Savatage--Hall of the Mountain King

Savatage--Hall of the Mountain King (1987) Rating--7.7

A bit of a more advanced and "breathable" release, as the distortion and overall recording sound is more up-to-date. However, at the same time, not be-all, end-all consistent. Plenty of cool chops, but some songs are unmemorable. The tracks that do stick out, though, do so with passion and conviction.
The title track is very well known, with its grinding main riff that sets up a brimstone strut throughout. Other strong Oliva-based cuts include the slashing "Beyond the Doors of the Dark," "The Price You Pay," the churning and dark-note-laden "Legions," and "Devastation".
"Strange Wings" is a slower 'Tage track, but features solid bar chord work. Another twist is the instrumental and title cut lead-in "Prelude to Madness," with its classical undertones, and nice keyboard/guitar gothic mix.
A solid metal album in the middle of Savatage's catalog.
TRACK LIST: 24 Hrs. Ago/Beyond the Doors of the Dark/Legions/Strange Wings/Prelude to Madness/Hall of the Mountain King/ The Price You Pay/White Witch/Last Dawn/Devastation

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