Savatage--Edge of Thorns

Savatage--Edge of Thorns (1993) Rating--7.0

The first Savatage release with new singer Zach Stevens, and the last with guitar guru Criss Oliva---who would suffer an untimely and accidental death a short while later. Brother and former singer Jon Oliva takes a backseat to concentrate on the songwriting, and also lends a hand with some piano playing. In fact, the piano-tinged pieces begin to show up with more regularity in the band's music at this point, as the sound they built in the '80s now begins to shift...
New singer Stevens has a smoother voice than Oliva, but not crystal clear when compared to others. A little like Ronnie James Dio when in the lower octaves, and somewhat like Andi Deris of Helloween at other times. The first half of the disc has some strong and biting moments, but it starts to slow down and lighten up considerably towards the end.
The title track opens you up with a nice chug, and features a thick and melodic chorus. A note-based riff moves "He Carves His Stone," with razor work being performed in the verses.
"Lights Out" is energetic and fast paced, and "Damien" is riffy and plotting...
The winding and building "Follow Me" stands out, and while "Skraggy's Tomb" has some good chops, the chorus is ultimately too abrupt, and breaks the flow of the song.
In all, a disc with some good tracks, and an important release in the history and development of the group. Good, but a bit inconsistent.
HOT CHOPS: There's a great pre-solo riff in the title track---pure Criss Oliva!
TRACK LIST: Edge of Thorns/He Carves His Stone/Lights Out/Skraggy's Tomb/Labyrinths/Follow Me/Exit Music/Degrees of Sanity/Conversation Piece/All That I Bleed/Damien/Miles Away/Sleep

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