Every Christmas, season more and more people discover the holiday hit, “Christmas Eve Sarajevo” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). However, what most people do not realize is that the song was originally released more than 12 years ago by Savatage, a hair-metal band from the 1980s. The side-project to the once underground metal group has gained tremendous commercial success with their numerous Christmas-themed discs.

Brothers Jon and Criss Oliva formed the band Avatar in 1981, performing in various cities across the state of Florida. After a copyright dispute, the band agreed to change their name to Savatage, keeping some form of their original title. The rock band has released over a dozen albums from their debut in 1983, “Sirens,” all the way through to their most recent studio album, “Poets and Madmen” in 2001. Savatage has developed a unique style over the years, utilizing smooth piano riffs with progressive vocals that steer away from the customary sounds of metal-core. On October 17, 1993 lead guitarist Criss and his wife Dawn were driving to a music festival in Florida when their car was struck head-on by a drunk driver, instantly killing Criss and severely injuring his wife (Savatage.com). Despite Criss’s death, Jon and the band continued to make music. The most recent lineup consisted of Chris Caffery on guitar, Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Jon Oliva on vocals, keyboards, and piano, Jeff Plate on drums, Al Pitrelli on guitars, and Damond Jiniya on vocals.

Savatage was discovered by Atlantic Records in 1985 through which they released their third album “The Dungeons are Calling.” Now on a major record label, the metal band began to pick up a fan following. Finally in 1987, Atlantic hired the popular and talented producer, Paul O’Neill, to produce Savatage’s next record, “The Hall of the Mountain King,” which is now considered by critics as their best work. O’Neill would continue to work with Savatage over the years and eventually help Savatage construct concept albums. This type of record is self-explanatory as it is an album that concentrates on a central theme and the tracks, when played in sequential order, reveal a story. For example, Savatage’s first concept album titled “Streets: A Rock Opera” tells us the story of a musician named DT Jesus, living on the streets of New York City, as he struggles with life’s difficulties throughout his rise to fame. The story almost mirrors that of lead singer, Jon Oliva, but it is believed to only have been a coincidence. The band, under O’Neill’s guidance, continued to push the limits of their genre and expand in any way that they could.

Every Christmas season more and more people discover the holiday hit, “Christmas Eve Sarajevo” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). However, what most people do not realize is that the song was originally released more than 12 years ago by Savatage, a hair-metal band from the 1980s. The side-project to the once underground metal group has gained tremendous commercial success with their numerous Christmas-themed discs.

Brothers Jon and Criss Oliva formed the band Avatar in 1981, performing in various cities across the state of Florida. After a copyright dispute, the band agreed to change their name to Savatage, keeping some form of their original title. The rock band has released over a dozen albums from their debut in 1983, “Sirens,” all the way through to their most recent studio album, “Poets and Madmen” in 2001. Savatage has developed a unique style over the years, utilizing smooth piano riffs with progressive vocals that steer away from the customary sounds of metal-core. On October 17, 1993 lead guitarist Criss and his wife Dawn were driving to a music festival in Florida when their car was struck head-on by a drunk driver, instantly killing Criss and severely injuring his wife (Savatage.com). Despite Criss’s death, Jon and the band continued to make music. The most recent lineup consisted of Chris Caffery on guitar, Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Jon Oliva on vocals, keyboards, and piano, Jeff Plate on drums, Al Pitrelli on guitars, and Damond Jiniya on vocals.

Savatage was discovered by Atlantic Records in 1985 through which they released their third album “The Dungeons are Calling.” Now on a major record label, the metal band began to pick up a fan following. Finally in 1987, Atlantic hired the popular and talented producer, Paul O’Neill, to produce Savatage’s next record, “The Hall of the Mountain King,” which is now considered by critics as their best work. O’Neill would continue to work with Savatage over the years and eventually help Savatage construct concept albums. This type of record is self-explanatory as it is an album that concentrates on a central theme and the tracks, when played in sequential order, reveal a story. For example, Savatage’s first concept album titled “Streets: A Rock Opera” tells us the story of a musician named DT Jesus, living on the streets of New York City, as he struggles with life’s difficulties throughout his rise to fame. The story almost mirrors that of lead singer, Jon Oliva, but it is believed to only have been a coincidence. The band, under O’Neill’s guidance, continued to push the limits of their genre and expand in any way that they could.

TSO has one of the most unique styles in the music industry today as it appeals to such a wide variety of music-lovers. This can easily be seen as one scans the crowd of a TSO concert. Children lull to the instrumentals of their favorite Christmas carols, seniors find themselves lost in the mysterious Christmas tales, classical music fans appreciate the time and effort it takes to incorporate so many different pieces and styles into one theme, and hard-rock fans jam to the solos that are used to display band member’s extraordinary talents.

This tour season, TSO is incorporating music from the latest CD, which was released just one month ago, “Night Castle.” This double disc, concept album tells the story of a young man fighting in the Vietnam War, discovering himself while his wife and baby wait patiently back in the States.  He encounters friends and enemies as he tries to teach one Vietnamese solider about what in life is truly important.   One this second non-Christmas album, the band exemplifies remarkable riffs and so many cleanly produced, magical tracks.  The lyrics are a wonder and following along to the short story found in the CD booklet is essential to experiencing the full effect of the album.  The second half of this winter’s tour will include these tracks, some which have been played for three seasons as “Night Castle” was in the making since 2006.

A Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert is not just a showcase, it is a magical experience.  TSO’s inspirational music can somehow transform any Scrooge into an anxious and excited Tiny Tim. I encourage everyone to attend at least one in their life and hope everyone has a safe, happy and joyous Christmas season!

Some suggested tracks by TSO include: “First Snow,” “A Mad Russian’s Christmas,” “The March of the Kings,” “Christmas Canon,” “Wizards of Winter,” and “What Child is This.”

* Originally published in the Tangerine at Utica College in the winter of 2007.

Pe 1 Decembrie 2009 se implinesc 20 de ani de cand Savatage a editat Gutter Ballet. Din pacate acest album este aproape uitat in zilele noastre, tocmai de aceea va propun saptamana aceasta “When The Crowds Are Gone”.

Piesa dezbate probleme personale: prieteni vechi, oportunitati ratate, artistul care canta pentru public, dar si tema “I never wanted to know/Never wanted to see” ce se va regasi ulterior si in alte versuri.  Clipul ma duce oarecum cu gandul la “The Phantom Of The Opera”, de altfel pasajele usor simfonice ale piesei sunt inspirate de opera respectiva.

Din pacate nu am reusit sa gasesc o varianta mai buna a acestui clip, dar va invit sa il urmariti chiar si in conditiile date. In mod sigur nu veti regreta…

“The Story Is Over When The Crowds Are Gone”

1994 r., Japonia. Savatage to w mojej prywatnej ocenie jeden z bardziej niedocenionych zespołów sceny metalowej. Mają na swoim koncie 11 albumów długogrających, a na nich całą masę świetnych kompozycji. Początkowo grali heavy i power metal. Po koniec lat 80. przesunęli się w kierunku metalu progresywnego. Niestety od 2001 r. nie nagrali żadnej płyty. “Gutter Ballet” pochodzi z albumu o tym samym tytule wydanego w 1989 r. Siłą napędową zespołu byli bracia Jon i Cris Oliva. Niestety, w 1993 r. Cris zginął w wypadku samochodowym.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

11/02/09

Breslin Student Events Center at MSU in East Lansing, Michigan

Though I own a TSO album, I never really got into it, but I sure did try to given the Savatage connection. Trans-Siberian Orchestra has always seemed like a group that would be more fun to see live and after last night’s amazing show, that is 100% confirmed. And what better night to go than on my birthday?

This was probably the best concert experience I’ve ever had. The place was a sellout, but TSO definitely brings in a different demographic than Avenged Sevenfold, KISS or Motley Crue does so I didn’t have to worry about any idiots getting on my nerves.

Sometimes when you go to shows, the sound isn’t so well. I’ve seen plenty of rock bands perform with the guitar way too much in the mix and they’re basically all you can hear but last night everything just about perfect. No screeching guitars, no bass or drums that rattled your ears so much you get vertigo, everything was spot on for the most part, but funny enough — I thought the guitars were a tiny bit low in the mix. Other than that minor quibble, guitarists Chris Caffery and Alex Skolnick were amazing all night.

I know people are going to want to know the set list from me, but I can’t tell you that. I’m not familiar enough with their music and I can’t find any other recent set lists online to get an idea, but the first half of the show focused on Christmas and the majority of the second half featured many songs from their latest album Night Castle.

As much as I loved the Christmas stuff, there were quite a few ballads in that portion that kind of bored me. Most of the second half was amazing though, the show got darker and heavier. After the Christmas portion was finished, a number of people began leaving. I guess those old-timers just wanted Christmas music, but you’re only getting half your money’s worth! For a rock/metal fan, the second half was definitely the best.

The stage production was amazing too, probably the best concert I’ve ever seen. Lasers, smoke, “snow”, tons of video screens, flames (green, orange and blue!). It was a great spectacle. I was surprised by how much they were able to fit into Breslin.

Overall, whether you’re a fan of Christmas, symphonies, hard rock or all of the above — TSO is a great way to spend the holidays and fantastic way to get your fix. Highly recommended. I believe this is at least the third year in a row they’ve come to Breslin, if they come again next year, I’ll be sure to be there.

of death, dying and the evil of all hallow’s eve… that probably just about says it all for you… The mix starts out innocuous enough and dissipates into some brutal listens that should really shake your spine and leave you quaking in your boots. Sadly, some band’s could be a complete catalog without much effort, making cutting it down to a track an artist interesting. Spook you if you don’t agree… feel free to add in the comments your faves for the list

“Black Sabbath” Black Sabbath from Black Sabbath
“Welcome To My Nightmare” Alice Cooper from Welcome to my Nightmare
“God Of Thunder” KISS
“Highway to Hell” AC/DC from Highway to Hell
“Halloween” The Misfits from ‘Halloween’ single
“Knife in your Guts” Gwar
“Dragula” Rob Zombie from Hellbilly Deluxe
“Nightmare Be Thy Name” Mercyful Fate
“Halloween” Helloween from Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. One
“Dungeons are Calling” Savatage
“Devils Child” by Judas Priest from Screaming for Vengance
“Halloween” King Diamond from Fatal Portrait
“Pure Evil” Iced Earth from Days of Purgatory
“The Haunting” Testament from the Legacy
“Am I Evil?” Metallica from Garage Days
“Belly of the Beast” Anthrax from the Persistence of Time
“Dead Skin Mask” Slayer from Seasons in the Abyss
“Scream Bloody Gore” Death from Scream Bloody Gore
“Death Certificate” Carcass from Heartwork
“Slaughter of the Soul” At the Gates from Slaughter the Soul
“Diva Satinaca” Arch Enemy from Dead Eyes See No Future
“a Devil in God’s Country” Lamb of God from as the Palaces Burn
“Bloodletting” the Haunted from One Kill Wonder
“the Devil has Risen” Unearth from III: in the Eyes of Fire
“No Sympathy (for the Devil)” Skinlab from Disembody: The New Flesh
“Like this with the Devil” by Entombed from To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth
“Blessed Black Wings” High on Fire from Blessed Black Wings
“Her Ghost in the Fog” Cradle of Filth
“Progenies of the Great Apocalypse” Dimmu Borgir from Death Cult Armageddon
“Demon of the Fall” Opeth from My Arms, Your Herse
“My Hope, the Destroyer” My Dying Bride from the Dreadful Hours
“You were but a Ghost in my Arms” Agalloch from the Mantle
“Fear of the Dark” Iron Maiden from Fear of the Dark
“Black Number One (the Little Miss Scare All)” Type O Negative from Bloody Kisses

and, although Diecide is WAY out of my listening, I’ll include the reference to them, if for no other reason than frontman Glen Benton might be a direct descendant of satan.

Did I miss anyone?

Savatage – Power of the Night (1985, Atlantic Records)

1. “Power of the Night” … 5:12
2. “Unusual” … 4:23
3. “Warriors” … 4:00
4. “Necrophilia” … 3:35
5. “Washed Out” … 2:13
6. “Hard for Love” … 3:57
7. “Fountain of Youth” … 4:28
8. “Skull Session” … 3:18
9. “Stuck on You” … 3:06
10. “In the Dream” … 4:10

Band:
Jon Oliva – Vocals, Keyboards
Criss Oliva – Guitars
Keith Collins – Bass
Steve Wacholz – Drums

Producer: Max Norman

This was the band’s third release and it really signaled the changes to come over the band’s next two releases. I can definitely hear similarities here to what I believe is their best effort — 1987’s Hall of the Mountain King.

Also, “Hard for Love” is a fairly commercial effort, giving another taste of the future when the band would follow this release up the very next year with the mainstream hard rock sounds of Fight for the Rock. Not that I’m complaining though, it’s a darn catchy piece of almost hair metal. The rest of the album does not follow that format, it’s power metal through and through.

Though respected, this album generally doesn’t seem to rank amongst the best of the Savatage albums. I’m not sure why. There’s some filler here but “Power of the Night”, “”Warriors”, “Unusual” and “Necrophilia” are classic Savatage tracks.

Highlights: “Power of the Night”, “Unusual”, “Warriors”, “Necrophilia”, “Hard for Love”, “In the Dream”

www.savatage.com
www.myspace.com/savatage

During my freshman and sophomore year of high school I lived in a small town in Trimble County Kentucky.  The town of Bedford was your typical rural Kentucky community.   It had a few churches, caution light, courthouse and like four other buildings.   Infact when I moved away you could still dial numbers and only use four digits.  Unfortunatly one of the things this town did not have other than a liquor store and a grocery store was cable television.  So while all of the other kids had their MTV we were stuck with the big three networks and the local UHF channel.  However, I had the hook up on how to receive communication from the outside world.  One hook up was my friend Jon whose family had a satellite dish.  The other source I had was the tapes of Head Bangers Ball my friend Matt brought back from his weekend visits with his dad in Louisville.  These two media tools provided my friends and I with our two favorite forms of entertainment; boobies and heavy metal.  As dated as it seems those VHS tapes of Head Bangers Ball were like gold.  We would get together on Saturdays and watch the tapes and then head to the record store (if we could get someone to drive us because the record store was 20 min away in Indiana) and buy the tunes we liked.  Man those were the days!! Thanks Jon and Matt for all of the good times!

 Well after two years we moved back to civilization but I will always remembered those two years fondly.

Anyway, with the rise of You Tube I can now relive those memories with the simple click of a mouse.  Cool huh!!  Check out the videos below; they were a couple of the tunes the we liked back in the day.  We liked them but I don’t think they were as popular everywhere else.  I still think they Rock though!!

1948

Nace Mark Farner, guitarrista de  Grand Funk Railroad.

1962

Nace el guitarrista de bandas como  Megadeth, Savatage, Blue Öyster Cult , Al Pitrelli.

1963

Nace el bajista de Primus, Les Claypool.

1967

Nace Brett Anderson vocalista de Suede.

1980

Nace en canada Dallas Green de  Alexisonfire.

Inicialmente sob o nome Metropolis e, logo depois, em1983, Avatar, a banda passou a chamar-se Savatage devido a problemas judiciais, logo após o lançamento do primeiro single denominado “City Beneath The Surface”, e pouco antes de lançar o primeiro álbum, “Sirens”, em Novembro de 1982, que já na primeira metade da década de 80, mesclava o Heavy Metal tradicional com Power Metal “oitentista”, apesar de que o termo “Power Metal” ganhou muitas interpretações diferentes com o passar dos anos.

A capa é bem sombria, o que reflete bem a atmosfera do álbum.

Algumas crianças com semblante lúgubre e orelhas pontiagudas (seriam elfos?) munidas de armas brancas, dentro de uma espécie de palácio inundado e bastante escuro.

Como curiosidade, o Logotipo da banda ainda não era o oficial que a seria adotado ao longo da carreira da banda, e inclusive, no relançamento do álbum, a capa foi alterada, tendo o seu logotipo trocado pelo padrão, sendo mantida apenas a cor original, verde.

O álbum é iniciado com “Sirens”, o primeiro Hit do Sava, que tem um começo bem soturno, o início de pouco mais de 20 segundos, é bem típico do Savatage, são arranjos tipicamente Savatage, e nós iríamos ver arranjos nessa mesma linha em muitos momentos ao longo da discografia da banda. Depois do começo bem sinistro, entra o riff principal, um dos riffs clássicos do Sava, diga-se de passagem!.

A letra de “Sirens” aborda as sereias, e o quão maléficas elas podem ser. Uma letra bem apropriada para a atmosfera da música.

Heavy Metal tradicional com muita qualidade e criatividade, sem apelar para nenhum clichê, e com um refrão hipnótico, já mostrando que o Savatage seria uma banda diferenciada.

“Sirens” parece ter sido tirada do “Hall Of The Moutain King”, pois a mesma se encaixaria como uma luva nesse grande álbum, e até poderia ter sido regravada para o mesmo, assim como “Out on the Streets” foi no “Fight For The Rock”. Inclusive, no finalzinho de “Sirens”, Jon Oliva canta no mesmo tom que ele imortalizou na música “Hall Of The Moutain King”

O clima sombrio é mantido com a letra extremamente pessimista de “Holocaust”, que já começa com uma a cozinha embalada pelo riff principal, bem Heavy Metal tradicional oitentista, que era característico a muitas bandas da época, como o Judas Priest e várias bandas da NWOBHM.

Mas, o Savatage tem o toque diferenciado, “Holocaust” é extremamente cadenciada, encorpada, não muito rápida, mas com uma noção de peso e melodia extraordinário, bem superior a maioria esmagadora de bandas de Heavy Metal tradicional da época.

Já a letra de “I Believe”, parece ser a continuação da letra de “Holocaust”, mas de um ponto de vista otimista, mas isso é uma incógnita. A música começa com uma introdução bem melancólica, parecida com a de “Sirens”, mas aqui nós temos uma mescla de “Sirens” com “Holocaust”, a primeira pelo aspecto sombrio, e a segunda pelo fato de ser uma das músicas do Savatage com uma veia Heavy Metal tradicional extremamente aflorada, apesar de que em “I Believe”, o Heavy Tradicional ser bem mais condizente com o padrão. Temos aqui o primeiro grande solo, boas quebras de melodia, e a banda já mostrando que teria capacidade para ir bem mais além, e não se acomodar nesse tipo de sonoridade.

“Rage” tem uma letra nervosa e entra quebrando tudo, a mais rápida do disco, na linha de “Freewill Burning” do Judas Priest, mas um pouco menos rápida, sem diferencial algum do Heavy Metal de boa parte das bandas da NWOBHM da época, uma faixa sem muito destaque, a não ser a atuação alucinada de Jon Oliva, enfim, em termos Savatage, podemos dizer que ela é unicamente boa para bater cabeça, vale destacar por curiosidade, que “Rage” é uma das faixas mais curtas do Sava.

“On the Run” tem uma letra bem nervosa, que mais parece um pesadelo, e começa com uma boa construção de riffs, e vai se mostrando ser bastante técnica e versátil, com a banda fazendo várias quebras de ritmo,

Eu diria que estava aqui o embrião de toda a veia progressiva do Savatage.

“Twisted Little Sister” é bem despojada, tem um ritmo muito agradável, a letra parece abordar sadomasoquismo (!) e a levada da bateria dita os rumos da música.

Nada de outro mundo, podemos passar para a próxima.

Com uma ótima seqüência de solos e riffs envolventes e cadenciados, nos é apresentado

“Living for the Night”, que é outro “metalsão tradicional”, sem mistérios, e com outra letra bem feita.Aliás, já no primeiro disco, Jon Oliva mosta que é um compositor de mão cheia.

A penúltima música é a minha preferida, “Scream Murder” começa com um riff bem heavy, e vai ganhando cores com a entrada do baixo de Keith Collins.

O trabalho na guitarra de “Scream Murder” é o mais forte do álbum, ótima atuação de

Jon Oliva, e outra letra nervosa, que assim como a de “On the Run”, aborda o tema “perseguição”.

Um show de feeling, e sem dúvidas uma pérola na carreira da banda!

“Out on the Streets” é uma das melhores e mais bonitas músicas do Savatage, mas não a versão que aparece nesse álbum, e sim a que saiu com uma roupagem nova e melhorada no “Fight for The Rock”.

Vale lembrar que a versão nesse disco tem um pouco mais de 1 minuto que a o seu cover melhorado.

Como saldo final, temos aqui um ótimo disco de Heavy Metal tradicional da primeira metade da década de 80, mas eu não chego ao ponto de considerar “Sirens” um clássico da banda, apesar de ser um grande disco, e também reputo a ele o fato de conter o embrião para boa parte das melhores músicas do Savatage.

Faixas:

1.Sirens 10*

2.Holocaust 10

3.I Believe 9,0

4.Rage 7,75

5.On the Run 8,5

6.Twisted Little Sister 8,5

7.Living for the Night  8,5

8.Scream Murder 10*

9.Out on the Streets 10

Nota: 8,5

Nota re-avaliada: 9**

Estrelas: 2

Formação :

Jon Oliva – vocals, piano
Criss Oliva – guitar, vocals
Keith Collins – bass, vocals
Steve Wacholz – drums

Informações adicionais:

Relançado em CD em 1988 pela “Music for Nations” com o EP ‘The Dungeons Are
Calling”.

Relançado em 1994 com as faixas bônus:

10. Lady in Disguise
11. The Message

Relançado em 2002 no “Metal Blade Silver Anniversary” com as faixas bônus que são demos do álbum “Gutter Ballet”:

10. Target [4:20]

11. Living on the Edge of Time [3:55]
Nessa versão, existem 99 faixas, com a 12 até a 98 sendo curtas e silenciosas, e a faixa final começando no tempo 2:17 como uma música completa.

Download: Nos comentários.

Por Victor Kataoka.

Quiet Riot “Cum On Feel The Noize”
Cinderella “Hot And Bothered”
Freakshow “Mindgame”
Def Leppard “When The Walls Came Tumbling Down”
Kingdom Come “Get It On”
Nineteen88 “Play Your Guitar”
Paul Gilbert & Freddie Nelson “The Last Rock And Roll Star”
Billy Sheehan “She Goes From Cruel To Missionary”
Mötley Crüe “Primal Scream”
Judas Priest “Diamonds And Rust”
Ace Frehley “Outer Space”
M.O.B “Human Nature”
Ozzy Osbourne “Crazy Train”
Stryper “Can’t Stop The Rock”
Shake City “Little Lianne”
Warrant “Angels”
Iron Maiden “Can I Play With Madness”
Savatage “Edge Of Thorns”
Machines Of Grace “Fly Away”
Savatage “Commissar”
Machines Of Grace “Innocence”
Velvet Revolver “Slither”
Bulletboys “Rock Candy”
Black Robot “Black Robot”
Poison “Poor Boy Blues”
Megadeth “Peace Sells”
Lynch Mob “Jungle Of Love”
Souls Of We “Skeleton Key”
Aerosmith “Permanent Vacation”
Airbourne “Fat City”
AC/DC “Problem Child”
Living Colour “Behind The Sun”
Steve Vai “The Attitude Song”

Vocalist Zak Stevens of Machines of Grace (and formerly of Savatage) is the special guest on the next edition of Hard Rock Nights, the weekly syndicated radio program. Zak joins JT to talk about his new Machines of Grace project, as well as share his thoughts on a Savatage reunion.

Top shelf status for Machines of Grace comes from the experience of successfully headlining major tours and support from a monumental fan base. Drummer Jeff (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage, Metal Church) Plate and lead singer Zak (Circle II Circle, Savatage) Stevens have the resume to help catapult Machines of Grace into the monsters of rock realm. The divine mix of such magnanimous talent can convert even the most stubborn music critic.

Matt Leff (guitarist) and Stevens have a lengthy history, spanning back to their days as protégés at GIT/VIT respectively. Their first band, Wickedwitch, also introduced the talents of drummer Jeff Plate, who clinched the line-up and formed the backbone of today’s brainchild: Machines of Grace.

During a considerable hiatus after the demise of the Wickedwitch project, Zak Stevens had gone on to front Savatage (and more recently, Circle II Circle), and later recruited Jeff Plate, who performs regularly with the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Metal Church. Meanwhile, Matt Leff had formed Trigger Effect, and with bassist Chris Rapoza, had toured as an opening act for Iron Maiden, Queensryche and Rob Halford.

Time had clearly hit the afterburners. Call it chemistry, fate or pure coincidence. A Wickedwitch fan suggested that the founding members revise, rethink, record and release the original material, and voila – Machines of Grace was conceived.

Hard Rock Nights can be heard on a number of radio stations dedicated to rock and metal. Point your browser to http://hardrocknights.wordpress.com/affiliates for a complete list of stations and airtimes.

En este episodio vamos a hablar sobre temas que han salido recientemente. Por ejemplo:

Warrior Soul
Judas Priest
Megadeth
Gallows
Alexisonfire
Arkaea
Twisted Sister
Tim “Ripper” Owens
Dream Theater
CKY
Seventh Void

Ademas hablamos sobre:

Talking Metal, George Bush, Guantanamo, New York Times, Guns N Roses, Metallica, Death Magnetic, The Clash, Bad Religion, Epitaph Records, Kerrang, Iron Maiden, Linkin Park, Fear Factory, Threat Signal, Dio, AC/DC, Savatage, Ozzy Osbourne, Nevermoore, Queensryche, Billy Idol, David Lee Roth, Korn, Quiet Riot, Riot, The Firm, Blue Murder, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, Beyond Fear, Tropic Thunder, Jack Black, Jeff Portnoy, Bam Maerga, MTV, Jackass, Typo O Negative, Big Vin Records, Vinnie Paul, Pantera, Damage Plan, Hellyeah.

El podcast se puede descargar en formato que prefiere desde aquí:

O escucha online aquí:

Savatage is one of my all time favorite bands.

Edge of Thorns

An offering of reasons
We put them all in play
A covering of treasons
That one by one we let slip away

A solitary dancer
So lost upon her stage

I have seen you on the edge of dawn
Felt you there before you were born
Balanced your dreams upon the edge of thorns
But I don’t think about you anymore

A study made from winter
Of summers long ago
And dreams that used to glitter
Safely now hidden under snow

And so we end the chapter
And let the stage lights fade

I have seen you on the edge of dawn
Felt you there before you were born
Balanced your dreams upon the edge of thorns
But I don’t think about you anymore

Streets,varful discografiei Savatage, este in acelasi timp un album etalon pentru rockul mondial. El prezinta o poveste scrisa de producatorul Paul O’Neal pentru a fi prezentata pe Broadway. Din intamplare Criss Oliva a descoperit manuscrisele si impresionat fiind de asemanarile dintre personajul principal si fratele sau Jon a propus ca Streets sa devina urmatorul produs Savatage. Au urmat nenumarate luni de inregistrari Streets fiind un album la care s-a muncit enorm. Proiectat initial ca un dublu CD el a fost in final “ciuntit” la 16 piese multe altele fiind “pierdute in depozitele Atlantic Records”.

Din punct de vedere muzical Streets constituie o opera rock in adevaratul sens al cuvantului. Albumul contine atat piese power (Tonight He Grins Again, Ghost In The Ruins) dar si balade (New York City Don’t Mean Nothing) piese care combina diverse elemente si se incheie cu cea mai iubita piesa din istoria trupei Believe.

Din decorul deprimant al strazilor americane “These streets/Glitter in the dark…These streets/Never sleep still never wake” se ridica DT (DownTown – DeTox) Jesus. Caracterizat drept “He was one character, one character that made it outta here.”  el ajunge un idol in sens aproape religios al claselor de jos din metropola americana  devenind din traficant de droguri star rock. DT poate fi comparat cu Johnatan (The Crimson Idol – WASP) dar spre deosebire de acesta din urma el reuseste sa isi invinga soarta “But if you find the time/Please change the story line”

Streets este un album de baza pentru cultura oricarui meloman nu doar pentru rockeri. Este genul de album care se savureaza in liniste alaturi de un vin bun si neaparat cu versurile alaturi. Special Thanks lui DeMaio pentru sugestie.

“I am the way
I am the light
I am the dark
Inside the night
I hear your hopes
I feel your dreams
And in the dark
I hear your screams

Don’t turn away
Just take my hand
And when you make
your final stand
I’ll be right there
I’ll never leave
And all I ask of you…

Believe…”

Open up your eyes
And see what we are doing to each other
We filled the world with hate
We take advantage of our brothers

So listen to me now
So many paths for us to follow
Just want to shed some light
On all that we are forced to swallow

I can’t believe it
I have foreseen it
Casting heavy shadows
On all that we know
Running out of chances
A victim’s circumstances
The theory that is forming
Leads to global warning

Un colaborator de-al nostru, ProgFreak (n-a dorit sa-i dam numele real), roman stabilit in Austria, a “executat” benevol un interviu cu Zak Stevens. L-a abordat pe cel ce a fost vocea emblematica a grupului SAVATAGE inainte de recitalul CIRCLE II CIRCLE din clubul vienez Szene. Interviul a fost luat pe data de 13 mai, deci putem zice ca fresh. Interviul este in engleza…

- If I knew absolutely nothing about Circle II Circle, how would describe the band’s music to me?

CIIC is a pure rock band. It has roots in progressive metal and heavy rock. It’s a breed of new rock in the sense that we have traditional metal roots paired with a modern rock edge. That’s about the best way I can describe CIIC.

- What are you currently up to? What about next Circle II Circle recording?

We are preparing to write CIIC album # 5 this summer. We should be in the recording stages by fall and we can speed up that process if necessary. We have a large amount of material already recorded in demo form put together at Mitch Stewart’s studio in Mississippi. We are ready to go as soon as our label AFM Records gives us the word to proceed on the record.

- I read a comment on internet and somebody wrote something like this: “Circle II Circle didn’t really make great stuff in the American metal scene, but they managed to have moderate success throughout Europe”. What’s your opinion about this?

CIIC has many fans in the US. We recently toured the US this past September/October with Jon Oliva’s Pain. We had great crowds throughout the tour and it reminded us that we have had good success reaching a core audience in the US. Although we sell a few thousand more records in Europe, the US is quickly becoming more and more lucrative in terms of a place to tour and with sales of merchandise on both of our dedicated websites.

- I would say the first album (Watching in Silence) was more very commercial and it sounded a bit like Savatage. Am I wrong?

No I would agree that you are correct. Given the writing team of myself, Jon Oliva, and Chris Caffery, we were bound to have quite a lot in common with the Savatage sound. But we knew this going in, and we just decided that this was a given and to enjoy writing together like we didn’t have a lot of chances to do in Savatage.

Zak si bunul sau prieten, Jon Oliva

- Chris Caffery and Jon Oliva played a big role in the songwriting for the first Circle II Circle album, as well as the second. How was the songwriting process different when you were writing with them in Savatage?

In Savatage, I was actually not involved in most of the writing, only a bit here and there. I did write together with Criss Oliva back on the Edge of Thorns album (Scraggy’s Tomb/Degrees of Sanity) however after Criss’ passing I was no longer included in the writing formula. I can understand that because Paul O’Neill and Jon Oliva had a great collaborative formula together and we didn’t want to affect that negatively by having too many writers submitting ideas. So it wasn’t until I formed CIIC that I wrote on every track. That’s why it was a lot of excitement writing with Jon O. and Chris C. on the first couple of CIIC albums.

- You have an entirely different line up of musicians on the albums, what happened to the guys that played on the first album?

There were a lot of issues with the manager of CIIC at the time and the guys in the first line-up. They didn’t see things the same way and there was a lot of tension so in order to end all that I had to first find a new line-up then I eventually terminated the services of the previous management. At that point there were no more issues. Our current lineup has been in place since the “Middle of Nowhere” album with the exception of the replacement of Evan Christopher with Bill Hudson in late July of 2008. So the CIIC lineup has been very stable for about six and half years now.

- You co-wrote two songs with Bernd Auffermann on the new Running Wild album, do you plan to collaborate with him in the future?

Actually Bernd and I collaborated on two songs on the Middle of Nowhere album. As far as I know I have not collaborated with him on the new Running Wild stuff unless it’s songs that we worked on that I can’t remember right now…Ops. However, Bernd did an amazing job on the songs “In This Life” and “Lost” on that album. I really hope to work with him again someday in the future. Maybe our busy schedules will cross paths again in that regard.

- How was it when you were announced that Chris Oliva was killed by a drunk driver?

Actually that time frame is still hard to remember vividly because it was such a shocking thing to have had happen to us. We were poised to have quite a lot us success worldwide when suddenly Criss was taken away from all of us, and all of his fans in the rock world. It’s still hard to believe to this day. I have some really cool pictures in my home of Criss and I performing together on tour supporting “Edge of Thorns” They are still quite the conversation pieces for all my visitors even to this day. I think I’m still in denial of his death 16 years later, it’s quite strange……

- Have you been approached the idea to reborn Savatage?

There has been some idle chat about the possibility of a Savatage reunion between all of our past members. I think the feeling among all of individually is that we would really like to see it happen. Now we have to wait for the business aspect to develop and see how the “powers that be” feel about getting this accomplished if they feel it is indeed the right thing to do. Also I think the timing has to be right so hopefully this will become a reality.

- In Savatage, you performed Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”? Are you a Queen fan?

I’ve been a big Queen fan for what seems like forever! Of course they were around even before I was a kid so it felt like I was learning rock history 101 when I started listening to all of their back catalogue as a kid. My favorite songs growing up were “You’re My Best Friend” and “Another One Bites the Dust.”

- What is – in your opinion – the biggest difference between Savatage and Circle II Circle?

There are obviously a lot of differences musically. CIIC is more of a straightforward rock outfit with blatant hooks and for the most part has songs that are shorter in length and a bit less theatrical. Although CIIC has a penchant for making that bombastic sound with over-the top guitar work featured, we do share a hard-driving sound much like Savatage had. But I think when you really look at it closely, you see that CIIC and Savatage are worlds apart at times in terms of difference in sound. They are two distinctly different “animals” in my opinion.

- Based on your own perception is the metal scene all world coming back, or is it getting weaker?

I can definitely se the metal scene getting stronger as the younger generations start to demand more from music, and as they want to discover the roots of the rock they are listening to today. Since today’s rock is so watered down, commercial, and generic, today’s younger generation is looking to find “real” rock and heavier rock. That’s why CIIC has tours lined up for years to come in the US, because of this fact and these developing trends. I’m glad the younger generation is looking for “true” rock with real guitar heroes again because we offer just that…..

- Who do you see in the metal scene today that has a chance at being the next big success?

I think the band Disturbed has a chance to even further drive the metal cause. Also band like Killswitch Engage are starting to develop new target audiences with their “new” metal based on traditional elements from rock history. Bands like these are my favorites right now to keep the flames of metal burning into the end of the first decade of the new millennium and beyond.

- Getting back to the music, what was the first record or CD you ever bought?

Since it was only vinyl when I was a kid (8-tracks were already phased out!) my first album was “Hotter than Hell” by KISS. By the time I stopped collecting KISS vinyl records, I had 29 of them! After that my second album was Peter Frampton’s “Frampton Comes Alive”. I played that one until the grooves were worn out! I had to hone my jazz edge too I guess….

- How about the first concert?

My first concert I went to when I was 10 years old was, you guessed it, KISS! This was the “Destroyer” album tour. It was amazing. I really think that this is still the best concert I’ve ever attended even after all these years. It’s crazy to say that but it becomes more clear to me every day that very well may be true….

- You were touring with Manticora in the past, including USA. How was your cooperation?

We’ve had a great cooperation with Manticora since we started working and touring together. We are looking forward to working with them again on the upcoming European tour. Manticora are a very talented group of musicians and we enjoy watching them play every night.

- If you could play at any venue, or better yet, if you could play along side any band who would it be?

I would love to play on a bill with Iron Maiden one day in my favorite venue, the Ford Amphitheater here in Tampa, FL. This has been a dream of mine for quite a long time. Who knows, maybe it will happen one day……

- Are you touring as support in USA or just headliner like in Europe?

We did the co-headlining tour with JOP this past run, so the next run in the US will be as CIIC headlining, just the same as in Europe. Of course for smaller length runs we may pair up with other popular bands as those opportunities present themselves. We’re always looking for promotional tours and any creative ways to further push our brand of music out there…..

- How many Savatage songs do you’ll have on Circle II Circle gig setlist?

We will be performing four to five Savatage songs each night on the upcoming Delusions of GrandTour. That’s according to the set lists we have right now. This number should remain consistent as we move closer to tour time.

- Please leave a message for Romanian fans.

CIC would like to say THANK YOU Romanian fans for being there for us all these years. We very much look forward to performing in your country or the first time ever on this upcoming tour. We can’t wait to meet all of you and we’re getting ready to give you a show you won’t soon forget. Thanks again and we’ll see you very soon!

Dupa despartirea de savatage, Zak Stevens a aparut intr-o noua trupa, si anume Circle II Circle…piesa de rezistenta se numeste “Watching in silence”, si apare in 2003 pe albumul cu acelasi nume. Vocea lui Zak este la inaltime, norocosii putandu-l vedea pe 15 mai la Cluj alaturi de Manticora (Danemarca).

Versuri:

Don’t know why I feel
This way every night
Somehow lost my way
On this timeless flight All these feelings I keep locked up inside
I’ve pulled and twisted all those strings
And tried to mend these broken wings
Still inside the night I fly on
I’m moving on
I’m moving on
Watching in silence
Watching in silence again
Keep pushing on
I keep pushing on
Watching in silence
Inside the night as
All of the world
Is asleep
See me as I fly
So high in the night
All these feelings surround
This new gift of life
With these wings I’ll fly
So high in the sky
I’ll watch the world
As it goes down
It’s buildings crumbled to the ground
The panic-ridden streets
Will cry on
I’m moving on
I’m moving on
Watching in silence
Watching in silence again
Keep pushing on
I keep pushing on
Watching in silence
Inside the night as
All of the world
Is asleep
You’re feeling free
Apart from reality
All you do is run away
I’m falling from a hole in the sky
Once again don’t know if I’ll survive
Every second falling closer to the end
Broken wings of destiny
Spiral down again
You can feel the wind
Against your face
You cannot move
You’re caught in place
I’m moving on
I’m moving on
Watching in silence
Watching in silence again
Keep pushing on
I keep pushing on
Watching in silence
Inside the night as
All of the world
Is asleep

Update: canta pe 16 si la Bucuresti ….mi-am rezervat bilete

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