Metal Reviews

My first draft review of the new Jon Oliva's Pain:

For all intents and purposes, this is the newest Savatage record; released under the banner of Jon Oliva's Pain, of course. Why isn't this labeled as a Savatage album? Because the members of Savatage are so involved in solo projects and the money-making machine of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, they aren't always at arm's reach for Jon Oliva, the perrenial song-writer and voice of Savatage. His current band is at arm's reach, all living in the same general area, and they are an awesome backing band in their own right.

That said, you have to be more interested in whether or not this is a GOOD Savatage album. Let me assure you, it is. JOP's first album, 2004's 'Tage Mahal, was definitely a throwback to old school Savatage, but Maniacal Renderings is even more retrospective. Much of this release reminds me of Hall of the Mountain King and Gutter Ballet. The only strong hints of latter-day Savatage are the occasional touches of Poets and Madmen, especially in the vocal category; very strange vocal melodies overlapping in a clashing sort of way that actually sounds melodic and somehow natural.

I've never heard Jon's voice sound better than on this album. I've heard criticisms of his vocals in the past, but I think he's just getting better with age. He's learned from the past, knows his limitations, and does so with gusto. Some nice touches on this album are during the mellower interludes where he does a fantastic Paul McCartney imitation. His favor of the Beatles really shines through in places, spattered throughout an album full of chaotical musical and vocal presentations. Musically, I find Maniacal Renderings a very descriptive title, not only for this album, but Savatage/Jon Oliva in general.

This is the best production I've heard yet, out of anything Savatage or JOP has released. Chris Kinder's drums are very prevalent and really gives this album punch on the bottom end. The riffs are good and crunchy, and the keyboards highlight the songs perfectly, as is usually the case when Jon writes music. The guitar solos compliment the music nicely, although I feel they are a bit too conservative and too far back in the mix. That is my only complaint on this album and it's a minor one; barely a hairline crack in the gold pedastal it will set upon in my hallowed halls.

Indeed. This album rules! Anyone notice the riff in "Push It To The Limit?" I know Jon found old tapes of riffs Criss recorded, but I think Jon missed the fact that they already used that riff on "Beyond The Doors Of The Dark."

And the songs are LONGER than those on the leaked version (you know who you are, goddammit)!

There's a few Doctor Butcher riffs mixed in too! I've heard a few people bitching about "recycling", but I think it's fun picking out the past references here and there. Jon's been doing that alot lately.

Like Stephen King's books keep referencing back to each other. I love that!

If it's done intentionally, I'm cool with it. Devin Townsend does it quite frequently. However, if it's done without knowing I'd have to suggest Jon give his old albums a good listen. Haha. 'Tage Mahal had some definite similarities to some old songs; nothing to blatant, but they were there.

So, now, do I put my JOP albums with my Savatage albums?

Yeah, 'Tage Mahal had some recycled stuff on it for sure. Jon talked about it freely, thinking Savatage fans would get a kick out of hearing references of old. That's what it's all about for him, paying tribute back to Criss and the old band, while still moving forward with his own music.

And yes, I've already started cataloging my JOP with my Savatage. You might want to do the same. Fuck alphabetical in this case.

This may well be my favourite album of the year so far. Complex songwriting, beautiful passionate vocal melodies, heavy powerful riffs in perfect alternance with more melodic ones, elegant keys, classy soloing, smart arangements. It has it all, and it especially has that aroma of classic Savatage. Maybe because many sogs incorporate ideas from Criss also.

And I'll say it again, Timeless Flight has, at about '4, the best riff I heard all year.

Jon Oliva rocks

I havent heard it yet, this is the one album I have to own before I hear it. Although I have heard 6 songs from it because of the EP and their myspace and I can tell its gonna be killer.

Artwork kicksass too.

yes ken, i do know who i am. and i admit defeat. argh!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Sucka!!

The 11-minute plus bonus track rules, too!

Whats up with the Tin Edition thingy, does anyone know if its worth springing for this?

Just get the digipak. It's got the bonus track, too.

EDIT: It's a different bonus track on the digipak and the tin can version.

So there is no version with all the bonus tracks? Thats pretty gay. I'll have to keep an eye out, I want the bonus tracks, all of em and Im not buying 2 copies. Also since Jon is basically my favorite singer, I dont just want cheap downloaded mp3s of the bonus tracks, I hate that. Like with Nightwish, I own all of their studio albums, but none of the bonus tracks and with Nightwish those B-side songs are usually just as good or better than whats on the CD. So from now on, I try to get things with the bonus songs if possible.

You can get all the Nightwish b-sides on one version of each album.

Yeah if you are a newbie fan and don't own the originals, so it still sucks unless you go around buying up all of their singles which aren't worth it. Maiden always did that shit too.

The singles are worth it, unless the import versions with the bonus tracks are easy to find.

I downloaded the ones off of Tarja website, they are ok but not really my thing with the all acoustic number. Over the Hills is def worth it too. I have the Toy Factory version which is not only the 5 bonus tracks or whatever but also a full live concert with 10 or 11 songs and not the 5 that is on the regular version.

Yeah, like Leee said. I have owned all the albums for about 4 and 5 years now (with the exception of Once obviously). I actually do have the Once copy with bonus tracks since I think thats all you can get here in Canada. They did the same thing with Touched By The Crimson King actually, I couldnt find a copy without bonus tracks (which is a good thing) Maybe JOP will get a similar North American release where both tracks are on the album, if there is a chance of that, I can wait.