DEAD WINTER DEAD

This is my first album of Savatage. When I purchased this CD at the CD store I asked a young man who claimed that he once liked the music of Savatage and he recommended me this album out of four available in that store. His recommendation was based on my info that I like Royal Hunt, Kamelot, Angra, Dream Theater and could enjoy power metal bands like Helloween, Blind Guardian. So I purchased the CD. At time of I'm writing this review, I have spun the CD many times, more than four times in its entirety. What I can say about this album is : very heavy in concept, very light in delivery. What do I mean with this?

Concept wise it's probably a grandiose effort by the band: it's about the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo where there is a town square surrounded by buildings that were constructed during the middle ages. The square has a beautiful stone fountain at its center and at one there is a thousand year old church with a gargoyle carved into its belfry. Now this gargoyle, for the last thousand years, has spent all his time trying to comprehend the human emotions of laughter and sorrow [CD sleeve]. Reading this ancient story of course I expect the music will be packed with complex composition. What I get is a very light orchestra "Overture" (Instrumental) (1:49) that does not sound really colossal to my ears followed with "Sarajevo" (2:26) which has also light composition with melodic intro featuring lead vocalist. The music, overall, does not seem so strong in supporting the concept itself - it's like a rock music with light orchestra at background.

Don't get me wrong, the band produces good rock music but it's far being categorized as prog, I think. What I consider the album fail to deliver is basically in supporting the concept through messages that the band has tried to convey to the listeners. The structure also has little variation in style. Heavy in concept, light in delivery. Of course I enjoy the electric guitar solo. But the composition seems like being forced like the way it sounds and it does not seem to flow naturally or smoothly, I would say. The tempo is also too slow. The music starts to go faster in tempo when it reaches track 4 "I Am" (4:32). This is the worst track this album offers. Why? It has too long repeated riffs and the vocal that sounds like an angry person has no variations in melody. Yes, there is a nice orchestra inserted plus good guitar solo, but the vocal really destroys the composition. The title track "Dead Winter Dead" (4:16) is also not something really compelling - it's typical straight forward music.

Well, this is my first album of Savatage and if the other albums are the like, then I should not continue buying another album of the band. Even though there is nothing new here, but I still consider this album is good. Keep on rockin' .!!!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW