Wow, since when did this thread get updated?! I disappear for like a month and miss a 'Tage discussion?!
Anyways, I really don't think there is any particular Savatage record that is the perfect introduction for everyone out there, simply because Savatage changed their style so much throughout their careers. For most people, I think the easiest Sava-album to get into is Edge Of Thorns; it's got a lot of great, radio friendly songs that are easily digestible, even for non-metal fans, and Zak's voice is very pleasant yet powerful, and has enough grace and gentility to not scare anyone off, while still having enough of an edge to appeal to the metalheads out there.
For the more metal fans, I would definitely say Hall Of The Mountain King is the record to hear first. While Sirens, Dungeons and POTN are strong and have their merits, it was on HOTMK where Savatage really started to discover themselves musically, as well as begin to branch out into a more progressive/neo-classical direction. This was my first Savatage record, and while it has not been my favourite for quite some time, I still think it is probably the best album for an introduction to the more metal side of 'Tage.
For the people discovering Savatage from TSO, I think Dead Winter Dead, The Wake Of Magellan and, to a lesser extent, Handful Of Rain are all excellent albums for an introduction into the world of 'Tage. DWD and TWOM both have that familiar TSO sound, and while they are a bit heavier then the Christmas records, anyone who could handle Beethoven's Last Night or Night Castle should be able to handle 1994-1998-era Savatage. If a TSO fan has a more metal side, then Gutter Ballet, Streets and Poets & Madmen would also be good places to start.
Also, the whole reason I came here was to post this recent Jon Oliva interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I23C4SgiChs. Jon talks again about his upcoming solo record, the future of JOP and even mentions the possibility of a Savatage reunion show. Definitely worth checking out!
....and no, I have not heard the new CIIC record.
Life's been crazy for me recently and I haven't had anytime to check out new music, so I've mostly been making do with what is familiar. I've actually been listening to a lot of Kamelot and WASP recently (strange combination, I know), but I was listening to Savatage earlier today, hence why I decided to check out the thread. I actually had forgotten about the CIIC record, but I will definitely check it out as soon as I'm able...