SIRENS

"Sirens" is undoubtably one of the 80's most acclaimed underground metal classics ever. Jon Oliva and co unleash their powerhouse force of flashy guitar licks + solos, sturdy consistent bass playing, and slamming drumming. Jon's voice is a bit immature but i think that just adds to the whole atmosphere of the album, and is nowhere near as squieky as Hetfield era Kill Em All. Jon's contains one of the most unique voices ever, and i must give the man credit for being an innovator. His voice on this album can range from a banshee like yelper to a lower pitched singer, and at times very mellodic (see "Out on the Streets"). Brother Criss Oliva is simply put a mammoth on the 6th string guitar and I cannot disagree with anyone who would put such a label on him. The sheer brilliance and professionalism he puts into his playing puts others to shame. When this first came out it was beloved by alot of metal fans and i can totally see why, because there was nothing quite like it at the time of it's release (1983).

Sirens has alot of ballsy, brute powerful songs that have a lot of diversity and catch your attention quite easily. Savatage really started accomplishing a cult status right away with their debut and can you wonder why? Take a listen and just dare to tell me this isn't some inventive stuff for the early 80's. This took Heavy Metal to the next level in my opinion, and adds that more extreme touch of aggression to it. The thing I like most about the album is the attitude of the tracks. They all display a life like meaning that all of us can relate to in some way or another. Read the lyrics, and you should get something out of each track. "Twisted Little Sister", is almost sadistic, "Holocaust" is horrifing, my fave "Scream Murder" is hauntingly powerful with it's incredible drive and "Out on the Streets" is the first real Savatage ballad, with depressing lyrics. Check that awesome guitar solo out on this track - that is touching, pure brilliance. This is definatly a darker album than most would expect. The themes are about murder, war, lust, and sorrow etc. Basically everyone is bound to get something out of Sirens weather it be for the better or worse. But in the end I am sure no one can say this album is all bad.

If you were wondering the line for this album was Jon Oliva : Shrieks of Terror, Criss Oliva - Metalaxe, Steve "Dr Killdrums" Wacholz, Keith Collins - The Bottom End. For a debut album this is mighty good and who knew that Savatage would grow to be even more godly (progressive) in the future? For a band to last this long surely is a feat in and of itself. In conclution if you are a fan of classic metal albums and are lacking in a early Savatage record this is the one for you. There is nothing lacking about this album, and I suggest to get the Silver Anniversary Edition, for the Remasters are much cleaner. Cheers Savatage He's gonna take it out on YOU!!!!

album rating: 9/10 points = 89 % on MPV scale = 5/5 stars

point-system: 0 - 3 points = 1 star / 3.5 - 5.5 points = 2 stars / 6 - 7 points = 3 stars / 7.5 - 8.5 points = 4 stars / 9 - 10 points = 5 stars