So long ago yet still so potent. One of metal's true acts ride the frontier that they have never really left despite metal moving through several phases. Savatage have never been rocked because they rock. 'Sirens' (classic cover), is a true metal record that crept from the sewers on the back of no promotion, no lyrics within and just pure attitude and hymns of dark reality. Fronted by the metal master Jon Oliva and brother and axeman Criss, 'Sirens' pumps in majestically and the Heavens open to reveal kingdoms of metal glory. Savatage have long been considered a cult band but the reality is, they should be up there with the likes of Priest when it comes to metal creators, because for me their catalogue remains far more impressive, shaking bones and buildings in its gothic splendour. The title cut somehow has a feel of Metallica, circa 'Ride The Lightning', a chugging ode of darkness that steps into the Wacholz drum thrust of 'Holocaust', bordering on ominous thrash it echoes in the blackness like an oncoming giant. Nine cuts of rattling heavy metal carved from the very walls of Hell's caverns and as black as anything since. Imagine the lights flickering as 'On The Run' stomps, and then pitch black descends whilst the thunder of 'Living For The Night' prowls through the window. Epic metal indeed.
8.5/10
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