Savatage--Poets and Madmen

Savatage--Poets and Madmen (2001/Nuclear Blast) Rating--8.4

Jon Oliva has now reclaimed the vocal duties full time, and the band continues to build steam and revitalize itself. Numerous heavy and crunchy moments, with less and less of the piano, "orchestrated" style of several years ago. The group once again weaves a concept story, and as always the liner notes are a treat in and of themselves.
"There in the Silence" and "Awaken" are strong cuts, and both "Commisar" and "Surrender" feature energetic kick-ins.
"Drive" is a pure adenaline burner, and "The Rumor" shifts back and forth between acoustic-to-nasty. "Back to a Reason," "Stay With Me Awhile," and "Shotgun Innocence" are all good--the latter being a bonus track with former singer Zack Stevens at the helm.
TRACK LIST: Stay With Me Awhile/There in the Silence/Commisar/I Seek Power/Drive/Morphine Child/The Rumor/Man in the Mirror/Surrender/Awaken/Back to a Reason/Shotgun Innocence

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