Conference napalm::heavy_metal

    Savatage is out of Florida, aren't they?
    I know they have a ton of albums out, I've heard a couple
    and they were pretty good.
    
    I know Kim Russo loves Savatage...if she's still with us, I'm
    sure she'll enter a big reply.
    
    /Motorbreath

                Hall of the Mountain King is the nutz!  
                
                The  drummer  spins...    great...    as  far  as
                drumming,  he's  pretty   excellent,  but  hardly
                'unbelievable'.  
                
                - Rob who's not impressed with spinning otherwise
                he'd bow down before Tommy Lee (HAHAHAHAHA!!!)
                
                
                :')
                

    
    
    	A partial Disgography -
    	
    	Hall of The Mountain King
    	Sirens
    	Fight for Rock
    	Dungeons are Calling
    
        There an excelent band and have a unique stile but all the
    	 albums besides HOTMK are underproduced...but the singers 
    	vox's are the nutz.
    
    	Anyone know about a new album?
    
    	M
    	 B
    	

                Like I  said,  who  cares...   If I wanted to see
                tricks, I'd go to the circus (or 22 Acacia Avenue
                :') )
                
                

    
    
    re. -4 You forgot Power of the night!!  which to me is one of their
    best!!
    
    These guys are unbelievable especially LIVE!!!  I just wish they would
    get more recognition.  They definately deserve it!  They were suppose
    to release a new ablum this past fall but, for some reason keep getting
    delayed.  the latest update I heard was beginning of Feb.  I HOPE so. 
    These guys are one of my FAVORITE groups ever!!!
    
    I'd definately recommend these guys to anyone.  Best albums to me are
    of course, Hall of the mountain King (side two's better IMO), Power fo
    the night kicks *ss!  Dungeons are calling RULES!!!  Sirens is cool
    too.  Wasn't too impressed with Fight for the Right.  
    
    Best songs: 
    
    Twisted Little Sister!!!!!!
    Necrophilia
    Unusual
    
    there are so many I can't think of all the titles off hand!!  But these
    guys are great!!  Definately don't miss these guys live!!  The singer
    is INTENSE!!!!! - Kim

    
    
    OOPS - I meant Fight for Rock!!
    

    
    
    re.10 - That one kicks *SS!!!  Thanks for reminding me.  Now I'm really
    in the mood for Savatage.  Wish I had some tapes on me!!!!!

Great group Savatage ! After reading this note and after seeing on MTV two
clips (one is "Gutter Ballet" and the other from "Hall Of The Mountain King"),
I decided to buy my first Savatage CD. It was difficult to decide in the shop
as they had both "Gutter Ballet" and "Hall .." and surprisingly, in the magazine
I use for music critics, the critic was bad for "Gutter Ballet".
Finally I decided to follow Kim's opinion (thank you Kim!) about "Gutter Ballet"
and I bought it.
Well, it's a great album and it exactly fits my taste for heavy metal. It is
an ambitious (and risky) work but it deserves to be qualified as very fine
progressive metal. I plan to get now "Sirens" and "Hall Of The Mountain King".
"Gutter Ballet" is better and better after repeated listening and my favourite
tracks are: "Gutter Ballet", "Hounds" (recalls me a Led Zep song from LZ V LP),
"When The Crowds Are Gone", "Summer Rain" (great slow) and the very hot
"Thorazine Shuffle". The others are also very fine.
As yesterday I was alone on holiday at home, I listened all the day long at full
volume "Gutter Ballet" combined in the end with some Metal Church and Oliver
Magnum. Explosive mix !

Regards,
Sorin

    re.12-  I haven't even seen the "Gutter Ballet" video yet.  I'm in the
    process of getting cable.  Anyway, I heard it was cool.  Their new
    album is great.  I LOVE every single song.  Glad to hear you like them
    so much.  I like "The Unholy", "She's in Love", "When the Crowds are
    gone", "Gutter Ballet".  You should catch them live cuz, their great
    especially the singer, he is intense!!  - Kim

Re.13

Savatage have been in Brussels just little time before I considered them.
A vendor from the HM music shop where I go has been at their concert (they 
opened for another band) and was very impressed. About the "Gutter Ballet"
video, it was number ONE on POWER HOUR's (SUPER CHANNEL) top a week before.
The only problem I had with the new CD is the little hiss (I use headphones
also) in the background. It's strange for a CD in '90 but this is more a problem
of recording/production. What it matters finally is the music which is great.
Last days I've heard also Wild Dogs's "Reign Of Terror". It's also very intense
and quite apocalyptic and it should please to Savatage fans.

Sorin

    The "Gutter Ballet" clip was still number one last time on Super
    Channel's Power Hour. They deserve it.
    I had the occasion to listen also Sirens and a part of Hall of the
    Mountain King. Sirens is very good but less impressive than "Gutter
    Ballet". I think my next will be HOTMK.
    
    Sorin

    re .16
    
    Thanx /prc, I'll check it!
    
    Sorin

    I've listened "Hall of the Mountain King" which is full of energy (and
    anger?). Great album and better than Sirens. I'll surely check for
    "Power of the Night". My favourite is still "Gutter Ballet" which I
    found as their most accomplished (it's true that I started in a quite
    reversed order).
    
    Sorin

    
    
    Also, get Dungeons are Calling, that tape has a few killer songs on
    it!!  It's a short tape I think it has like 8 songs all together, so
    it's pretty inexpensive. - Kim

    What a chance I had on saturday when beeing in a little music shop I
    found "Sirens" AND "Dungeons are calling" ON A SINGLE CD !! I bought it
    immediately (my wife becomes a little worried about the rate of my
    CD aquisitions but that's life).
    What a difference between CD and vynil ! I've heard first "Sirens" on
    vynil and I was much less impressed than with the CD which has the good
    dynamics, punching bass and overall quality. What I was to be missing !
    There are 15 songs in total (9 for "Sirens" and 6 for "Dungeons..")
    giving 60' of good heavy metal. "Dungeons.." is also extremely good
    (was it an EP with only 6 songs ?).
    The CD was released by Music for Nations and I highly recommend it.
    The same MFN released also Q5's LPs "When the mirror cracks"/"Steel the
    light" on a single 77' (yes seventyseven mins !!) which is a CD to buy
    unconditionally for its excellent music.
    
    Sorin
    

    
    
    - To answer your question for you - Yes, Savatage released Dungeons w/
    just six songs. - 8^) - Kim

    6 songs on "Dungeons.." but all good. The one with the "witch" is my
    favourite.
    
    Sorin

    
    
    Have to disagree - TWISTED SISTER RULES!!!!!! 8^) - Kim

    
        >Have to disagree - TWISTED SISTER RULES!!!!!! 8^) - Kim

    
    	Yeah, they do ... but what do they have to do with Savatage?
    
    
    							GTI
    

    
    
    re. 24:  Hey, yah misunderstood me dude.  "Twisted Sister" is a great
    song off of the album "Dungeons are calling".  - Kim

    re .23,.25
    
    I agree Twisted Sister rules but on Sirens. On "Dungeons.." there is no
    "Twisted..". The song with the witch is on "Dungeons..". And on Sirens
    "Sirens" rules also for me.
    Since the "Gutter Ballet" Savatage has a fifth member playing guitar
    and keyboards (the good formula Uriah Heep used at their best).
    
    Sorin

    
    
    Whateva, I haven't listened to those tapes in awhile, I'm always
    confusing which songs are on which albums.  Anyway, is the song your
    talking about "White Witch"??  By the way did anyone catch Savatage on
    HBB last week.  My friend taped it for me but, I'm not gonna be able to
    see it till Thursday.  I guess they had the new member on. - Kim

    Yes, it's about a white witch and the song explodes in a short fast
    guitar solo. It burns this song. I think is the 2nd or 3rd on the
    "Dungeons..".
    
    Sorin

    
    
    	I think White Witch is off HOTMK but there is another song
         on "Dungeons are calling" with a witch title.
    
    	M
    	 B

    
    
    Have to agree with yah on that one.  SAVATAGE RULES!!!!!!  They put on
    an Excellent show.  Only wish they could have played for another hour
    or two. - 8^) - Kim

    
    
    I was very impressed with Savatage live... they are AWESOME live!!!
    
    Dr. Killdrums totally blew my mind... the guy is maniacal!!
    The singer's voice was ex-f'ing-squisite too... great band.
    
    /Motorbreath

    
    	I heard the song "Gutter Ballet" over the w'end, and all I
    	can say is "Wow".
    
    	The song is absolutely incredible, all the way around.
    
    	I don't know if I'd like the whole album or not.
    
    							GTI
    

    
    "Gutter Ballet" is one of the bests on the album but together with
    "Hounds", "Thorazine Shuffle", "The Unholly", "When The Crowds Are
    Gone", "Sommertime ..". Well, it's all a very good album. It's just
    more complex (and indirectely more tempered) than their earlier stuff.
    They have kept instead all their sentimental intensity (just listen
    "Hounds"). I was also hooked by the title track before buying the CD.
    
    Sorin

    
    
    Got to see these guys Thurs at the Living Room and Friday at the
    Channel.  Walked right up to the singer (Jon Oliva) and just sat and
    drank with him at the bar.  The guy is really nice to talk to had a few
    beers and got a back stage pass.  The show was nuts.  I've been to
    Savatage like 5-6 times and NEVER have I seen moshing and stage diving
    but, there was plenty of it this time.  They played "When the crowds
    are gone", "Gutter ballet", "Twisted little Sister", "Dungeons", "Hall
    of the mountain King", "24 hours ago", "I believe",  "Rage of War", 
    and a bunch more off of their new album and Hall.  Went Friday night
    which was as better show.  They played some more tunes OLDER ones, Like
    "Warrior", "Sirens"  great show got some great pictures of me and the
    band.  They were the nicest people to meet and I can't wait till I see
    them again!!!!!! - Kim

	Well, thanks to Kim for turning me on to this band.  I picked 
	up Gutter Ballet over the w/e and it is incredible - I hope they 
	come over to the UK shortly, I've got to see these guys live.

	The piano took a bit of getting used to but, my fvourite songs
	have to be: Gutter Ballet, Temptation Revelation, Hounds, Rage 
	of War and Mentally yours.  I guess I'll have to pick up some 
	of their earlier stuff now.
    
	Cheers, Flip

	ps.	Kim, the deal was that if I get this album, you have 
		to buy FNM - The Real Thing!!!  8^)  Better start
    		saving your pennies.....! 
    
    	pps.	How's about amking a deal that if I buy some of their
    		earlier stuff, you buy FNM - Introduce yourself and
    		We care alot?  8^)
    

    
    Flip,
    
    I have 'Hall of the Mountain King' on vinyl.
    
    You can have it, it sucks!

    
    RE: 37 - Glad to see you took my advice and picked up "Gutter".  I
    remember the deal I made and I'm gonna pick up FNM this weekend.  I saw
    the video a couple weeks ago.  I don't remeber the song but, it was a
    cool tune.  I'll let yah know how I like it.
    
    RE: 38 - OUCH headache inducer at LARGE!!!!

    
    
    Went and saw Savatage at the Channel tuesday.  The showed was one of
    the worst I've ever seen.  John's wisdom teeth were coming in and his
    throat was all swollen so, he couldn't hit all the high pitch screams
    I know and LOVE!!  The best part of it all was I got to hang out with
    John int he bar for like two hours before they played.  I got some
    great inside info. if your interested.  Savatage will be coming out
    with a LIVE album christmas time and they have a brand new album all
    done all they have to do is hit the studio, that should be ready for
    release in the spring.  I did get to hear some great old tunes they
    never play such as Skull Session, Necrophilia, and some others.
    
    - Kim

    
    Savatage have kicked out guitarist Chris Caffery due to his "lack of
    commitment".  No replacement has yet been confirmed.
    
    Flip

    
    
    A good friend of mine just finished up working on the album and I
    listened to his copy over the weekend, it's pretty good.
    
    It's a rock opera about a crack bum that makes it in the music buisness
    after he cleans himself up and then he falls back down to crack/heroin.
    
    The singer does this naration throu the album as the bum.
    
    I think it sounded good, great rhythm's ......
    
    this will be thier best to date!!!! JMO
                                                           Marko

    I look forward to the release of this album.  If it is only half as
    good as Gutter Ballet it will be an instant hit wif me!
    
    
    
    GAZ

    
    
      Savatage's album was released yesterday, they cut out some of the
      narration that was on the copy I have, but it might have been a good
      idea. They have the story written out on the covers so you can follow
      the songs. This is a very POWERFUL album with alot of feeling and
      and meaning.........
    
                                  Check it out!!!!!!!
    
    
                                                                  Marko
                                                    

Can you be a bit more specific with your review Marko?  I really liked 
Gutter Ballet and could easily be persuaded to buy this release too!  But
I would like more info!



GAZ

    
    
    
            What would you like to know?????????
    
    
    
    

Basically a comparison between it and GB would be nice!  Track listing!  Overall
feel, etc.  The usual Sorin type review would be good!



GAZ

As I stated in 711 (What's hot ..), I had the occasion to listen a bit of the
new Savatage, named "Streets - A rock opera". At first listening it sounds like
GB (including piano also). There are 12 tracks (each between 4 and 9 mins).
The vocals are (at least in the beginning of the songs) less screamy and some
starting riffs recall previous works. Quite many songs start smoothly (I don't
know if they get harder). I'll check this album better next time. I wanted to 
buy it but Crimson Glory was already on my short list.
What I remember from the short listening is that one of the songs was very 
impressing, in the same way as GB itself. There was also one song which I 
disliked (the beginning) as it recalled something from Who's opera "Tommy".
On the sleeve there were only 4 guys (aparently one has left since GB).

Sorin

    
    Gaz,
          Sorin said it well, I myself was just introduced to Savatage
          and can't give a comparison to thier old material.
    
                                      Sorry dude.....
    
                                                             Marko 

I got the latest Savatage album ('Streets - A Rock Opera'), and listened
to it last night (on the way home from QR) and this morning. I had never
heard any previous work from them - I guess their name sort of turned me
off, I thought they would be more thrash than this.

In fact, I was pleasantly surprised - this is a fantastic album!!! Its not
even much of heavy metal album - there's only a couple songs on here that
are real heavy - for the most part its just a straight rock album, and
has more in common with Meatloaf than it does with Metallica. 

As perviously mentioned, this is a concept album which follows the story
of a rocker who rose from the streets of New York. I've only heard it once,
so I'll need more time to digest it all, but it seems pretty well written,
and they avoid most of the obvious cliches.

Production on the album is superb! It doesn't say, but it sounds like its
digitally recorded. Lots of additional instruments - string sections, 
horns, choirs singing, etc. A little remincient of QR 'O:MC' production.

Song listing:
Streets
Jesus Saves
Tonight He Grins Again/Strange Reality
A Little Too Far
You're Alive/Sammy and Tex
St. Patrick's
Can You Hear Me Now
New York City Don't Mean Nothing
Ghost In The Ruins
If I Go Away
Agony and Ecstasy/Heal My Soul
Somewhere In Time/Believe

A total of 16 songs, about 70 minutes of music.

If there is any complaint to be had here, I'd say that its with Jon Oliva's
vocals. He tends to scream too much and not very well, particularly towards 
the beginning of the album. As he starts 'singing' more, I liked him a lot 
better.

Overall, I am wicked impressed with this album. I'd even say it has a good
chance of becoming one of my Top Ten favorites of the year!!!

alan

    
    	If you like their style, then I'd suggest picking up "Gutter Bal-
    	let" also.  Sounds like it's very comparable.  The sound quality
    	isn't that great [sounds like AAA 8^)] though.
    
    	I'll have to pick up the new one soon.
    
    							GTI

Re. Alan

I second GTI's opinion on Gutter Ballet. If you like Streets, you should like
GB. Me too I don't like sometimes the excessive use of screaming from Jon Oliva.
He has a fine voice and needs no repeated screams. This tendency apeared since
Savatage's first album. But they remain an excellent band and prove to be quite
attracted by classical music influences (Peer Gynt's Hall of the Mountain King
cover on the HotMK album). I'll look also for Streets.

Sorin

    Funny you guys mention "Gutter Ballet", I've been listening t that a
    lot lately.

    me 2!

Rumor from the USENET says that not only have Savatage cancelled the rest
of their tour, but they have also broken up! More when I hear it....

alan

    Savatage has recently released a new album called "Edge of thorns".
    I've read a good critic but I haven't heard anything from it. Has
    anyone heard it ?
    
    Sorin

>    Savatage has recently released a new album called "Edge of thorns".
>    I've read a good critic but I haven't heard anything from it. Has
>    anyone heard it ?
	Well I have only had it a week or so, so I can't give a 
	full review...

	But I like it a lot!!!  They have a new singer and in my opinioin
	he is MUCH better than the last guy, I have the new one, and
	'Street' I find "Edge of Thorns"  to be a much better album...


						-Seth 
   

    They have a new singer?  Cool!  The old one kind of grated on me
    sometimes.  

>    They have a new singer?  Cool!  The old one kind of grated on me
>    sometimes.  
	Yup, I agree, I liked their music but the singer drove me
	nuts, this one is MUCH better.... IMHO

    So is the music still basically the same, or has it changed too?
    
    Greg

	I have listened to 'Streets' and 'Edge of Thorns'
	some more over the past few days...
	

	The music is very similar, 'EOT' seems to have a couple
	more slower song, but it is basically the same.
	

	The singer on 'EOT' is a 1000 times better than the one
	on 'Streets'.  The singer reminds me of someone but I
	can't put my finger on who.......



						-Seth

Just heard that the guitarist (??? Oliva - Jon's brother) died this past week; 
he was in a head-on collision in his car in Florida. He died instantly, his 
fiance was seriously injured. Obviously, the rest of the tour has been 
cancelled, no word yet on any future plans....

alan

    Bummer!  I really liked this guys style...
    
    jc

	I heard that last week, but I was afraid to put it in,
	due to the George Lynch thing... I was waiting for someone
	else to say it so they would be hung if it was wrong! ;)
	hahahahah

						-Seth

    
    
    Unfortunately it's true......  We were friends with chris, more so my
    other guitarist...
    
    Sorry for not posting it, didn't think to.....
    
    
                                          Mark.

    
    New Savatage CD is out - not sure of the title.
    
    New guitarist - Alex Scolnick, ex-Testament axeman.
    
    
    Kev --
    

    
    heard the album a while ago, it wasnt bad, but i dont think it was
    great either, theyve done much better.  skolnik was pretty laid back on
    this album.
    

    
    Alex is appearing on the new Savatage CD supposedly
    as a "guest"/tour player.  Very unfortunate to see
    that Chris Oliva has passed onto the afterworld.
    Tough to fill anyone's shoes in such circumstances.
    
    Alex also has his solo project happening, which, oddly
    enough, might fill the opening slot for Savatage on
    the upcoming tour!  Now I love Alex's playing, and 
    from what I hear his solo project stuff is SLICK!!
    I've also been listening to Savatage for years, so
    this tour should be a good one.
    
    
    Later,
    Kev --
    

    
    Snarf !
    

    
    	Savatage has a new one out ... "Dead Winter Dead".
    
    	Whatever that means.
    

    
    Savatage has a new one out ... "Dead Winter Dead".
    
    Whatever that means.
             
Cool!  Who is playing guitar for them? I had heard Chris Caffery (sp) who
    played with them on "Gutter Ballet" was going back with the band....If
    this is released I gotta get to Newbury Comics soon! I miss Chris Oliva
    though as the guitarist, he was an up-and-comer for smokin' guitar!
    Very good IMHO!  Sad loss.....I am also awaiting Jon Oliva's next Rock
    Opera which he is supposed to be working on, and if he ever gets a new
    band......last was Dr. Butcher(sp) but nothing ever came of that awhile
    back.....thanks mon!
    
    Metal/mENTAL mike
    

    
    re: .70
    
    Shawn,
    
    Lineup for Savatage is now:
    
    Johnny Lee Middleton	- Bass
    Zak Stevens			- Vocals
    Chris Caffery		- Guitar
    Al Pitrelli			- Guitar
    Jeff Plate			- Drums
    
    Keyboards and additional Vocals - Jon Oliva
    and someone doing solo cello.
    
    It is a story about Sarajevo and the war/fighting going on over there.
    I just starting listening to it and so far it sounds GOOD! There is
    some pretty good guitaring in this one so far. I hope to see them again
    as I only caught them once back in 1990 I think at The Channel. I
    missed them when they came back to salisbury after the show I saw them
    at. I am still waiting to see if Jon is going to form a band and put
    out and album, for now it appears he is producing music, and supposedly
    working on a second rock opera (last I heard).
    
    Metal/mENTAL mike
    

    Lineup for Savatage is now:
    
    Johnny Lee Middleton	- Bass
    Zak Stevens			- Vocals
    Chris Caffery		- Guitar
    Al Pitrelli			- Guitar
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    Jeff Plate			- Drums
    
    
    Oh god -- he's really sunk to new lows now!!
    

    
    	Actually, I was going to say the same thing about Savatage.
    
    	8^)
    

    I got their last Rock Opera CD from Columbia House by mistake and
    kept it on a whim.  It seemed pretty dumb to me.  I mean you could
    tell that they were good musicians but the whole rock opera thing
    just doesn't do it for me. 
    
    Shane, who wants to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway sometime

    
    	Pick up "Gutter Ballet" if you haven't already.
    

    
    Agreed - I like Savatage...
    

    
    Well, phhtp! to you on Rock Opera by them! I thought it was ok, a lot
    of changes throughout the disc, 16 tunes on it and they are going to be
    putting it out remastered with ALL the tunes, 26 total! Probably on
    cassette, but I hear they are being pressured to release it on CD also.
    I happen to have the website to the "official Savatage homepage" which
    has pics, sounds samples, news, etc...pretty decent one too. Jon is
    supposed to be having a Broadway rock opera next year in Chicago for
    his opera, can't recall the title. Also Doctor Butcher should have
    their US release of their first disc in Jan. 96 if not sooner, and a
    second disc titled "the good, the bad, and the butchered" out in march
    1996. Also on the newswire, a Live CD featuring tunes from Gutter
    Ballet and Streets Tours with Chris Oliva on guitar.
    
    Mike, who says shane can rant on VH and I can rant on Savatage!
    

    	Just saw the gigs note mentions these guys will be opening
    	for 'Maiden down on Lansdowne St. in February.
    
    	Wonder if this is a one night stand, or are they supporting
    	'Maiden on this tour?

    
    It might be Fear Factory opening instead. Savatage is touring this
    month someplace and are supposed to be coming this way something
    between now and summer from what I gathered on their home page, but it
    would really suck if they only come through opening for Maiden....I
    wanna see them headline a club! With Fear Factory maybe as their
    opening act (I don't know any of their music).
    
    Mike
    

    	Hmmm, that means Pookie is spreading really nasty rumors
    	via her gig update that Savatage will be there...
    
    	C'mon now Pookie, fess up !

    
    HMMMM... Well, I assume you had already read the fine print that these
    gig postings are provided to you as a free service...and as always you
    are advised to call ahead.  
    
    Official sources are still putting Fear Factory at that gig...but I
    personally haven't called the club.  
    
    /jen (who does own "Handful of Rain" and swore she heard Yanni
    influence on one tune! :^)  )
    

    
    Yanni on Handful of Rain! Bite your tongue woman! I can't believe you
    came up with that one! I personally like that tune, along with Staring
    at the Sun. But, Dead Winter Dead is an excellent (IMHO) album with Zak
    really fitting in well as a vocalist with this band. He is growing on
    me, unlike Steve Hogarth of Marillion whom I don't reall care for,
    unless he has gotten out of his cloying style on Afraid of
    Sunlight.....
    
    Mike, who likes Savatage as much as Shane likes Van weenie Halen!!
    
    

    Re: Mike
    
    you do realize I could squish out your existence for a statement
    like Van weenie Halen right ?  
    
    Shane, who could crush your head...crush crush !!  ;)

    }}Shane, who could crush your head...crush crush !!  ;)
    
    Hey!  I LOVE Kids In The Hall...  
    
    I'm CRUSHING your head!!!  8)
    z

    me too...
    
    
    I'm crushing it,crush,crush!
    
    
    ian