Hall Of The Mountain King

Closing out this week with some American Power Metal. Savatage was one of the more well known names in American power metal. Led by the Oliva Brothers, Jon and Criss, the band formed in 83. Releasing a handful of records before their opus 'Hall Of The Mountain King'  in 87. Widely regarding as a classic in the genre, this album had it all. Of course the bands next album 'Gutter Ballet' was too shabby either. That album opened the doors further for the band. Sadly Criss wass killed by a drunk driver in the early 90's the band wasn't able to recapture the magic. Putting out several more album before going on hiatus in 01, several members of the band have surfaced in various other bands, most notably Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Jon Oliva's Pain. Jon Oliva has stated the a Savatage reunion is highly unlikely, fans of the band still remain hopeful.

I found Savatage through listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, only realizing later that albums like 'Gutter Ballet'  and 'Hall Of The Mountain King' served as earlier primers for what would eventually become TSO. Savatage was really a band that was ahead of its time. Taking a cue from European Traditional Metal acts and putting an American spin on it. Their first couple of albums were a bit heavier than what the band would evolve into over the years. While the band hasn't been around for over a decade now, the other bands formed from the ashes have all been really good.

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