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Savatage
The Wake of Magellan
(Atlantic)
This is the tenth studio album from a band that has had almost as many member lineups. Regardless of personnel changes, Savatage has been delivering quality rock since the mid-eighties. This disc, like many of their others, is a concept album. It tells the story of an old sailor who thinks that his life has become worthless and wishes for death. He takes to the sea in search of his wish, but in the course of this deed, with the help of the ocean, finds new meaning in his life. Savatage has a decidedly metal edge to them, but this CD has such depth both musically and lyrically, that it defies categorization. In the words of Spinal Tap, "it's a fine line between stupid and clever." Savatage walks that line, flirting with pomposity, but always coming up on the side of grandness. The band incorporates elements of blues, opera, and classical music without losing their hard rock roots. The accompanying 32-page CD booklet must also be mentioned, as it is an excellent written guide to the disc. This is not just a great heavy metal album, it is a fabulous work that will entertain and impress far-reaching tastes in music. Visit Savatage on the web at www.savatage.com.
Jeff Muendel
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