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Band Timeline

1979

Formation of Avatar, the band that would become Savatage

In 1979, brothers Jon and Criss Oliva formed their first band together under the name Avatar in Tarpon Springs, Florida. This early formation marked the beginnings of what would evolve into Savatage. They practiced intensively and played locally, building their foundation in heavy metal. Their lineup solidified in the early 1980s with the addition of drummer Steve 'Doc' Wacholz, known for his hard style, and bassist Ronald Leon Sisson joining later to support Jon Oliva.
1983

Debut album 'Sirens' and transition to the name Savatage

Shortly before releasing their debut album, the band changed their name from Avatar to Savatage due to copyright issues with the name Avatar. Their 1983 debut album 'Sirens' established them in the American heavy metal scene. The band combined elements of power metal with their own style, gaining initial attention. This early period also saw the band perform extensively in Florida and lay the groundwork for their evolving sound.
1987

Release of 'Hall of the Mountain King' and collaboration with Paul O'Neill

'Hall of the Mountain King,' the band's fourth album released in 1987, marked a turning point in Savatage's career. This album involved significant collaboration with producer and songwriter Paul O'Neill, who would become a major figure in their future works. The album brought critical acclaim, with its blend of heavy metal and progressive elements starting to define the band's maturing sound, solidifying their reputation in the metal community.
1990

Shift towards progressive metal with 'Gutter Ballet'

In 1990, Savatage released 'Gutter Ballet,' an album that cemented their transition from earlier power metal into a more progressive metal style infused with theatrical and opera-inspired lyrics. This album marked a new artistic direction, showcasing complex compositions and storytelling. Collaborating closely with Paul O'Neill, the band grew its fan base and artistic reputation, influencing subgenres within metal and setting the stage for their ambitious rock opera approach.
1991

'Streets: A Rock Opera' release expands the band's narrative scope

'Streets: A Rock Opera,' released in 1991, was a continuation of Savatage's evolution into a band embracing progressive and theatrical metal. This concept album featured elaborate storytelling and operatic influences that reinforced the band's innovative standing. Commercially and critically successful, it broadened their reach and demonstrated their ability to craft narrative-driven metal albums, inspiring many in the metal genre and solidifying their legacy.
1993

'Edge of Thorns' release and tragic death of guitarist Criss Oliva

The 1993 album 'Edge of Thorns' featured the band's only charting single with the title track, showcasing their continuing musical evolution. However, the year was deeply marked by tragedy when guitarist and co-founder Criss Oliva died in a car accident in October, only six months after the album's release. Criss's death profoundly affected the band, but Jon Oliva and producer Paul O'Neill decided to continue Savatage in his memory, honoring his legacy through their music.
1994-2001

Continued releases, lineup changes, and the eventual hiatus

Following the loss of Criss Oliva, Savatage released four more studio albums throughout the 1990s, including further explorations into progressive metal. The band experienced several lineup changes during this period but maintained its core creative vision through Jon Oliva and Paul O'Neill's leadership. By 2002, after years of producing influential music and touring, Savatage entered an extended hiatus. During this time, members pursued other projects such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Circle II Circle.
2014-2015

Brief reunion and Wacken Open Air performance

In 2014, Savatage announced a reunion for the 2015 Wacken Open Air festival, one of the world’s largest metal festivals. This performance was significant for fans as it marked the first time in over a decade the band came together on stage. Although there were discussions about continuing the reunion with future shows or new music, the band resumed their hiatus after this event, leaving fans hopeful but without a full-fledged return to active status.
2020-2023

Work on new material and confirmed official reunion

Between 2020 and 2021, several interviews revealed the band members collaborating on new music, signaling a serious return to creative activity. Jon Oliva officially confirmed Savatage's reunion in April 2023. The band is currently working on a new studio album, tentatively titled 'Curtain Call,' which would be their first new album in over twenty years. This development represents a significant comeback for a band integral to American heavy metal history.

Albums

savatage_1st_album
Sirens
9 tracks
1983
📷
No Image
Power of the Night
10 tracks
1985
savatage_3rd_album
Fight for the Rock
11 tracks
1986
savatage_4th_album
Hall of the Mountain King
11 tracks
1987
savatage_5th_album
Gutter Ballet
11 tracks
1989
savatage_6th_album
Streets: A Rock Opera
12 tracks
1991
savatage_7th_album
Edge of Thorns
13 tracks
1993
savatage_8th_album
Handful of Rain
10 tracks
1994
savatage_9th_album
Dead Winter Dead
13 tracks
1995
savatage_10th_album
The Wake of Magellan
16 tracks
1997
savatage_11th_album
Poets and Madmen
11 tracks
2001
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Steve Wacholz

N/A

Chris Caffery

2014

Guitar

Jon Oliva

N/A

Jon Oliva

N/A

Johnny Lee Middleton

1985

Keith "Thumper" Collins

N/A

Jeff Plate

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Jack Frost

2001
2002

Chris Caffery

1994
2002

Guitar

Al Pitrelli

1995
2000

Electric guitar

Zak Stevens

1992
2000

Criss Oliva

1983
1993

Steve Wachholz

1980
1993

John Zahner

1991
1992

Keyboard

Additional

Background vocals

Electric guitar

Chris Caffery

1989
1990

Guitar

Story of Savatage

Hailing from Tarpon Springs, Florida, Savatage emerged in 1979, forged by the Oliva brothers, Jon and Criss. Initially christened Avatar, a name clash forced a rebranding just before their 1983 debut, Sirens. This pivotal shift marked the beginning of a legendary career. Savatage became a cornerstone of the US heavy metal scene in the early-to-mid 80s, profoundly influencing countless metal subgenres.

Their prolific output includes eleven studio albums, two live albums, five compilations, and three EPs. While Fight for the Rock (1986) brought them initial chart success (#158 Billboard 200), Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991), and Edge of Thorns (1993) solidified their critical acclaim and cemented their legacy. Tragedy struck on October 17, 1993, when Criss Oliva died in a car accident, just six months after Edge of Thorns` release.

Undeterred, Jon Oliva (with producer Paul ONeill) carried on Savatages torch, releasing four more studio albums amidst several lineup changes before an extended hiatus in 2002. The bands members went on to create other notable projects, including Jon Olivas Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle, and Doctor Butcher, further cementing their impact on the broader landscape of rock and metal.

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