Savatage are among the ever-growing list of bands that have changed vocalists over the past few years. Out is long time frontman Jon Oliva (who still contributed to this album as a songwriter and keyboardist) and in is leather-lunged Zachary Stevens, who provided the band with a more diverse vocal delivery. On their latest album, Edge Of Thorns, this Florida-based unit has continued thier tradition of producing some of the most complex, satisfying and inherently intellegent metal albums ever created. Aided by producer/songwriter Paul O'Neill, Savatage is fast emerging as a band on a musical quality level with the likes of Queensryche and Rush. And few higher compliments can be offered.
HIT

Originally published in Hit Parader in a Hit Or Miss review section.