that debut of Sirens is really strong along with the Dungeons EP they recorded the same day. They've been great to re-discover and get a sense of progression. I think Gutter Ballet will always remain my favorite of theirs, each and every song on there never gets skipped by me.

I don't remember much of Poets and Madmen, don't remember being too crazy about it.

[wolfking]

I don't give Sirens and Dungeons enough attention.  Fight For the Rock isn't THAT bad, but yeah it's not great.

I’m sure I’ve posted this in this thread somewhere, but Criss’ solo in “Ghost in the Ruins” is one of my all time favorites.

Amazing buildup, such a wonderful well crafted solo.

[Deathless]

Not necessarily Savatage but Chris C mentioned a month or so ago that he was writing songs with and for Jon. It turns out they are doing another Doctor Butcher record instead (bummer). They mentioned a mystery drummer they are lining up to record with. Still hoping for new Savatage.

[jammindude]

I've done an almost full re-listen to the bands albums with just Edge of Thorns and Poets and Madmen remaining. I had barely paid any attention to the first few releases up to and including Hall. All of them apart from Fight for the Rock have been excellent. I know the story behind Fight that the record company wanted a more radio friendly album and there are gems there but largely just an ok record. I have to say that debut of Sirens is really strong along with the Dungeons EP they recorded the same day. They've been great to re-discover and get a sense of progression. I think Gutter Ballet will always remain my favorite of theirs, each and every song on there never gets skipped by me.

I don't remember much of Poets and Madmen, don't remember being too crazy about it.

I didn’t care for it at first, but I revisited it several years later and fell in love with it. And Morphine Child may have surpassed The Hourglass as my all time favorite counterpoint song by them.

[wolfking]

I've done an almost full re-listen to the bands albums with just Edge of Thorns and Poets and Madmen remaining. I had barely paid any attention to the first few releases up to and including Hall. All of them apart from Fight for the Rock have been excellent. I know the story behind Fight that the record company wanted a more radio friendly album and there are gems there but largely just an ok record. I have to say that debut of Sirens is really strong along with the Dungeons EP they recorded the same day. They've been great to re-discover and get a sense of progression. I think Gutter Ballet will always remain my favorite of theirs, each and every song on there never gets skipped by me.

I don't remember much of Poets and Madmen, don't remember being too crazy about it.

I didn’t care for it at first, but I revisited it several years later and fell in love with it. And Morphine Child may have surpassed The Hourglass as my all time favorite counterpoint song by them.

PAM made my top 50.  Incredible album.

[ProfessorPeart]

Poets and Madmen is excellent. So fitting for them to go out with Jon back on vocals. When I'm in the mood for some 'Tage I regularly reach for that album.