Post by abraxas on Dec 18, 2009 17:54:03 GMT -5
Savatage (originally Avatar) is an American progressive metal band founded by the brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in Tampa Fl (1978). The band has been inactive since the release of their last album in 2001, and have not performed live together since 2002, instead concentrating on the more commercially successful side project, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
They played Tampa (where they had moved with their family in the late-70s) and Clearwater area clubs for many years. "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. 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.
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.
Jon left atfter the "Streets" album, but 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.
Savatage continued to focus on their Trans-Siberian Orchestra project for a while, releasing The Christmas Attic, but the release of Poets and Madmen in 2001 was highlighted by Jon Oliva's return as lead vocalist, replacing Zak Stevens.
Im sure that anyone that was listening to Metal in the 80's remembers this song
With original singer Jon Oliva
With Zachary Stevens
Criss Oliva tribute
They played Tampa (where they had moved with their family in the late-70s) and Clearwater area clubs for many years. "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. 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.
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.
Jon left atfter the "Streets" album, but 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.
Savatage continued to focus on their Trans-Siberian Orchestra project for a while, releasing The Christmas Attic, but the release of Poets and Madmen in 2001 was highlighted by Jon Oliva's return as lead vocalist, replacing Zak Stevens.
Im sure that anyone that was listening to Metal in the 80's remembers this song
With original singer Jon Oliva
With Zachary Stevens
Criss Oliva tribute