The Album Reader Reviews:
Title: Poets and Madmen
Artist: Savatage
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 4/17/01		 There are currently 2 Reader Reviews of this album.
Average Rating: 3.5
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    • Submitted by Jake (5/3/01):
    So I may be the only guy in the world who was disappointed to hear that Zak was leaving the band. Truth be told I thought he added a whole new dynamic to the band without truly sacrificing the quality of the band. Sure I personally like Jon's singing on the more traditional heavy metal songs from the 80s and early 90s, but they had Criss Oliva back then, and I don't think they can shred so well with out him, so having Jon Oliva singing still wouldn't put give the band their edge back.

    Well that's what I thought anyway. So I'm at the concert the other day, and this intro comes on..."do you hear the commissar..." and then suddenly the band comes out of nowhere and the band is rocking like there is no tomorrow. I'm just kind of awed at not just the cool stage lights (this was at the Odeon Cleveland), but more so at the awesome energy on stage, the killer driving riff and Chris Caffrey just going nuts on lead guitar.

    So these 4 guys are up on center stage sweeping their long manes around and playing badass heavy metal. At this point I pretty much realized I had to buy the new album (not that I wouldn't have anyways, but it made me get the album immediately after that). The new singer was awesome and so was this concert, but that is another subject to talk about.

    The album itself is full of quality. Yeah, there are a couple of fillers on here, but most of them rock, so who cares? Songs like "Drive" aren't really Savatage's thing (I dont believe they've had a song about driving before), but it does display the theme of the album which so far I would most clearly describe as a struggle with ones conscience against the wrong in the world. That is of course compounded by problems with love and substance abuse. Of course every Savatage album kind of covers this topic, but I'll be honest, besides the introductory story which is kind of lame, I really think this is their best concept yet. It isn't so in your face that it's cheesy yet they get their point across and it's the type of thing that just makes you feel positive.

    Anyway, you want to hear about good songs right: "Morphine Child" and "Commissar" are the singles I think, and they are great. "Commissar" sounds better live with the twin guitars, but that doesn't mean it's half bad in the studio. "Morphine Child" is killer. There are lots of jam session with lots of cool riffs and solos and dynamic parts that remind of chance or older Savatage. "Surrender," "I Seek Power" and "Back to a Reason" are probably my favorites next to "Morphine Child" and "Commissar."

    And hey this album is long too. 66 minutes I believe. So if you don't like say, "Awaken" (which I don't find too exciting, but not awful), then you've got another 62 minutes of album. And let's say you don't like "Awaken," and you also hate Zak Stevens' voice. Well then you won't like the bonus track, but you still have 56 minutes to listen to.

    Buy this album. It's probably the best since Handful of Rain. And could potentially give the Criss stuff a run for its money.
    5 out of 5

    Submitted by Rain (4/22/01):
    I would like to first and foremost say that I have always been a huge Savatage fan! Criss Oliva was my biggest guitar influence growing up playing... but since his sad departure, the band has moved directions. I like the triumphant vocals and somber pianos, but the edge is gone... I think this album is boring. The guitar riffs I've heard ("Commissar" sounds like "He Carves His Stone") are good from Caffery, but seem forced, as if they are trying to write music that sounds like old Savatage. Also some of the lyrics are generic as in "I Seek Power."

    Also, why is everyone so glad John is singing all the tracks-- I am not! I thought Zach was a great singer, and should be missed.

    This album is no "Edge of Thorns" or "Hall of the Mountain King." If you are a Savatage fan, you should check it out, but if you are new to the Sirens... use your cash to check out their earlier material!
    2 out of 5

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