SAVATAGE
Ghost In The Ruins - A Tribute To Criss Oliva
Nuclear Blast

Here is the long-awaited American release of Savatage live in concert with their classic lineup. In fitting tribute to the late-great guitarist Criss Oliva, Ghost In The Ruins shows Savatage at their absolute heaviest! This CD includes all their classics..."City Beneath The Surface," "Gutter Ballet," "Of Rage And War," "The Dungeons Are Calling," "Sirens," and "Hall Of The Mountain King." Produced by Paul O'Neill and then vocalist Jon Oliva, Ghost In The Ruins was recorded at various US clubs, venues, and coliseums between 1987 and 1990, when the band were at their prime! Jon Oliva sounds heavier than all living hell and Criss Oliva simply smokes on guitar (particularly on the intro prior to "Hall Of The Mountain King".) This CD truly captures the sheer, intense, metallic power of a Savatage concert. A must for all Savatage fans and any fan of true metal!

SAMSON
Shock Tactics
Sanctuary Music (Reissues)

Sanctuary has also reissued the Samson catalog with Bruce Bruce (Dickinson), including Head on, Shock Tactics, Live at Reading '81, and the pre-Bruce album Survivors. All are classics in their own right, but I will only review Shock Tactics, as it is by far the best. Shock Tactics, originally released in 1981, is simply a heavy metal classic. In my opinion, one of the greatest rock/metal records ever recorded. This album portrays Bruce at his very best. Unlike the harmonious vocal-style he displays with Maiden, Bruce sings straight-ahead, balls-out, gut-wrenched metal on Shock Tactics! This is definitely one of the best metal vocal performances ever recorded on vinyl. Just take a listen to the opening track, a brilliant rendition of Russ Ballard's "Riding With The Angles," Bruce wails and screams like no other vocalist at the time. A true sign of originality! This song is still considered today an underground metal classic. "Earth Mother" follows and is one of my faves. The opening, funk-fueled guitar riff (atop a bad-ass bass line!) explodes into a thunderous metal anthem. Again, highlighting Bruce's savage vocals. He truly shines on this track, as does guitarist Paul Samson, who is an incredibly underrated, soulful guitar player! Paul belts out brilliantly written, tasteful guitar solos throughout. I haven't heard as many memorable blues/metal guitar riffs on a record since AC/DC's Powerage!

The musicianship all-around is first-rate, Masked "hulk" drummer Thunderstick rules! His phenomenal drumming, along with Chris Aylmer steady bass playing, holds down the solid foundation with precise rhythm and groove. The production is also top-notch. Tony Platt (AC/DC, Trust, Motorhead) captures the true raw, metallic power of this band. Bruce also shines in the lyric department as well, especially on "Grime Crime," with its humorous, perverted innuendoes (ala Bon Scott.) This album is as close to perfection as it gets. I could go on forever, but I won't (it's 3 AM and I'm tired.) Other standout tracks include; "Blood Lust," "Go To Hell," "Once Bitten," and the touching ballad "Communion." If you don't already own a copy of Shock Tactics, all I have to say is BUY THIS CD!

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