SAVATAGE | FIRST SOLO REACTION to Gutter Ballet | (Music w/ Nick) Beautiful Mix of Metal Styles !!!

[@MattKrogmeier]

Also, RIP to Criss Oliva (guitar on this track). Sadly passed away in '93.

[@Steven-lb4bl]

🎸GREAT guitar player 🎸

[@lucypoopies]

@@Steven-lb4bl One of the best, no doubt about it.

[@undango]

Killed by a drunk driver

[@leddygee1896]

Criss Oliva... Your legend is only going to grow as history passes... R.I.P.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Criss Oliva was the best guitarist most have never heard of.

[@SavageGrace]

The song "Sirens" is hard to beat, but the whole of "Hall of the Mountain King" is superb. 80s US Metal at its best.

[@stamaalexgabriel2262]

One of the best prog power metal bands ever from me!!!!

[@Hikdin]

This is Savatage's transitional album with progressive leanings. Their previous album Hall Of The Mountain King is a masterpiece and one of the greatest Heavy Metal albums.

[@johnblanchette1922]

Hey Nick, thanks for sharing your listening experience. This is my FAVORITE metal band. Keep checkin them out, I call their style symphonic heavy metal. Tons of fantastic albums. Take care

[@wolfgangbauer3096]

Great reaction! Savatage is a band from the Eastcoast - Tampa, Florida. Their guitarist Criss Oliva was a genius. Gutter Ballet is a great song! And you are now the only one who did reactions to all my favorite bands: Savatage, Stratovarius and Abba ;-). Keep it up!

[@jamesnorthup7717]

Great underrated band! Love them ! Do more!!

[@jamesleonard9703]

Nick, you will love Savatage. Start with early stuff first. Next song " Hall of the mountain king "

[@MattKrogmeier]

You might already know, but Trans Siberian Orchestra arose from Savatage - Jon Oliva (singer/piano on this track) and a different version of Savatage performed this side-by-side at Wacken one year WITH TSO. There's not great video of it available online that I've found, but it's a lot of fun to see them doing it.

[@JHLancaster]

Great reaction, Nick! Savatage was always that band that was overshadowed by the Guns n Roses craze at the time. I was always a huge fan of Criss Oliva's amazing and passionate guitar playing as he had such a unique sound of his own! You would most likely appreciate 'When The Crowds Are Gone' from the same Gutter Ballet album as well. #nicknlexrequest Thanks!

[@damnshowdude]

Your reaction is the greatest of all. Its clear you understand the mastery of the late great Criss Oliva. YOU HAVE VALIDATED AND CONFIRMED EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS SONG....R.I.P. Criss " Mozart" Oliva

[@greybeard2280]

This was Trans Siberian Orchestra at it's fullest. Seriously, great request Toby! Reminds me of the band Cornerstone. Very nice reaction Nick, great insight to a seriously great track. Keep em coming brother!

[@jeffreycook2112]

Awesome reaction Nick! I saw Savatage many times back in the day and they were always amazing. Especially the time I saw them in 1986. It is still one of my all-time favorite concerts. Please check out anything from the Hall Of The Mountain King album, especially the title track. You will love it.

[@allisterfiend_2112]

I got turned onto Savatage early in their career thanks to a friend of mine (who thought they were too heavy, so he gave me his cassette). This song was when they were transitioning to Prog Metal / Rock Opera. They actually started off as a pretty heavy sounding metal band (for early 80's) that were ahead of their time in terms of speed and sound. The whole band were top notch! Like many bands in the 80's a lot of the music was based off fantasy/dungeons and dragons type stuff (which a lot of us loved back then). Check out 'Dungeons are calling' and 'Sirins" to hear early Savatage and 'Hall of the mountain King' which got a lot of mtv air time.

[@mvunit3]

Right there! Totally agree! Was lucky enough to be into them on their debut album "Sirens" and still have the "Original" pressing with the original art :). And "The Dungeons are Calling" is an EXCELLENT follow-up Ep.

[@davehind3193]

Savatage was from Tampa Florida they are the band that eventually transformed into Trans Siberian Orchestra. Savatage is criminally under rated Cris Oliva R.I.P. was an amazing guitar player taken way too soon by a drunk driver even 30 years after his death he is still rated among the greatest guitar players

[@jaimesalvadoralvarezsuarez382]

RIP Criss Oliva, grandísimo grupo

[@danesser5960]

Love Savatage.....yes Hall of the mountain king... and 24 hours hours ago.

[@jamesleonard9703]

Nick, that's what us old dudes are for. To make sure you don't miss out on any bands that you didn't hear when you were younger.

[@NicknLex]

thank you so much!!

[@mvunit3]

Damn straight James!

[@JimmyRJump]

Savatage was a band that leaned heavily on the Oliva brothers, Jon (vocals & piano) and Chris (Lead guitar) and it a ll went downhill when Chris was killed in a drunk driver car accident in 1993. Jon no longer wanted to be part of his own band although he kept contributing with music and lyrics. Jon later was a founding member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Just like Praying Mantis, Iron Maiden and quite a few others, Savatage (first kown as Avatar) got some exposure thanks to the "Metal For Muthas" albums released in Europe in the late seventies.

[@CanYouHearMeNow929]

The Album Savatage released after Criss was killed is called "Handful of Rain". Jon found himself alone when it was time to record this album, the other guys were not ready to get back into iSavatage. The loss of Criss was overwhelming they all agreed it wasn't really Savatage without Criss.. They needed to get this album out so Jon got to work playing and recording all the instruments. He used his brother's guitars but had to play them upside down because he is left handed. Alex Skolnick played the more complicated guitar solos and when it was time to record the vocals Zak Stevens agreed to return. So in addition to playing all of the music he also wrote the music and lyrics with producer and best friend Paul O'Neill. It wasn't that he didn't want to be in his own band it was that Criss' guitar playing had been the driving force and now they needed to go in a different direction. Beginning with this album their focus would be on vocalist Zak Stevens. As always Jon would write the music, Paul O'Neill was a brilliant lyricist, and Jon would also contribute his vocals singing a couple of songs on DWD and The Wake of Magellan and then take up vocal duties again on Poets and Madmen. Jon lost a bunch of weight before the show at Wacken and has worked on trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli along with drummer Jeff Plate have also contributed a lot to both Savatage and Trans Siberian Orchestra.

[@Harv72b]

This was the first Savatage song I ever heard, not long after it was released on a promotional sampler I found at a used CD shop. It ignited what has become a lifelong fandom for me--I always tell people that Pink Floyd is my favorite band of all time, followed by a tie between about 8 others. Savatage is one of those 8. Criminally underrated band. Savatage was founded & based out of Florida, so absolutely not the West Coast scene. They started out as more of a traditional power metal band, then gradually went more and more symphonic with their sound until they literally _became_ an orchestra: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The surviving members of Savatage are still actively involved with the TSO, including tour performances.

[@JayTor2112]

Considering some of the power metal bands you have been getting into, others you would probably like are Avantasia (metal opera with several singers and conceptual albums), Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Nightwish (even though you seemed underwhelmed by them in the one you did, but check them out again). And Ayreon is a progressive metal opera project with several singers and all concept albums, which I hav eno doubt you woudl love. "The Day the World Breaks Down" is a good intro to them, and the video is recommended. These guys are from Florida, btw. The singer and guitarist were brothers, and the guitarist passed away in '93 in a car crash. And yeah, he was one of the best, and who knows how big his legend coudl have grown.

[@TheDunpeaL]

Savatage is so UNİQUE group. That's all I can say. R.I.P. Cris Oliva. We remember lead guitarist Cris Oliva fondly. Thanks for your effort. 🙏

[@astragalusson]

They sometimes categorize Savatage as american style thrashy heavy-power metal, like Iced Earth for example, but I consider them heavy metal with some power and prog elements. They started as pretty much straight heavy-power in their earlier albums but prog elements were slowly added and became more prominent as they further their career as a band and through the end they got very much theatrical and significantly symphonic and operatic. They're pretty melodic but they ABSOLUTELY don't have a commercialized sound in my opinion. They might be the heavy metal band that uses the classic piano sound best. I'll try to make suggestions with deviding their songs into three categories to guide your expectations a little bit. Your prog-loving side might enjoy these especially proggy songs. Of course, do NOT expect Dream Theater level of technical progginess but they do a great job balancing: - Morphine Child - Turns To Me - Hounds - He Carves His Stone - Chance - Edge Of Thorns - Mozart And Madness (instrumental) Their great more straight heavy-prog songs that you might like: - Legions - Hall Of The Mountain King - Sirens - Power Of The Night - Damien - Handful Of Rain (might be considered a power-ballad but I prefer to put it here) Their power ballads which mostly have some proginess: - When The Crowds Are Gone - Summer's Rain - Alone You Breathe - Watching You Fall - If I Go Away

[@tcollier5460]

Always loved Savatage, Criss was truly an amazing guitarist! I recommend that you listen to the track Hounds of the same record! RIP Criss, gone way too soon way too soon!

[@damnshowdude]

Greatest solo in rock history. This song almost contains an alien message of sorts or its talking another language. Its almost like instructions to fix a stranded space ship that is controlled and fueled by notes and vibration. This solo is the crown of everything before it and after. This solo is some sort of key to the universe. Im sure of it. In other words , the search is over. You are here.....

[@relinquishh]

Do Beyond the Doors of the Dark next, to hear the kickass heavier side of this great band.

[@jima6545]

You have a great angle on reactions. Good luck!

[@leddygee1896]

Savatage were/are from Florida...

[@robertmurphy9917]

As a fan of Savatage since high school, i thank you for the appreciation you showed to Criss Olva's guitar work. R.I.P. Very underrated band but that's also why i liked them. Bands like that were the ones your friends would hear you listening to and say "Dude!!! Who is that?". They are sort of metal conversation piece for me. Also, they started "Trans Siberian Orchestra"

[@TawmisGreybeard]

Thanks for giving #Savatage a listen. Gutter Ballet is a wonderful album - Savatage, musically, was peaking - ever growing. Hall of the Mountain King is probably still my favorite album. Criss Oliva, the amazing guitarist you hear, would tragically be killed when a drunk driver, with 7 DUIs under their belt - slammed into Criss' car with Criss and his wife in the car. The accident killed Criss immediately, and Criss' wife would die a number of years later. I miss Criss' guitar work. He made his guitar convey such deep, incredible emotion. Once again, thanks for giving Savatage a listen. (Ironically, you said that they're "West Coast" - however, Savatage formed and operated out of Florida originally). Savatage is far more of a progressive metal band then a "hair metal" band because all of their songs told a story - and they didn't really have "party" songs to draw in "chicks." :)

[@gog583]

A bit of a concept album. Interesting throughout, but best track is the closing track.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

When The Crowds are Gone

[@dkmcbigsley]

I'd say they were near the front of tr melodic metal scene. F'n AWESOME band

[@aionanyx4462]

Your reaction to, and praise of, THE MEGA MIGHTY CRISS OLIVA got my Like! 🤘🖤🤘 I love watching people listen to Savatage. They're like, "Oh, yeah. That's pretty good. Oh, I really like that --" *solo hits* All their words go away. They can't say anything. Until ... " _Fuuuuuuuuck!!_ Oh, my god!! Holy shit!! OMG!!!" It's like listening to someone have a glorious orgasm! 🤣The song finishes, and the band basically eases you out, kisses you, caresses you, and says "I love you" ... and you lie there on Cloud 9 somewhere!

[@jima6545]

You really have to appreciate the mixing and production along with the music Writing and execution. Even now, it holds up

[@jamesleonard9703]

Chris was a great guitar player, a rock guitarist and his brother can sing. Wait til you hear the rest of Savatage Nick. I love Savatage. Even when they changed singers.🤘

[@NicknLex]

Just an amazing Player!! I was blown away

[@mvunit3]

@@NicknLex you are just hearing the surface of Criss Oliva's playing and guitar tone. He was a VERY sad loss.

[@miketaylor6694]

RIP Chriss Oliva.

[@tonygallo2361]

SAVATAGE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING ROCKS....24 HOURS KICKS ARSE..

[@murdockreviews]

Very nice. happy this was a fun entry for you. this is the kind of power metal I can quite enjoy without going full 'glam metal'. cheers from Vienna. p.s.: it's okay if the motorpsycho request wasn't 100% your thing. it's a band that is stylistically a bit between several genres which some love and others find that there's something "missing".

[@thomasbrown2465]

You have alot more Savatage to react to. Ghost In The Ruins, Summer's Rain, Hall Of The Mountain King. Strange Wings. Sirens. Hounds. They have so many great songs with the late great Criss Oliva on guitar. You'll realize thier not your typical LA glam rock. They will definitely grow on you the more music you hear by them.

[@williamscott2097]

The Savatage album that defines them is The Wake of Magellan. Not like any other rock of the time. A mix of prog and theatrical music I think you would love it based on my impression of your musical tastes ( or at least my non personal impression lol ). Give it a listen even if it is outside the channel.

[@jima6545]

Savatage was unique. This entire album has so many different but awesome songs. Hair bands had no where near this talent in musicianship or songwriting. You're up for any kind of reaction? How about a full album reaction? You won't be disappointed

[@TheDKServices]

If you're ever in Tampa never say anything bad about Savatage. Virtuoso lead guitarist Criss Olivia was tragically killed in a car accident 93 if memory serves. Brother Jon lead vocalist. Best work probably on Hall of the Mountain King released 87 I think. Incredible guitar, solid outfit. You might like Crimson Glory also from Sarasota a little south of there, still in high standing in the Tampa Bay area. Strongly recommend "Masque of the Red Death" from their Transcendence album

[@stellong4963]

Criss oliva the guitar god

[@lucasnavajas4166]

Please check out hall of the mountain king, classic!!!! The older stuff is way heavier

[@mvunit3]

I wrote this in a Blog (about what was leading me to Prog Metal) . . . _I came across some bands being played on FM AOR Radio that had a heavier side but with a obvious difference. Either later finds or what would catch my ear on the late night shifts of stations (KMET 94.7, KWEST 106 and KLOS 95.5 Los Angeles) and finding weak signals from local college radio stations._ _In particular the FM AOR Station KMET 94.7 every Friday at 10pm with Dj Jim Ladd, would host one of the 1st all Metal programs in the nation called "The Mighty Metal Shop (KMETal Shop)". I was introduced to debuts (albums or bands) from the likes of; Queensrÿche, Loudness, Saxon, Metallica, Exciter, Iron Maiden, Accept, Savatage, Metal Church, Dio, Mercyful Fate, Abattoir, Trouble, Candlemass, Anthrax and tons of others that would become huge, disappear into the ether or the more obscure bands that I lost track of (but would find a few years later) in 1983-84 thru the shows duration till 1986 or 87. Which included a particular band and album ("Night on Bröcken") that I seemed to have missed, but their career would help create a new genre along with Queensrÿche whom I'd become a great admirer of. The program also brought to light the British Invasion from The New Wave of British Heavy Metal._ _From 10pm to 1am I'd get my weekly education of all the new and classic Heavy Metal bands!_ _The Discovery of "Talent" (not so much, mine)._ _It was during this time that "Savatage" (their debut "Sirens" that I had picked-up the 1st print of the album with the original art), along with Rainbow/Deep Purple, I was intrigued with the sound of the guitar on the album, and I was trying to figure out guitarists Criss Oliva's "tone" and got as close as I could with a DigiTech Chorus, MXR Delay, and a Electro Harmonix "Big Muff π" pedal, along with my friends Studio 22 Mesa Boogie amplifier. Trying to get it through some Hot Rail pickups jimmy-rigged on a torn-up Memphis Strat made of plywood :p. I'll never say I was a "musician", but it revealed to me what it took to compose music._ Savatage was one of my favorite discoveries when I was just becoming a Metalhead, and I followed them till "Criss Oliva's" last album. But their "debut" Sirens, and their Ep "The Dungeons are Calling" still hold a special place because they were so HEAVY and aggressive (and a couple of tracks were some of the 1st "Speed Metal" tracks). But Nick . . . that this reminds you of "Hair Metal" (GAHH!!!) and the "Westcoast" (They're from Florida), I may have to put a snake in your pants 🤣. You will need to hear the album and tracks before _this_ album; "Hall of the Mountain King". And for a serious subject, the album after this one; "Dead Winter Dead" that has to do with the Serbian War. These were like Prog Metal/U.S. Powermetal "Rock Opera's" with a heavier edge (before Ayreon). You'll be VERY surprised of their various sounds, and what they sounded like when they started out. I don't think Jon Oliva has gotten over Criss's death, I mean they were brothers, but Jon really let himself go, and there is a lot of sorrow in Savatage's music after, and especially in Jon's band *Jon Oliva's Pain* and I saw 1 tour, he was HUGE, and just sat behind his keyboard singing, and in breaks would talk about his cocaine habit 😢. - You have a BIG Metal Rabbit-Hole before you with Savatage Nick! Thank you Murdock \m/.

[@dan-lv8ss]

There are so many good Savatage Songs. I also recomand Vicious Rumous !!!

[@rudolfbecker4313]

I heard this song before, long time ago .... one part reminded me of Survivor - Eye of the tiger - I also hear other influences, typical mid to end 80s, early 90s ... back than I listened to these bands

[@NicknLex]

I said Rocky so we agree hehe

[@csphoenix9]

They're from Florida

[@cacophony69]

the riffs have a similar vibe but they are definitely not the same. anyway, nice to see where the influence comes from

[@ryanwarrenfeltz6202]

They’re actually from Tampa

[@lucypoopies]

10:46 Don't get me wrong, Kirk is definitely amazing, but I prefer Criss to Kirk as well. Hey Nick, check out Savatage - "Hounds" for some of Criss' best work.

[@joeallegra556]

With the exception of Fight For The Rock. Get everything before this to fully appreciate Savatage. Many liked Streets - A Rock Opera. A step down from this album IMO. Edge Of Thorns another fan fave is and improvement over its two predecessors.

[@lichtregen777]

Savatage sind super! Hall of the Mountain King ist immer noch ein Top Album, wie Gutter Ballet auch ...

[@michaelscott9974]

Savatage is from the Tampa Bay area And their not Hair Metal just good old hard rock/heavy metal sound

[@edZILLA64]

listen to HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING. That album was heavier.

[@ellier_games7280]

Bro, you are forgiven this time from the wrath for it seems that you know no better, but never, ever, ever lump Savatage in with the likes of White fucking lion or White Snake!!!😂😂😂 All in fun buddy, but seriously check out some more of their material, you will not be disappointed. 1987 Hall of the Mountain King is phenomenal front to back

[@tonys2899]

Like me some savatage. Yea, as others have said, I was going to comment they turned into Trans Siberian Orchestra.

[@samehebraheem3447]

more savatage dude

[@philipgolia9803]

In case you were not aware, Savatage "became" Trans Siberian Orchestra.

[@iulianjuly]

This is no hair band man :)

[@michaelscott9974]

Damn auto spell meant GnR arggggg

[@andy60234]

TSO

[@SilentCriket]

WRONG. not West Coast, they are from Florida. cannot pigeon hole them. very unique sound. best guitarist until he died early early in car accident. Guitarist was brother of singer. eventually they formed the band TransSiberian Orchestra, you know the band that tours at Christmas time and does Metal Christmas songs. the singer said they never made any money as Savatage, but Trans Siberian Orchestra made him a multimillionaire. look them up.

[@michaelscott9974]

Naw not even close Piano is more of a Freddie Mercury vibe And Savatage sounds nothing like ThE Totally different across the board