Fun fact guys - Savatage are from Florida, and was founded by brothers Jon (vocals) and Criss (guitar) Oliva. They were around for several years before Metallica & Megadeth, and their style is more classic metal like Dio rather than the thrash style of the big 4, and yes they are very theatrical. They put out several really good albums over their career, and kept going after Criss died in a car crash. On later albums Jon stepped down from the lead vocalist position and focused on managing the band, and joined forces with their longtime producer Paul O'Neil to form the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Savatage is no longer together as an active band, but have reunited for special performances here and there.

Savatage is my all-time favorite band. I strongly suggest "When The Crowds Are Gone" from their Gutter Ballet album and "The Hourglass" from The Wake of Magellan album.

Great band. "When the crowds are gone" is another great one from Savatage.

These guys were before megadeth

A great choice guys🤘 Savatage has so many great songs: Warriors, Power of the Night, 24 Hours Ago, Sirens, Holocaust, Living for the Night, Scream Murder and Gutter Ballet🤘🤘🤘

Rip Criss Oliva

The opening song before this 'Prelude to Madness' which is an instrumental and the lead-in for this song, is what showcases the similarities to Trans Siberian Orchestra. The singers voice is incredible and they came before the other bands you mentioned. They were pretty heavy for their time. They got more progressive after this album.

So many people I know into metal had never even heard this song and I've been listening for it for 20 years

Nice to see Savatage getting some love. Love this album.

Savatage was formed in 1979 while Megadeth was formed in 1983. I doubt there was any influence going either way. Love this song, it had been a long time since I'd heard it. Peace and love.

Brad,I am truly impressed. The fact that you could connect this to TSO the way you did means that you understand music way more than you let on. Especially since it flew right past Lex,which also surprised me. Good one! One of my favorite bands.

To the best of my knowledge, and I could be really wrong, but in 1995 when Savatage released their Dead Winter Dead cd, the biggest hit on it was Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/14. From this one song sprang Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Oh fuck yeah, I as waiting for this one to be reviewed. And not disappointed, liked the smile Brad had at one point and your reactions in general. Story about TSO and Savatage has been explained here already, so not going there. I do love Jon Oliva's voice here so much, the madness is so present in his performance, now that is talent. And with such power to his voice, that man was unique. As was his brother.

I can’t believe you guys even heard of Savatage. I am really excited about this one. Ok you guys need to check out ( Streets a Rock Opera) 1st song, Jesus Saves.

Hall of The Mountain King was my first metal album. This whole album is awesome. They have such a different sound. Chris Oliva was such a great guitarist. Still one of my favorite albums after all these years.

One of my favorite bands of my youth. City Beneath the Surface, 24 hours ago, Beyond the Doors of the Dark, She's in Love, Midas Night and the list goes on. RIP Chris!

RIP Criss Oliva, died 17/10/93.

ABOUT TIME!!! I've been waiting on this forever!

for sure brad, your right on this time!

There are soooo many great Savatage songs. Brilliantly underrated band.

This is from when they were young and raw, they could hold their own with any metal band of that day. As they got older, you can hear their music progress closer to what they are today as TSO. Epic band and underrated. Want to hear stuff closer to TSO, should listen to When the Crowds are Gone, epic thinker song.

"12/24 Sarajevo", off of Savatage's Dead Winter Dead album, is the true beginning (kernal) of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and their Christmas concerts.

Savatage was formed in 1978 as Avatar. In 1983 they changed their name to Savatage. Megadeth was formed in 1983. I love them both, but Savatage was one of my all time favorite bands. Criss Oliva was the most underrated guitarist ever. R.I.P.

Thanks for taking my request, you guys rock!!

Followed this band since the mid-80s. Saw them many times and got the party with them many times. Still one of my favorite bands of all time.

Criss's(RIP) guitar playing was great, his tone, his phrasing, his legato technique and even his EVH tapping style was incredible. Old school shredder, definitely one of our all-time favorite players. Sad he never got recognition by any guitar magazines in the 80s or 90s. Please do more Savatage. Especially anything from Gutter Ballet cd. c

24 hrs.ago and this whole album is 💯🔥

Gutter Ballet, When the Crowds are Gone, and Summer's Rain are 3 of my fav's from Savatage....hopefully you'' ll react to them when you guys have time!! Their music was always like a show to me, you will also see that w/ the 3 I mentioned...this is just 1 of the bands I had written on my school notebooks!

When The Crowds Are Gone, or Summer's Rain should be your next stop on this train.

Solid band. Really good. I'd occasionally go back to them.

Me and a gazillion other folks here are soooooo happy you finally listened to this. Please stay on the Savatage train.

Theatrical metal... Queensryche! Do it! Take Hold of the Flame - Live in Tokyo.

The singer on this track was Jon Oliva, the guitarist was Criss Oliva. Criss was killed by a drunk driver before TSO was started. The person you’re thinking of is Paul O’Neill who formed TSO with Jon.

"By The Grace Of The Witch", from the album "Dungeons are Calling", is my favorite, and the best , Savatage song IMO.

Yeah, Savatage was formed before Megadeth. MD was 1983, Savatage was 1978.

You need to listen to Gutter Ballet by Savatage. You'll really see & hear the connection to TSO Merry Christmas!

This album and Gutter Ballet were in my driving around tape collection. Sooooo good.

Savatage is a very interesting band. If you listen to their progression from their early music to the last album you can totally see the progression to Trans Siberian Orchestra. Their early stuff like this is hard, but they get softer, add piano and synth later on.

Criss Olivia was a monster of a guitarist, sadly taken way too soon by a drunk driver on his way to a show in Tampa, if I'm correct. A great catalog of music, 24 hours ago, Strange Wings, Sirens. Gutter Ballet

Welcome to your new rabbit hole. There are tons of great songs. "Chance", "Gutter Ballet", "When the Crowds Are Gone", "All That I Bleed". Tons of great songs.

Hell yeah great choice. I was listening to this album yesterday.

After their first 3 albums they had a debt of around 60000 $. Paul O'Neill came up with an idea and gave them the money. Had started writing and producing with singer Jon Oliva. The Hall of the Mountain King title are taken from Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen. He wrote Peer Gynt. Classic Composer Edvard Grieg made In der Halle des Bergkönigs. German for In The Hall of the Mountain King. Normally TSO performs Prelude to Madness with the guitarists high on platforms. That wasn't the case the other night. It's a Savatage version of the Grieg classic work. O'Neill got more involved on the following albums and the style got more progressive. If you listen to songs like Wake of Magellan, Dead Winter Dead and This is the Time you will see the similarity. Criss Oliva died age 30 in 1993. His wife a few years later. Both victims of a drunk driver. After that Jon Oliva stepped down and were replaced by vocalist Zachary Stevens who also are a TSO member. Jon Oliva wrote, produced, played keyboards and sang on a few songs. The band ended in 2002 and the TSO era started. All members of the band then are on off members of TSO. Right now drummer Jeff Plate, vocalist Zachary Stevens, bass player Johnny Lee Middleton and guitarists Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli are members along all the other TSO members. Savatage got together with these musicians and Jon Oliva at the Wacken Open Air in 2015. TSO were also there. Paul O'Neill died in 2017. During the Covid19 pandemic Jon Oliva, Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli started writing new songs. They say that they have enough for at least 3 albums. Let's hope that it happens 😀

Savatage is an absolutely phenomenal band, everything they've done is golden, and they do predate Megadeth

I can’t believe someone is actually reacting to this hidden masterpiece. Hell yeah

O.M.G. PLEASE CHECKOUT QUEENSRYCHE TAKE HOLD OF THE FLAME..

Sabaton - Christmas Truce (official music video)

This is one of those songs that can get stuck in your head for life. I'll be driving in my car and in lieu of nothing I'll just belt out "MAAAAAADNEEEEEES REIIIIIGNS!" And will have to resist the urge to put the pedal to the floor because I'm just pumped up.

Had a meet and greet with them at a record store, then later that evening saw them perform at Reunion Arena on this tour.

The singer of Savatage (Jon Oliva) is one of the main composers for TSO. He also play keyboards and piano on most TSO albums, but he is not part of the touring band. His brother Criss was the guitarrist of Savatage, but unfortunately he died in 1993. The Paul you mentioned is Paul O'Neill, he was the producer on most of Savatage albums and was so important to their sound evolution, that was consindered as an unofficial member of the band. He created TSO from Savatage and was the driving force behind it. He passed away in 2017. Most of the other Savatage members are still part of TSO as recording and/or touring musician.

Excellent choice, guys! Savatage is amazing! I had the pleasure of seeing them live here in Rio, and they are impecable. Gutter Ballet, The Wake of Magellan and Edge of Thorns are must songs! Keep it up! 🤘🏽

Yesss👍👍, still like this song, and Great album. Great choice and reaction! 🎸🎸

about time you do these guys! do more!

Love this! You just about can't go wrong with savatage!! Pick anything! Wonderful band !! Will not disappoint!!

I still get chills listening to this album I'm glad you guys came onto it

The lead singer of this band stole my beer! He was hilarious.

Savatage actually started in Florida by brothers Jon (vocals) and (the late) Criss Oliva (guitar)... They had been playing in a band since 1979, but they became Savatage by 1983 when they released their debut album 'Sirens'... It was around the same time the American metal scene was beginning... Manowar, Twisted Sister, Dio in New York, Motley Crue, Metallica, Quiet Riot, Dokken in Los Angeles, Queensryche in Seattle... and Savatage in Tampa. However, after Savatage signed with Atlantic Records in 1985, their next 2 albums flopped... ('Power of the night' in 1985, 'Fight for the rock' in 1986) They met producer Paul O'Neill, who worked w/ the Oliva brothers to write and record this album 'Hall of the Mountain King' in 1987, which became their first commercial success... It was the next album 'Gutter ballet' in 1989 that brought more operatic and classical sounds into Savatage records and continued w/ the concept album 'Streets- a rock opera' in 1991... Jon Oliva left the band, but remained a contributor of keyboards & orchestration in the studio alongside producer/composer Paul O'Neill. Zak Stevens joined Savatage on vocals for the 1993 album 'Edge of thorns' . Tragically, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident that year... Alex Skolnick, from the band Testament, recorded guitars for their '94 album 'Handful of rain', dedicated to the late Criss Oliva. 2 more albums emerged that went towards the style of Trans Siberian Orchestra - 'Dead winter dead' in 1995, and 'Wake of Magellan' in 1997... Zak Stevens left Savatage to form his own band, Circle II Circle. Jon Oliva sang lead on the final Savatage album 'Poets & Madmen' in 2001, another concept album. Jon Oliva would decline to reunite Savatage, but carried on recording as Jon Oliva's Pain. Trans Siberian Orchestra was a product of (the late) Paul O'Neill, Robert Kinkel and Jon Oliva in the mid-90's. Their 1996 debut "Christmas eve & other stories" was recorded between Savatage albums, and it sold 3 million copies... TSO's 1998 album 'The Christmas attic' sold 2 million copies...outselling Savatage by huge margins. Years later, Jon Oliva said that TSO was basically a 'repackaged' Savatage, without the ties to the past. And it was a huge success year after year during the holiday season... session musicians would be hired w/ local orchestras at each show to bring TSO to live on stage. That tradition has carried on even after Paul O'Neill's death in 2017.

" sirens" "power of the night" "fountain of youth" are must tracks also.the first few albums still get played regularly in my house🤘🎸

WHAAAATTTT!? My all time favorite band. I've been watching you guys for a Minute and had no idea you did this one.

Please do queensryche live in tokyo and play the video...take hold of the flame 🔥

Great band ! Discovered them when I was in AIT.. still jam them 35 yrs later.

Love that you guys gave Savatage some love - Hall of the Mountain King is by far my favorite song (and they have tons of great songs!) - but also that entire album is so well done. Paul O'Neil was the one from TSO who passed. He and Jon Oliva (singer of Savatage) were the main forces behind TSO's creation. Criss Oliva (Jon's brother and guitarist for Savatage) was killed when a man who had SEVEN previous DUIs and was still driving - drove into Criss' car head on killing Criss instantly and drastically wounding Criss' wife who would go on to die a few years later.

This song makes me imagine an old dwarf sitting on a throne deep in a mountain cave, with a heavy iron crown weighing down his head, and all he cares about is counting his gold coins over and over again in the dark.

OH MAN! You guys are really going hard at my teenage record collection!

wow first yall did srv now savatage another one i been wanting yall too do . incredible

Savatage actually formed in 1978 but under a different name. They were force to change their name right before the release of their first album. Though not really a Thrash band, they were accepted in the Thrash community and toured in the early days with Metallica and other Thrash bands. They opened for Megadeth in the mid-late 80's and actually got kicked off the tour for a few dates due to a drunken incident between Mustaine and Jon Oliva. They would probably both laugh about it today. I don't think there is any bad blood them but I also don't think Savatage were influenced in any way by Megadeth or any other Thrash band. They've been on their own path since HOTMK. Chris Oliva does wear his guitar influences on his sleeve though. You can tell he was heavily influenced by Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads. RIP Chris... ☹

Jon Oliva once said that when doing a full Savatage tour in the 90's they sold around 50.000-70.000 tickets totally. With TSO that was the sale for 1 Night

Savatage come first before that Megadeth but pretty much every band has been influenced by Black Sabbath 👌🔥

When my friends of the 80's were listening to pantyhose & makeup bands, I was on Savatage & Fates Warning. I remain proud!

Savatage is a massive favorite from way back. This and the next two albums are staples.

This is a Metal classic, haven't heard it for awhile and it still stands up for me after all these years.

WOW Just Look at all of the love for Savatage!!

Now we're getting somewhere....but now you have to listen to their song edge of thorns . Different singer....keep on rockin 👍...love you for trying new stuff that is real....they're from Florida btw

Please review more of their songs, lots of great stuff.

Dude. Old Savatage is badass heavy metal. Sweet band from back in the day. White Witch is another sweet track!

Holy Cow!!! Someone reacting to Savatage!!!! Thank you!!!!

So you need to listen to the song where they cover the clasical music song 'Hall of the mountian king' it is Prelude to Madness - All i got to say is Legions - Lexi would be hooked on this band. if you listen to Prelude to Madness - you will see how they play classical music like TSO is the evolution of this. TSO often covers both songs together - and yeah 2 of them are from Savatage

i grew up a savatage fan from Clearwater criss was one of the best guitarist period check out the song hounds awesome song r.i.p criss you'll be loved & missed always

This song always gives me goosebumps each and every damn time..

This has been one of my favorite bands since I was 16 they have so many good songs! Saw them in concert when I was 17 they were awesome!!

Strongly recommend you to check out Summer’s rain, Gutter Ballet and When the crowds are gone. Absolute classic from Savatage. Criss Oliva was a virtuoso (Rip)

Awesome that you're checking out Savatage!!! They're one of my favorite bands. I now it wasn't the inspiration for this song but I always think of the mad king in Lord of the Rings when I hear it. I highly suggest Gutter Ballet and Morphine Child, both of which are incredible.

I'm so glad you did this song/band. Too many people don't know about Savatage. The Dungeons Are Calling was an amazing release. I must have listened to it hundreds of times.

Love this band!

The song "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)" was originally released on the Savatage album "Dead Winter Dead" in 1995. That song was the true beginning of Trans Siberian Orchestra. They then re-released the song as part of their first Trans Siberian Orchestra album in 1996.

Absolutely loving the Savatage reaction. Jon has one of the best voices ever in metal. It’s like a velvet chainsaw.

I was 12 years old when this was released in 1987. We had this show called Pepsi power hour on MuchMusic (Canada's MTV) and I was watching the rerun of the night before having my breakfast before school... I was floored. This was fucking heavy back in 1987! The lyrics, the rhythm playing and Jon's voice was HUGE!!! It's sad how Criss passed... RIP Criss Oliva

More more more please!

FUCK YES MY RESPECT METER JUST BLEW UP FOR YOU GUYS!! DO EDGE OF THORNS!!! Or 24 Hours Ago, more Savatage please.

Saw them in 1983(14yrs old) at Busch Gardens. Criss was an amazing guitar player taken way too soon. 38yrs later still my favorite show🤘

Coming late to this, and personally knowing Jon Oliva .... Awesome dude!!!

Wow!! Awesome!! Yes!! Savatage has many great songs !!

Fun fact: Jon Oliva the vocalist in Savatage is the person who recorded all the arrangements, keyboards, orchestrations & drums for TSO's biggest hit ever = A Savatage song called (Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24)

NIIICE. You need to see the video to this one though.

I can't believe you did this !!!

One of my all time favorite albums of american true heavy metal. Thanx.

Criss Oliva Rip you truly were one of BEST! and it was an honor to meet you and the band at Rochester Ny show at Backstreets concert hall!

I THOUGHT LEX's FIRST 'OH!' WAS GOING TO BE AT 0:16, BUT SHE FOOLED ME WITH HER BODY LANGUAGE AND IT CAME AT 0:37. Now Lex is messing with me with her 'OH's' cause she knows I love them. Thanks Lex!

If you are into Savatage their most popular song is "Gutter Ballet" and this is a must.

Cris needs to be heard of more. He's gone, but this band is a great band that not many people know or understand.

It's about time I love this band