Savatage--The Wake of Magellan

Savatage--The Wake of Magellan (1998/Atlantic) Rating--8.2

A heavier, marked improvement for Savatage, as the sound is beefed up compared to its other '90s releases. Guitarist Al Pitrelli (formerly of Widowmaker) joins the ranks, which certainly helps with the added distortion edge. A good number of acoustic/electric shifts are mixed within the songs.
The chunky, Oliva-sung "Another Way" is a highlight, and the stalking chord rhythm of "Blackjack Guillotine" stands out as well.
"Paragons of Innocence" is mechanical-cranking throughout, and "Underture" is a nasty, symphonic, grinding instrumental.
Other good tracks include "Turns to Me," "Morning Sun," "Complaint in the System," the multi-faceted title song, and the piano-based "Anymore".
TRACK LIST: The Ocean/Welcome/Turns to Me/Morning Sun/Another Way/Blackjack Guillotine/Paragons of Innocence/Complaint in the System (Veronica Guerin)/Underture/The Wake of Magellan/Anymore/The Storm/The Hourglass/Somewhere in Time - Alone You Breathe/Sleep/Stay

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