RockBox - Savatage (1991) Streets (A Rock Opera)

Savatage (1991) Streets (A Rock Opera)

STREETS
A ROCK OPERA

Savatage is a progressive heavy metal band founded by the brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1978 at Astro Skate in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band is known for recording many concept albums. Although they were known mainly as a progressive metal band, their origins could be attributed to classic heavy metal and power metal, as expressed by their debut album, Sirens. The band has been inactive since the release of its last album in 2001, and have not performed live together since 2002, instead concentrating on their more commercially successful side project, Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Criss Oliva and his brother Jon formed their first band together, Avatar, in 1978, from the ashes of their former bands Tower and Alien respectively. In 1980, the duo met up with Steve Wacholz and jammed in a shack behind the Oliva home that was dubbed "The Pit" by the band. Wacholz originally tried out to be part of Jon's band, Alien, but when the first Savatage line-up was taking shape, Jon (who was originally on drum duties) was relieved of them by Wacholz. They also gave Steve a nickname that would follow him through out his career: "Doctor Hardware Killdrums", often shortened to just "Doc", which referred to Steve's hard playing style.

Criss, Jon and Steve played Tampa (where they had moved with their family in the late-70s) and Clearwater area clubs for many years. In 1981, Keith Collins joined them to relieve Jon of bass guitar duties. In late 2006, footage was released onto the internet of an early performance by Avatar at a gig in a Clearwater, Florida parking lot and was prominent in featuring an early version of the song "Holocaust", which would later be released on Savatage's first album and a cover of Van Halen's "Eruption" and VH's version of "You Really Got Me". In 1982, Avatar took part in some heavy metal compilations, most notably "The YNF Pirate Tape", a promotion by Tampa rock radio station WYNF for local Florida bands. In 1983, "Avatar" was forced to change its name due to copyright issues. Combining the words "Savage" and "Avatar", the band arrived with Savatage.

The first works by Savatage were strongly influenced by bands such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, with speed metal elements and fast, powerful riffs. Their first two albums, Sirens and The Dungeons Are Calling, were released on Combat Records, an independent label. In 1985, they signed a contract with Atlantic Recording Corporation and released their third album Power of the Night. Power of the Night, which was produced by Max Norman, who would go on to produce Megadeth's 1992 album Countdown to Extinction, showcased the band's unorthodox approach to metal, which included Jon's liberal use of keyboards on songs like "Fountain of Youth" and Broadway-style song structures like the kind employed on "Warriors". It was well-received by critics but fell short of sales expectations. Atlantic budgeted to provide funds to make a video for "Hard for Love", on the condition that it be retitled "Hot for Love" for broadcast purposes. The band refused to change the song and consequently a video was not released.

In 1986, after the release of their fourth album, Fight for the Rock, a failed attempt at a commercial approach imposed by the record company which the band themselves called Fight for the Nightmare, Savatage toured with Metallica, KISS and Motörhead. Many Savatage fans resent the making of the album and view it largely as a disappointment. The band themselves were not happy with the record, with pressure from the label to include two cover versions. Jon Oliva had been retained to write material for other artists on the Atlantic label, such as John Waite and other pop-rockers. Later, the label turned around and demanded Savatage record the material themselves. In a show of youthful naivete, the band agreed. Not only did it destroy them in the press, it nearly destroyed the band and sent Jon into his early alcohol and drug problems. Oliva recently admitted however the album did have strong points, including the band's cover of Badfinger's "Day After Day". During this time, original bassist Keith Collins left the band, and Johnny Lee Middleton joined the band. Since 1987, Johnny has been the only consistent member of Savatage, performing on every album.

In 1987, Savatage released their first commercially successful album, Hall of the Mountain King, which became the base for the band being catapulted into a more mainstream arena. The band recorded their first music video for the album's title song, which received extensive air play on MTV's Headbangers Ball and this was followed up a by video for the song 24 Hours Ago. This album introduced a new musical style, featuring symphonic instrumentals strongly influenced by their new producer, Paul O'Neill — that would shape the band's future recordings. O'Neill contributed most of the lyrics for the rest of their career, and gave them a more conceptual edge starting with their next album, Gutter Ballet.

Gutter Ballet, which was released in 1989, could be considered the band's true turning point, as since that point, the band have turned into a more progressive outfit, writing longer songs with more complex melodies and differing vocal styles, rather than a more straight forward Power Metal style that seemed apparent in earlier works. The change to a more progressive, operatic style was also precipitated by Jon, after seeing a performance of Phantom of the Opera in Toronto. The songs "Gutter Ballet" and "When the Crowds Are Gone" are examples of this influence from that album and their next album would follow a more operatic style, saying so in its title. Again, two videos were made from the album, When the Crowds Are Gone and Gutter Ballet, which received airplay on MTV. Chris Caffery, who had been playing with Savatage on their 1987 tour as a second rhythm player offstage and out of audience sight, was introduced as a new band member in 1988. A message to him appears in the liner notes for the album Streets, wishing him "luck in whatever roads in life he goes down." He left after the Gutter Ballet tour (prior to the recording of Streets), but would later return to the band.

In 1991, the band created their first rock opera, Streets. The record did not do as well as the band would have liked however as it was released around the time that grunge exploded onto the mainstream music arena. But, a video for Jesus Saves was recorded and again got airplay and got a new audience to appreciate the band. However, after a tour in support of the album, Jon Oliva left the band to concentrate on his side-projects Doctor Butcher and his Broadway-bound musical "Romanov", as well as continuing co-writing Savatage material with his brother Criss and producer Paul O'Neill. However, as of 2007, "Romanov" remains uncompleted and unreleased.

Jon hand-picked his replacement, former Wicked Witch lead vocalist Zachary Stevens and the band recorded their follow-up to "Streets", Edge of Thorns in 1993. For the first time, Savatage began to enjoy mainstream recognition, including increased radio play and a world tour. However, tragedy struck when Criss Oliva was killed by a drunk driver on October 17, 1993. Jon chose to continue the band, although has since admitted that the band was pretty much over after Criss's death, but only kept going because of his memory and to "keep his music alive".

Track listing:
01. Streets 6:50
02. Jesus Saves 5:13
03. Tonight He Grins Again 3:28
04. Strange Reality 4:56
05. A Little Too Far 3:25
06. You're Alive 1:51
07. Sammy And Tex 3:07
08. St. Patrick's 4:17
09. Can You Hear Me Now 5:11
10. New York City Don't Mean Nothing 4:01
11. Ghost In The Ruins 5:32
12. If I Go Away 5:17
13. Agony And Ecstasy 3:33
14. Heal My Soul 2:35
15. Somewhere In Time 3:17
16. Believe 5:42
Total 68:36

Quote:

Difficult. This is the task I undertook when I decided to write a review on Savatage's 1991 album Streets: A Rock Opera. How does one adequately describe and explain one of the best and most complex concept albums ever made? I don't know if I will succeed but I will give this review my best effort.

Streets is a concept album which focuses on a former rock star who has hit hard times. He is DT Jesus. And he is a drug dealer as the story begins. Gone is his fame and fortune. DT Jesus is just another lowlife on the streets of New York City. Streets explains the story behind DT Jesus and his rise to fame again and his second fall. It explains, better than I can, DT Jesus' faith in God and his questions and doubts in his faith as the story moves along. As I describe each song on Streets, I will attempt to describe which part of the story that song tells.

1. "Streets" - This is the title track and introduction to this great album. It starts with a children's choir. The song sets the stage on which Streets plays. It is a rather dark and ominous song about life on the streets and the dangers that lurk around every corner and in every alley. This song, in some ways, is similar to the song "Gutter Ballet" from Savatage's previous album, Gutter Ballet. Good introduction but the best is yet to come.
2. "Jesus Saves" - This songs tells us about our fallen hero, DT Jesus. He's a former rock star who has fallen on bad times. He now deals drugs for a living. But DT still plays in clubs whenever he can. This song is harsh and in-your-face and it fits the story perfectly.
3. "Tonight He Grins Again" - This song describes DT's drug abuse. Things are getting worse for DT. He is sinking deeper and deeper into his addiction. This song characterizes drugs as evil and unforgiving and it is another very dark tune. Savatage is at their best here.
4. "Strange Reality" - This is another one of Savatage's best songs. Criss Oliva on guitar sounds absolutely brilliant. The opening riff is very catchy. At this point in the story, DT meets an old blues guitarist who was once a brilliant musician but has let substance abuse bring him down. DT realizes that this is what he will become if he doesn't change. DT decides to straighten out.
5. "A Little Too Far" - DT ponders what happened to all of his heroes? Why has his life turned into a nightmare? Why is the world a cynical place? This is a moving, slow-paced song. Jon Oliva's voice is very sweet here. And the piano, the only instrument used on this song, is unbelievably moving.
6. "You're Alive" - DT quits his addiction, cleans himself up and starts hitting the club circuit with stunning success. This song is a very positive song with pop-rock appeal. Everything is looking up for DT at this point.
7. "Sammy and Tex" - Tex is DT's road manager. Sammy is a drug dealer DT owes money to. It's late at night and Sammy confronts DT after a successful performance. Tex intervenes and is killed by Sammy. This is a fast-paced, furious song. We know that something bad is going to happen from the first note.
8. "St. Patrick's" - DT is shattered. Just when things were going well, DT's past comes back to haunt him and Tex is murdered. This song focuses on questions DT asks God. And whether God really cares or not. The song starts off very quiet, Jon Oliva's voice is beautiful. And then the song turns into one of frustration and desperation as DT wonders why things happen the way they do. This is a very good song. It captures DT's emotions very effectively.
9. "Can You Hear Me Now" - DT is desperate for help -- for advice or any kind of comfort. But no one has the answers he seeks -- or rather, he needs. Desperation, again, is a strong part of this song.
10. "New York City Don't Mean Nothing" - As DT walks the streets of New York City, he realizes what a dangerous world he lives in. This song describes the dangers of New York and how it destroys dreams. It is a very effective song. It starts off quietly enough, sounding a lot like "Sleep" from Savatage's 1993 album, Edge of Thorns. In fact, one gets the sense that "Sleep" is a reworked version of the opening of this song. However, this song doesn't stay calm for very long. It soon explodes into a twisted and dark inferno -- New York City indeed.
11. "Ghost In the Ruins" - A fan favorite, this song is a sequel of sorts to "New York City Don't Mean Nothing". It contains the same message. Good, mid-tempo song.
12. "If I Go Away" - DT ponders what will become of himself if he "goes away". Will people remember him? Does he even want to be remembered? Maybe he can just disappear and start over. This is a very introspective song with a Lennon-esque feel to it. It's very and amazingly beautiful. Truly, one of the highlights of Streets -- and there are many highlights on Streets.
13. "Agony and Ecstasy" - Temptation. DT is feeling more and more miserable and drugs offer a "way out" for him. They offer a temporary reprieve from his life. This song is thrashy in-your-face, harsh and desperate. Fits the situation perfectly.
14. "Heal My Soul" - This song is based on an old Irish prayer-song. This is another very moving and beautiful song. Very quiet, very sad and Jon Oliva's voice is very sweet.
15. "Somewhere In Time" - I don't want to give away the rather odd but wonderful finale to the story. I'll just say that this is a great song. It is powerful in it's message and delivery. And it is a great setup to the finale of all finales: "Believe".
16. "Believe" - This may be Savatage's best song. In fact, it is Savatage's most popular song. And it closes the story of Streets beautifully. It's powerful and moving, grand and sweeping. It is an epic ending to an epic album. Piano and guitar intertwine fantastically and the lyrics are stunning. "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...". Great ending to a great album.

Streets is an extremely powerful and moving album. It is easily on par with true progressive metal's other two rock opera masterpieces, Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime and Eternity X's The Edge. These three albums make up the "holy trio" of concept albums.

I'll try to describe Savatage's sound and style on Streets by comparing it to different bands. Imagine taking Judas Priest and Black Sabbath-type metal, add a piano and then combine that with Queen's rock opera/art rock styling and John Lennon's introspection. This is Streets. It is true that Jon Oliva's vocals take some getting used to (at least on the rockers) but don't pass up this album because of that. Trust me, Jon will grow on you.

Don't be fooled by technical metal bands that are being promoted as progressive metal. True progressive metal is right here with bands such as Savatage. Dream Theater and Queensryche were once the torchbearers of prog metal but Dream Theater is more interested in technical metal of late and I don't know what the Hell Queensryche is doing. But Savatage still is one of the best when it comes to true progressive metal. Some will argue with me and say Savatage's brand of metal is more appropriately called "epic metal". Okay, call it epic metal then. Savatage is Savatage and there is no band like them, epic or progressive or whatever.

Members:
Damond Jiniya – lead vocals
Jon Oliva - vocals, guitar, keyboards (drums on "Handful of Rain" )
Chris Caffery - guitar, backing vocals
Al Pitrelli - guitar
Johnny Lee Middleton – bass guitar
Jeff Plate – drums

Previous members:
Criss Oliva – guitar (1978-1993)(Deceased)
Steve Wacholz – drums (1980-1993)
Keith Collins – bass guitar (1981-1985)
Zachary Stevens – lead vocals (1992-2000)
Alex Skolnick - guitar (1994)
Jack Frost – guitar (2001-2002)

Guest musicians:
Robert Kinkel - keyboards (1987)
John Zahner - keyboards (1991) ["Streets" touring member]
Wes Garren - rhythm guitar, keyboards (1993) ["Edge of Thorns" touring member]
Andy James - drums (1993) ["Edge of Thorns" touring member]
Jeff Waters - guitars (summer 2002) ["Poets and Madmen" touring member, replacement for Jack Frost]
Michael Reynolds-drums fill in (1988)

Genre(s): Heavy metal, symphonic metal, progressive metal, power metal

Cover Included!

N-Joy

Heavy

Heavy / Symphonic / Progressive / Power Metal

320 k

157.20 MB

18 files

03/06/2008

Seed(s): 0, Leecher(s): 1 = 1 Peer(s)

30/07/2016 04:55:55