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This is an amazing album considering the time frame: Criss Oliva, Savatage's extraordinary guitarist, was killed in October of 1993 and Handful of Rain was released in September of 1994. Even more amazing when you consider that Jon Oliva played all of the bass, drum, keyboard, and rhythm guitar tracks (though it doesn't say this on the album jacket), in addition to writing all of the music and co-producing. This album features quite possibly the strongest lyrics in the band's history (the lyrics were written by Paul O'Neill, the band's producer). Also, guitarist Alex Skolnick (formerly of Testament) does an excellent job attempting to fill Criss Oliva's shoes. Because of Jon Oliva's hand in this album, Handful of Rain could almost be considered a Jon Oliva solo album, at least more so than any other Savatage album. All in all, Handful of Rain is a remarkable effort, especially considering that Jon had just lost his writing partner, best friend and brother in Criss Oliva. And Handful of Rain is Jon's tribute to Criss, of that there is no doubt. As for the music itself, Handful of Rain offers the listener a variety of songs, from thrashy metal to blues rock to rock opera. In many ways, this is Savatage's most versatile outing, it is certainly one of their most unique releases.

1. "Taunting Cobras" - Here we are treated to an excellent thrash/speed metal song, very hard in it's approach. And while Zak Stevens (Savatage's vocalist) sounds a bit strained at times, the message is clear: Savatage rocks.
2. "Handful of Rain" - The title track is a bit of departure for the band, it's a grinding and bluesy song which starts ominously slow and then assaults the listener with a tidal wave of sound. The lyrics are about alcohol and all the problems that come with it, excellent song with an excellent message.
3. "Chance" - It doesn't get better than this, "Chance" is the ultimate Savatage song, a darkly powerful and emotional epic. It even has historical relevance because the song tells the story of a Japanese diplomat assigned to Lithuania (I think) during World War II. This Japanese diplomat defied the orders of his superiors and saved the lives of thousands of Jews fleeing the country. He was dishonored for his actions and died a poor man but he never regretted the choices he made. The lyrics represent thoughts he may have been thinking while he was saving all those lives. I've often pondered this song's place in Savatage history and I've concluded that "Chance", in more ways than one, is Savatage's "Bohemian Rhapsody"...it is Savatage at their best and most brilliant.
4. "Stare Into the Sun" - Here we have another bluesy hard rock song and, while this song isn't on par with "Handful of Rain", it's still quite good.
5. "Castles Burning" - This song is about the murder of a government official in Italy at the hands of a powerful drug cartel (true story). "Castles Burning" is a richly ominous tune and Zak Steven's vocals are powerfully compelling (though, again, he sounds a bit strained at times). Excellent song.
6. "Visions" - "Visions" is a short instrumental that incorporates parts of "Chance" into it. Overall, it's a pretty good tune.
7. "Watching You Fall" - Good song with slow, plodding verses and a mid-tempo chorus. The guitar chugs along quite nicely and the piano compliments it perfectly. There's a nice, but brief, guitar solo towards the end of the song. Zak Stevens sounds especially strong this time around.
8. "Nothing Going On" - I'm not sure what this song is about (nothing, perhaps?) but it's excellent and very fast-paced. The guitar has a really cool sound going for it, too.
9. "Symmetry" - This is a fascinating and magnificent song, very powerful. Zak Stevens' vocals are splendid, going from soft and haunting to deep and rich. The guitar really sounds great on this one, very heavy and chugging, vaguely reminiscent of Def Leppard or Dokken.
10. "Alone You Breathe" - This song is a tribute to Criss Oliva and it's a sadly, touching ballad. Zak Stevens' vocals (Zak was born to sing songs like this) are very sorrowful and I am saddened every time I listen to this supremely beautiful tune, it is a tragedy that Criss Oliva was lost to us.