SIRENS

"Sirens" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Florida based power/heavy metal act Savatage. The album was released through Par Records Inc. in April 1983. "Sirens" has seen several reissues through the years and from 1985 onwards also featured a different cover artwork to the original one with the blue ship on the front. Savatage was formed in 1979 under the Avatar monicker (they also occasionally went by the Metropolis monicker). After releasing a demo and an EP under the Avatar name they changed their name to Savatage in 1983 and recorded a demo before being signed for the release of "Sirens".

Stylistically the music on "Sirens" is traditional heavy metal with early signs of US power metal. The 9 tracks on the 35:57 minutes long album are all powerful heavy rockers (except closer "Out On The Streets" which is a power ballad type track) with pounding drums and bass, raw guitar riffing and blistering solos, and Jon Oliva´s rusty powerful voice in front. Savatage are a very well playing band. The rhythm section of drummer Steve Wacholz and bassist Keith Collins deliver a tight and hard rocking performance, while the Oliva brothers provide the icing for the cake. Jon Oliva has a powerful and distinct sounding voice and his delivery is commanding. It´s little brother Criss Oliva who is the true star here though. Sometimes you come across music where it´s clear that you´re dealing with a musician that´s more than normally gifted, and that´s certainly the case here. There´s something about his touch and the way his tones have bite that tell the story of someone who was born with a guitar in his hand.

The material on the album is generally well written, powerful, and catchy. It doesn´t take many listens before you´re able to remember every track on the album. Although there are no weak links on the album and everything is of a good quality I´d mention "Holocaust" as a highlight. The main riff is simply killer (I´m reminded of a harder edged early Van Halen) and with the touch of Criss Oliva it reaches an even higher level of perfection. Considering the time of release "Sirens" features a well sounding production, which is both raw and powerful sounding, but also detailed and clear enough for all instruments and vocals to stand out in the mix.

So upon conclusion "Sirens" is a very promising debut album by Savatage. The songwriting may still be slightly immature (especially compared to what would follow), but there is a raw charm to the proceedings that´s greatly enjoyable and overall it´s a high quality release. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.