EDGE OF THORNS

Savatage

Progressive Metal

4.03 | 201 ratings

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CCVP
Prog Reviewer

You guys ARE kidding me, right? RIGHT?

So, here we are at the Edge of Thorns, the so called magnum opus of Savatage and Chris Oliva's last album. It was recorded before he was hit and killed by a drunken driver, another great loss to metal, much like the death Cliff Burton was also a great loss. However, this album is not as good as its grade may make you think and it is not the best work of Savatage with Chris Oliva (that being Streets) as it is not also the best work of Savatage ever (that being The Wake of Magellan or Dead Winter Dead). In fact, this is a pretty weak album and i am really surprised it could get so many good grades and reviews.

However, i must admit that Edge of Thorns is a big turning point for Savatage: Zak Stevens tackles the singing department, a significant improvement since Jon Oliva's vocals don't fit well with Savatage's new approach, this is Chris Oliva's last album ever and it is also the last album where Savatage had only progressive influences, since from Handful of Rain they where clearly on the progressive metal track (although i consider Streets to be their first truly progressive metal album).

Grade and Final Thoughts

Though being praised as a good album, most of Edge of Thorns go from mediocre to average, with only very few good moments and that is why i give this album a two star grade (well, actually 1,5 stars but anyway. . .). i'm just glad that they got back on tracks in Handful of Rain.

The highlights go to Edge of Thorns, Labyrinths, Follow Me, Exit Music (best song in the album in my opinion), All That I Bleed and Sleep.

The saddest moments are: He Carves His Stone, Skraggy's Tomb (worst song in the album, in my opinion) and Conversation Piece (cup of tea, yeah yeah??, seriously man, wtf is that???).

CCVP | 2/5 | 2008-8-9

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