RecentMusic - Savatage New Releases

Savatage

Savatage stands as a formidable entity in the pantheon of progressive metal, skillfully intertwining the precision of heavy metal with the narrative depth of rock operas. Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Tampa, Florida, in the early 1980s, the band was assembled by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva, along with bassist Keith Collins. They initially hit the stage under the name Avatar, but due to legal reasons, they settled on the moniker Savatage. Their inaugural album, "Sirens," released in 1983, quickly established them as a band with a peculiar edge and set the tone for a career marked by evolution and creativity.

Over the years, Savatage cultivated a unique sound characterized by intricate guitar work, elaborate concepts, and the entwining of classical influences, especially under the guidance of producer Paul O'Neill, beginning with their 1987 release "Hall of the Mountain King." This creative partnership brought to life albums like "Gutter Ballet" and the rock operas "Streets: A Rock Opera" and "Dead Winter Dead," the latter of which hinted at the band's future direction and indirectly led to the formation of the globally popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Despite the tragic loss of Criss Oliva in 1993, the band persevered, embodied by a succession of releases, including "Handful of Rain" and the complex tale woven in "The Wake of Magellan." Their final studio album, "Poets & Madmen," released in 2001, was inspired by the story of photojournalist Kevin Carter, showcasing the band's enduring passion for storytelling and thematic depth. While no longer actively recording new material, Savatage has left an indelible mark on the genre, with their ambitious compositions and theatrical approach influencing countless artists in the realm of symphonic and progressive metal.

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