THE WAKE OF MAGELLAN

SAVATAGE have always been a mixed bag for me. I'm not a big fan of Zak's vocals, he reminds me of Alice Cooper but not as good, especially when he really tries to sing with emotion. Anyway this is another concept album and the cover art is pretty amazing to look at. Instrumentally I am a fan of this band, especially when they let their hair down and let it fly. Chris Caffery's guitar work is so impressive.

"The Ocean" is a short intro track with the sounds of waves as the piano joins in followed by the rest of the band as it builds. "Welcome" opens with piano followed by vocals then a full sound. Waves end it. "Turns To Me" is mellow with reserved vocals. It kicks in hard before a minute.Thankyou ! Vocals join in. It settles back as the contrasts continue. Ripping guitar before 5 minutes. "Morning Sun" features strummed guitar as reserved vocals join in. It kicks in after a minute as contrasts continue. I really like the heavy section after 3 minutes as the guitar lights it up. "Another Way" is heavy with rough vocals. Love the guitar before 1 1/2 minutes. It settles before 3 minutes then kicks back in. "Blackjack Guillotine" sounds excellent a minute in as it gets heavier.The guitar is screaming at one point. "Paragons Of Innocence" opens with keys as the heaviness joins in then vocals.This is catchy. He's almost rapping 3 minutes in.

"Complaint In The System" is another catchy tune with piano then a full sound with vocals. "Underture" opens with waves and piano before it turns heavy.This is a very good instrumental. "The Lake Of Magellan" opens with a beat with bass as the vocals join in. It picks up then settles back as contrasts continue. "Anymore" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. It's fuller around a minute. Some vocal melodies before 4 minutes. "The Storm" opens with rain and thunder as piano joins in. Soaring guitar follows after a minute until it ends like it began. My favourite track. "The Hour Glass" opens with piano as vocals and heaviness take over. More passion before 1 1/2 minutes then the tempo picks up 3 minutes in. Some vocal arrangements after 5 minutes. Reserved vocals and piano end the album.

A good but flawed album.