Savatage - Edge of Thorns

First off, I would like to dispel a few notions that some Savatage fans have about the band's eighth studio album, Edge of Thorns. Number one, Jon Oliva (piano/keys) did not leave the band before or during the making of this album. Jon has never left Savatage. The reason Jon is not pictured on the album jacket is because he was too ill to tour with the rest of the band at that time. The picture is of the touring band members only. Number two, Jon was involved in the songwriting. He co-wrote every track with guitarist Criss Oliva and producer Paul O'Neill. Jon Oliva's involvement with Edge of Thorns was as much as any previous Savatage album. And now that that is out of the way... Edge of Thorns was a transition album for Savatage, though they didn't know at the time just how big the transition would be. Zak Stevens replaces Jon Oliva as Savatage's vocalist and he does a fantastic job with his powerful operatic voice. Unfortunately, this album would also mark guitarist Criss Oliva's last album. Criss Oliva was killed by a drunk driver shortly after the release of Edge of Thorns, which makes this cd the only studio album that pairs Criss and Zak. This is why Edge of Thorns is somewhat of a transitionary album connecting "old" Savatage with "new" Savatage.

Another odd thing about Edge of Thorns is that it does not precisely follow the groundwork laid by Hall of the Mountain King (fifth studio release), Gutter Ballet (sixth) and Streets (seventh). Edge of Thorns deviates from the evolutionary path it's predecessors were following. To some, the deviation is slight. But, though the deviation may be hard to nail down, it is there. Savatage strays a bit from the rock opera established on Streets. Rock opera elements still are spattered throughout Edge of Thorns but it isn't as prominent as Streets. Handful of Rain, the album that follows Edge, is Streets' natural successor. Does that make Edge weaker than Streets and Rain? No, Edge of Thorns is just as strong. It is just different, a bit more straight ahead hard rock/metal, not so much rock opera.

To those of you who aren't familiar with Savatage, their older stuff is along the lines of Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden -- pure heavy metal. Their more recent stuff is rock opera/epic metal/art metal. Maybe "metallic Queen" would be the best way to describe Savatage's most recent releases (though that description isn't wholly accurate). Edge of Thorns, as I've stated, is a departure from Savatage's Sabbath and Maiden leanings AND a departure from their rock opera stuff. Think of Edge of Thorns as straight forward hard rock/metal with slight epic/operatic leanings...

1.] "Edge of Thorns" - The title track ranks among Savatage's best songs ever. It begins with their trademark beautiful piano intro, which is soon joined by Criss Oliva's excellent guitar work and then Zak Stevens' powerful vocals. Stevens' first outing with Savatage is impressive. "Edge of Thorns" is a sad, mournful song. Even more sad when you think of Criss Oliva's tragic demise.
2.] "He Carves His Stone" - Another Savatage trademark is slow, mellow beginnings which heat up and explode with energy. This song does exactly that and more. It almost becomes a little too wild towards the end. Almost. As it is, it's one of my favorites on the cd.
3.] "Lights Out" - It took me a while to warm up to this one but now I like this fast-paced tune. Criss Oliva is absolutely wild here. Fun stuff.
4.] "Skraggy's Tomb" - A creepy song about alcoholism and it's devastating effects on the alcoholic. "Skraggy's Tomb" isn't one of my favorites, maybe because it feels uneven. Or it could be it's harshness. I'm not sure but it is worth listening to just to hear Criss Oliva on guitar.
5.] "Labyrinths" - An excellent piano solo starts off this one, which is soon joined by Criss on guitar. This is an extremely moving piece of work. This guitar/piano duo leads into the next song...
6.] "Follow Me" - This is actually a continuation of "Labyrinths". It is a brilliant rock opera piece and Stevens is at his best here. He goes back and forth between the mellow verses and the soaring chorus, giving us a good picture of his range (it is excellent, by the way). Also of note is Criss Oliva's guitar playing. It is simply brilliant, as is this song.
7.] "Exit Music" - This is a three-minute Jon Oliva piano solo. It is very soothing and very relaxing and a bit melancholy. Another moving piece. 8. "Degrees of Sanity" - Cool sitar (a guitar-like Indian instrument) work starts off this song. Zak Stevens is powerful, Criss Oliva is brilliant and we, the listeners, get rocked. Awesome song. The guitar solo is something special.
9.] "Conversation Piece" - We are greeted to a somewhat jumpy opening which is followed by a very heavy guitar. And Stevens soars vocally. Good, strong song with some pretty sick lyrics. It is about a guy who cuts off his body parts and displays them like trophies or decorations. I do not kid you.
10.] "All That I Bleed" - Wow. That sums up this magnificent song about lost love and a broken heart. The lyrics are very intelligent and sad. It starts with a piano accompanying Zak Stevens on vocals. Stevens' voice is very tender and beautiful here. And then the chorus hits...heavy, powerful and emotional...and desperate, both vocally and musically. Breaking up is hard to do and this song captures that better than any song I've ever heard. The guitar solo is unbelievably moving. Unbelievable.
11.] "Damien" - This is a raw tune, heavy and thumping. Not one of my favorites from this disc but it is a solid song.
12.] "Miles Away" - A calming guitar solo starts us off. Stevens is using his soft voice here and it is quite beautiful. Then, the chorus picks up and Criss Oliva gives us some really good up tempo guitar work. Excellent tune.
13.] "Sleep" - "Sleep" is a beautiful acoustic piece. Nice, slow-moving and soothing. Savatage shows us their diversity and they prove that they are one of the best bands around.