Savatage - Live 2025

Savatage - Welcome Lyrics (The Wake of Magellan, 1997): The lights come on The set is down The curtain's flown away To all you creatures of the night I say it's time we play We'll show you things That in your life You'd never dreamed you'd know So now before the ghosts arrive It's welcome to the show Minstrels, kings, explorers Fantasies on order Ghosts and dreams awakened Stories long forsaken The minstrel and the sorcerer Are switching their disguise The jester drinks and starts to think That he alone is wise The governor and journalist Exchange a Judas kiss And now before the song is done The plot begins to twist Ghosts and lost explorers Fate with all her daughters Saints and hopeless sinners Wise men in their winters Know Welcome to the show Welcome to the show Welcome to the show Welcome to the show John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

Jesus Saves Lyrics: Jesus was a talker Out of place New Yorker Hung out on the boulevard Sellin' nickel candies Saving all his quarters Bought himself a cheap guitar Started playing' bars The kids came in their cars You'd hear them shouting at the stage Jesus saves Jesus saves Jesus started changin' Things got really strange He saw his tee shirts everywhere Started missing shows The band came down to blows But Jesus He no longer cared Things got out of hand And so he quit the band But still the critics they would rave Jesus saves Jesus saves Her him cut through the night On your late night radio waves So the dice were cast Today became the past And Jesus He just disappeared Headed for New York Or so his label thought And there he gave away the years Last seen drinking wine Beneath a flashing sign Promising salvation to strays Jesus saves Jesus saves Her Him cut through the night On your late night radio waves John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

Taunting Cobras Lyrics: Hey, you She's gonna get you If you go walking by this corner slow Don't think she's gonna let you leave Just because you want to go Boy, you ain't seen nothing yet It's a long train of regret Puppets get no second chance Pull that string They gotta dance Parellel addiction is a double crucifixion When you're always out there, feeding your head Always channel surfing cause your brain it isn't working When you're looking for that moment, just remember Don't look Don't stray Don't talk it over No time No way Listen to me, I'm cold sober You're just out there Taunting cobras Hey, you Who's gonna warn you When it's something you don't want to know Don't think it won't deform you Twist your mind Then let it go Boy, you ain't seen nothing yet It's a long train of regret Puppets get no second chance Pull that string They gotta dance Welcome to the prison Let me tell ya what you're missing I've been coming here For nearly a year Out there was my corner 'Till I came in for a water mixed with whiskey And a chaser of sideways glances Don't look Don't stray Don't talk it over No time No way Listen to me, I'm cold sober You're just out there Taunting cobras Don't look Don't stray Don't talk it over No time No way Listen to me, I'm cold sober You're just out there Taunting cobras Songwriters: Paul O'neill, Jon Oliva John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

Lyrics for “Sirens” by Savatage: On the sea They heard the voices sing Through the storm The island's closing in They'd heard tales Of lives lost at sea Deserted beach just beyond their reach You're approaching the island of the Sirens Sirens Hungry for man tonight Sirens Sirens Claiming the sailors' lives Nine men made it to a shore A night of terror Lies neatly in store Who are those women? Are they real? Is this just a crazy dream? You're approaching the island of the Sirens Sirens Hungry for flesh tonight Sirens Sirens Claiming the sailors' lives Terror happens quickly Remains till the sailors are gone They vanished in the night Sirens singing their song Whoa--till they're gone... John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

Another Way Lyrics: Writers: Jon Oliva, Paul O’Neill, Al Pitrelli Album: The Wake of Magellan (1997) Times were changing Eighteen years and fading Ain't a lot of time left to be a star On an island All alone and dying Walk upon the water But you won't get far Dreams and visions Tied into decisions Saw you on a postcard From the other side Hope and glitter Never feeling bitter Walk upon the water Just to be your bride Don't tell me now That there is nothing more There is a how Just like there is a door And if there's not to be another way You tell me why Why Why Stay and follow If the words are hollow Gotta go along Cause it's all you got Each day earn them Turn around and burn them Think you're fitting in But you hope you're not Neatly drowning Every drink you're downing If you drink enough You'll forget the game Each illusion Wrapped in absolution Live your life in weekends But it's not the same Don't tell me now That there is nothing more There is a how Just like there is a door And if there's not to be another way You tell me why Why Why John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

The Wake of Magellan features Zak Stevens’ lead vocals, and intricate guitar work by Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli, carrying forward the spirit of Criss Oliva’s style. The song’s structure alternates between reflective verses and a soaring, anthemic chorus, with orchestral flourishes that highlight Savatage’s progressive and theatrical evolution. The repeated plea to “Dear God” and the imagery of “the wake of Magellan” underscore the spiritual and exploratory undertones of the narrative. The Wake of Magellan Lyrics: As he stood upon the watch deck Looking out onto the sea It would offer no solutions Only silent company So he took hold of the reasons As he tried to understand But they offered just confusion As they bled into his hands Dear God Could you please offer a prayer For those who are lost And for those who still dare As the night gave way to morning And the sun began to rise He was caught up in the moment As the sea reflected in his eyes And he knew that his salvation Was to leave it all behind And to seek another horizon Where the sea and sky entwine Dear God Could you please offer a prayer For those who are lost And for those who still dare In the wake of Magellan Through the oceans of time In the wake of Magellan Through the oceans we’ll climb As he stood upon the watch deck Looking out onto the sea It would offer no solutions Only silent company Dear God Could you please offer a prayer For those who are lost And for those who still dare In the wake of Magellan Through the oceans of time In the wake of Magellan Through the oceans we’ll climb In the wake of Magellan Through the oceans of time In the wake of Magellan Through the oceans we’ll climb John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

The song, written by Jon Oliva and Paul O’Neill, is a poignant ballad from the concept album Dead Winter Dead about the Bosnian War, reflecting themes of love and hope amidst conflict. This Is the Time (1990) Lyrics: Watching in silence I hesitate it was not in the plans all of our lives we could only wait it was out of our hands and every war where we took the day it was all in our heads and though the dark we dream at night they were better unsaid but this is the time and this is the place and we have the time and we have the grace the moment is now in all history the time has arrived and this is the one place to be yeah yeah we placed our years in the hourglass they were never unearned still we seemed destined to watch them pass it was never our turn but this is the time and this is the place and we have the time and we have the grace the moment is now in all history the time has arrived and this is the one place to be yeah yeah this is the time and this is the place and we have the time and we have the grace the moment is now in all history the time has arrived and this is the one place to be yeah yeah John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

Strange Wings Lyrics: She is a native of the stormy skies, yeah I, I caught a glimpse from the depths of my eyes Atop a black winged mare Casting a wicked stare She throws her head back And rides into the night She flies strange wings Behind a thin disguise She flies strange wings Still tears she cries Oh I, I followed her To the brink of dawn, yeah She, she took control of my very soul, yeah She’s still a mystery In her arms I long to be I don’t know why I turn and reach to the sky She flies strange wings Behind a thin disguise She flies strange wings Still tears she cries She flies strange wings Behind a thin disguise She flies strange wings Still tears she cries Strange wings Behind a thin disguise Strange wings Tears she cries John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

“The Storm” is an instrumental from Savatage’s 1997 album The Wake of Magellan, showing a sailor’s fight in a stormy sea, part of a story about loss and hope. Its heavy guitars and drums fit Savatage's style perfectly John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).

The song portrays a person grappling with hidden emotional pain, revealed through a letter that exposes their inner struggles, with the plea for night to "soak up all that I bleed" symbolizing a desire for escape or relief from their suffering. It reflects themes of vulnerability, betrayal by one’s own heart, and a longing to flee from overwhelming personal turmoil. All That I Bleed Lyrics (Edge of Thorns, 1993): Someone got themselves a letter In the mail the other day It's already worn and tattered And I guess it gives away All the things we keep inside All the things that really matter The face puts on its best disguise And all is well until the heart betrays She knows as she reads her letter That things were bound to stray Winds blow, she pulls her coat tighter And the letter flies away With all the things she keeps inside All the things that really matter The face puts on its best disguise And all is well until the heart betrays Lord, bring on the night Wrap it all around me Let it hold me tight Soak up all that I bleed Lord, bring on the night Wrap it all around me Let it hold me tight Soak up all that I bleed And I'll fly away Yeah, I'll fly away Yeah, I'll fly away Watch me Lord, bring on the night Wrap it all around me Let it hold me tight Soak up all that I bleed I bleed John Oliva Zachary Stevens Al Pitrelli Chris Caffery Johnny Lee Middleton Jeff Plate Criss Oliva Alex Skolnick Savatage is an American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The band was first called Avatar, but, shortly before the release of their debut album Sirens (1983), they changed their name to Savatage, as Avatar was already taken by another band. Savatage is considered a significant member of the American heavy metal movement of the early-to-mid-1980s and has been cited as a key influence on many genres, such as power metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, death metal and symphonic metal. Savatage has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, four compilations and three EPs. The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, Handful of Rain, Dead Winter Dead, The Wake of Magellan, Poets & Madmen, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).