Savatage

Savatage was an American heavy metal band formed in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Known for their theatrical style, symphonic elements, and concept albums, Savatage has had a significant influence on the metal genre, particularly in the development of progressive metal and power metal.

Formation and Members

• Formation: Savatage was founded by the Oliva brothers, Jon (vocals, guitar) and Criss Oliva (guitar), along with Keith Alexander (bass) and Steve Wacholz (drums). The band’s early sound combined elements of traditional heavy metal with a theatrical and symphonic approach.

Key Members

• Jon Oliva – Vocals, keyboards, guitar (founding member)
• Criss Oliva – Guitar (founding member, deceased in 1993)
• Steve Wacholz – Drums (founding member)
• Keith Alexander – Bass (founding member)

Other notable members include:

• Al Pitrelli – Guitar (joined in 1994)
• Johnny Lee Middleton – Bass guitar (joined in 1983)
• Jeff Plate – Drums (joined in 1994)

Discography

Savatage’s discography is notable for its concept albums and theatrical presentations, combining heavy metal with symphonic and progressive elements:

Studio Albums

1. “Savatage” (1983) – Their debut album, featuring traditional heavy metal with a focus on melodic and powerful vocals.
2. “Power of the Night” (1985) – Continued their heavy metal style with more refined compositions and thematic elements.
3. “Hall of the Mountain King” (1987) – Marked a shift towards a more progressive and symphonic sound, featuring complex arrangements and conceptual themes.
4. “Gutter Ballet” (1989) – Known for its blend of heavy metal and symphonic elements, featuring a more dramatic and theatrical approach.
5. “Streets: A Rock Opera” (1991) – A concept album and rock opera that showcases their theatrical and progressive metal influences, telling a cohesive story throughout the album.
6. “Dead Winter Dead” (1995) – Continues their exploration of concept albums with a focus on political and social themes.
7. “The Wake of Magellan” (1997) – Features a concept-based narrative and a blend of progressive and symphonic metal.
8. “Poets and Madmen” (2001) – Their last studio album before the band’s hiatus, continuing their tradition of concept albums and complex compositions.

Live Albums

1. “Live in Japan” (1990) – Captures their live performance during their peak years.
2. “The Dark Ages” (2001) – A live album showcasing their powerful stage presence and live renditions of their classic songs.

Interesting Facts

• Theatrical Influence: Savatage is known for their theatrical and operatic style, often incorporating elaborate stage shows and concept albums into their music.
• Concept Albums: The band is celebrated for their concept albums and rock operas, such as Streets and Dead Winter Dead, which showcase their storytelling abilities and thematic depth.
• Influence on Power Metal: Savatage’s blend of heavy metal and symphonic elements has had a significant influence on the development of power metal and progressive metal.
• Hiatus and Legacy: The band went on hiatus in 2002, with members focusing on other projects. Jon Oliva and other members have continued to perform and record music, but Savatage has not released new material since their last studio album.

Savatage remains a highly influential and respected band in the heavy metal genre, known for their innovative approach to metal, complex compositions, and theatrical presentations. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans and has left a lasting impact on the metal scene.