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Savatage

Musical Group or Musician

American heavy metal band founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva. Known for evolving from classic heavy/power metal into theatrical, symphonic concept albums produced in long collaboration with Paul O'Neill. Criss Oliva died in 1993; the band's music is noted for its piano-driven arrangements, vocal harmonies and narrative concepts.

Founded by Jon and Criss Oliva; early name Avatar. Longtime collaborator and producer Paul O'Neill contributed to the band's concept albums. Zachary (Zak) Stevens became lead vocalist starting with Edge of Thorns era; Jon Oliva remained a principal songwriter and keyboardist. Criss Oliva died on October 17, 1993, in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Members/key collaborators were later involved in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra project.

Reviews consistently praise Savatage's blend of heavy metal, symphonic arrangements and theatrical concept albums. Critics highlight albums such as Streets, Dead Winter Dead, Gutter Ballet and Edge of Thorns and repeatedly note the impact of Criss Oliva's death on the band.

For:Fans of theatrical, symphonic and progressive heavy metal; listeners who enjoy concept albums and guitar-driven songwriting.

 "A SINGLE DEATH IS A TRAGEDY, A MILLION DEATHS IS A STATISTIC." (josef stalin).

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 "On October 17, 1993, when the guitarist and co-founder of Savatage, Criss Oliva, died following a car accident caused by a drunk driver who crossed the street in the wrong direction, the world of heavy metal probably lost one of the greatest guitarists of all time, a death that undermined both the very existence of Savatage and the members of the group, among whom above all his brother Jon."

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 "Do you hear the hounds, they call/ Scan the dark eyes aglow/ Through the bitter rain and cold/ They hunt you down, hunt you down!"

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