Savatage - Sirens (1983) | Analysis, Fun Facts & Trivia

Savatage - Sirens (1983)

Savatage — Sirens (1983)

Release Date: April 1983
Label: Par Records (original), later reissued by Combat Records
Genre: Heavy Metal / Power Metal
Length: ~34 minutes
Producer: Dan Johnson
Studio: Morrisound Recording, Tampa, Florida

Sirens is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Savatage. Released independently in 1983, it introduced the Oliva brothers’ powerful songwriting and became an influential early entry in the emerging U.S. power metal scene.

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Background

Before Sirens, Savatage operated under the name Avatar. After recording the EP City Beneath the Surface (1982), the band changed its name to Savatage to avoid legal issues with another band. Sirens was recorded on a modest budget but showcased the group’s dramatic, melodic approach to heavy metal.

The album helped establish Tampa, Florida, as a growing hub for metal music—years before the city became known for death metal.

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Tracklist

1. Sirens

2. Holocaust

3. I Believe

4. Rage

5. On the Run

6. Twisted Little Sister

7. Living for the Night

8. Scream Murder

9. Out on the Streets

(Some early pressings listed slight variations in sequencing.)

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Band Line-Up

• Jon Oliva – vocals, keyboards

• Criss Oliva – guitars

• Keith Collins – bass

• Steve “Doc” Wacholz – drums

Production

• Dan Johnson – producer

• Recorded at Morrisound Studios, Tampa

Criss Oliva’s neoclassical-inspired guitar work and Jon Oliva’s high-pitched, theatrical vocals became defining elements of the band’s sound.

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Musical Style

Sirens blends traditional heavy metal with speed and early power metal elements. The album features:

• Rapid twin-guitar runs

• Dramatic vocal melodies

• Occasional progressive tendencies

• Dark lyrical themes

Songs like “Sirens” and “Holocaust” showcase aggressive riffing, while “Living for the Night” reveals the band’s melodic and emotional side—something that would later define Savatage’s more symphonic era.

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Commercial Performance & Reception

• Initially released on a small independent label, the album had limited distribution.

• Gained underground popularity through tape trading and word of mouth.

• Reissued in 1985 by Combat Records, increasing exposure.

Though it did not chart internationally at the time, Sirens later earned cult classic status among U.S. metal fans and collectors.

Critics retrospectively praise it as a foundational American power metal album, influencing later bands in the genre.

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Cover Art Description

• A wooden sailing ship on dark, rough ocean waters.

• The scene is set at night, with deep blue/black tones dominating the image.

• The sea looks turbulent, creating a dramatic, ominous mood.

• The band logo “Savatage” appears at the top in sharp, angular red lettering.

• The album title “Sirens” appears below in a lighter font.

The imagery connects directly to the mythological idea of sirens luring ships to danger, which fits the nautical theme of the artwork.

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Reissues & Variations

• Some later Combat Records reissues (mid-1980s) slightly altered color tones and layout.

• Certain CD editions feature cropped or adjusted versions of the original illustration.

• Bootleg and remastered editions sometimes enhance brightness and contrast, making the demon figure more visible than on the darker original vinyl.

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Fun Facts & Trivia

• 🎸 Criss Oliva’s Early Brilliance: Many fans consider Sirens an early showcase of Criss Oliva’s exceptional guitar talent.

• 🎤 High Vocal Range: Jon Oliva’s vocal style here is rawer and higher-pitched than on later Savatage albums.

• 📀 Low Budget Recording: The album was recorded quickly and cheaply, contributing to its raw production sound.

• 🔥 Underground Classic: Original Par Records pressings are highly sought after by collectors.

• 🏙️ Tampa Roots:** Recorded at Morrisound Studios, which later became legendary in metal history.

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Did You Know?

• The band’s original name, Avatar, had to be changed before Sirens due to legal conflicts.

• “Living for the Night” became one of Savatage’s early signature songs and was frequently performed live.

• The album helped lay the groundwork for Savatage’s evolution into more progressive and symphonic metal territory in later releases like Hall of the Mountain King and Gutter Ballet.

Savatage – Biography, Discography, Awards & Trivia

Savatage is an American heavy metal band known for blending traditional heavy metal with progressive rock, symphonic elements, and theatrical storytelling. Formed in 1979 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, the band became one of the most respected cult acts in metal history and later gave birth to the hugely successful Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO).

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Origins & Early Years

Savatage was founded by brothers:

• Jon Oliva – vocals, keyboards

• Criss Oliva – guitar

Originally called Avatar, the band changed its name to Savatage in 1983 (combining “Savage” and “Avatar”).

Their early sound was raw, powerful heavy metal influenced by Judas Priest, Queen, and progressive rock bands. As their career progressed, they developed a signature style that mixed heavy riffs with piano-driven ballads and conceptual storytelling.

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Key Members (Classic Lineups)

• Jon Oliva – Vocals, keyboards (founder)

• Criss Oliva – Guitar (founder, died 1993)

• Zak Stevens – Lead vocals (joined 1992)

• Johnny Lee Middleton – Bass

• Steve “Doc” Wacholz – Drums

• Chris Caffery – Guitar

• Al Pitrelli – Guitar

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Tragedy That Changed the Band

In 1993, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed by a drunk driver. His death deeply affected the band’s direction. After this, Savatage shifted further into symphonic and conceptual albums, laying the groundwork for Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

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Studio Albums

Early Heavy Metal Era

1. Sirens (1983) – Raw and aggressive debut.

2. The Dungeons Are Calling (1984) – EP follow-up.

3. Power of the Night (1985) – Classic 80s metal energy.

4. Fight for the Rock (1986) – More commercial attempt.

5. Hall of the Mountain King (1987) – Breakthrough album; fan favorite.

Progressive & Concept Era

6. Gutter Ballet (1989) – Introduced piano-driven and theatrical elements.

7. Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) – Full concept album; cult classic.

8. Edge of Thorns (1993) – Last album with Criss Oliva.

9. Handful of Rain (1994) – Emotional tribute era.

10. Dead Winter Dead (1995) – Included “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)” (later huge with TSO).

11. The Wake of Magellan (1997) – Progressive concept album.

12. Poets and Madmen (2001) – Final studio album to date.

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Most Popular Songs

• “Hall of the Mountain King”

• “Edge of Thorns”

• “Gutter Ballet”

• “Believe”

• “When the Crowds Are Gone”

• “Chance”

• “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)”

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Awards & Recognition

• Considered pioneers of progressive metal and symphonic metal.

• “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)” became a massive success through Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

• Recognized as a major influence on bands like Nightwish, Symphony X, and Kamelot.

• Achieved gold status in multiple markets through related projects (TSO).

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Fun Facts

• The band’s name “Savatage” combines Savage + Avatar.

• Producer Paul O’Neill played a major role in shaping their symphonic direction and later co-founded Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

• Jon Oliva is often called the “Mountain King” by fans.

• Savatage’s theatrical live shows helped pioneer symphonic metal performances.

• Several Savatage members became part of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s touring lineup.

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Did You Know?

• “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)” started as a Savatage instrumental before becoming a holiday classic.

• The album Streets was inspired by the novel A Streetcar Named Desire and rock opera traditions.

• Jon Oliva stepped down from full-time vocals due to vocal strain but continued as a composer and keyboardist.

• Despite not achieving massive mainstream success in the U.S., Savatage built a huge cult following in Europe and Japan.

• The band has reunited for special performances, but has not released a new album since 2001.

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Legacy

Savatage stands as one of metal’s most innovative yet underrated bands. Their transition from traditional heavy metal to complex rock operas influenced the development of progressive and symphonic metal worldwide.

Their music lives on not only through their albums but also through the global success of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, making Savatage one of the most important hidden pillars of modern metal.

Savatage – Full Member Biographies

Savatage has gone through multiple lineup changes over the decades, but several key musicians shaped the band’s legendary sound. Below is a detailed biography of the most important members, including early life, musical background, family notes (where publicly known), and interesting trivia.

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Jon Oliva

Born: July 22, 1960 – The Bronx, New York, USA

Early Life

Jon Oliva moved with his family to Florida at a young age. He grew up in a musical household and was heavily influenced by classical music, The Beatles, Queen, and heavy metal bands. He started playing piano and later became known for combining classical-style keyboards with metal.

Role in Savatage

• Co-founder of Savatage (originally Avatar) with his brother Criss Oliva.

• Lead vocalist (early years), keyboardist, main songwriter.

• Known as the “Mountain King.”

Personal Life

• Jon has kept much of his private life out of the spotlight.

• He has children and has spoken publicly about family being important to him.

• Has faced personal struggles including substance issues, which he has discussed openly in interviews.

Fun Facts

• Stepped down from full-time lead vocals in the early 1990s due to vocal strain but continued writing and playing keyboards.

• Co-created Trans-Siberian Orchestra with Paul O’Neill.

• Known for his powerful, gritty voice and theatrical songwriting style.

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Criss Oliva

Born: April 3, 1963 – Pompton Plains, New Jersey
Died: October 17, 1993

Early Life

Criss Oliva moved to Florida with his family and began playing guitar at a young age. He was deeply influenced by Randy Rhoads and Tony Iommi. His playing style combined speed, melody, and emotional phrasing.

Role in Savatage

• Co-founder and lead guitarist.

• Wrote many of the band’s most iconic riffs and solos.

• Key force behind albums like Hall of the Mountain King and Gutter Ballet.

Tragic Death

In 1993, Criss was killed by a drunk driver while on his way to a festival with his wife. His death devastated the band and permanently changed Savatage’s direction.

Legacy

• Widely respected among guitarists as one of metal’s most underrated players.

• Many later Savatage songs were inspired by his memory.

• Honored through ongoing performances and tributes.

Did You Know?

• Criss’s guitar work on “Hall of the Mountain King” is considered one of metal’s finest solos.

• His final performance was recorded on Edge of Thorns.

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Zak Stevens

Born: February 25, 1960 – Columbia, South Carolina

Early Life

Zak was originally the singer of the band Wicked Witch before being recruited by Savatage in 1992 after Jon Oliva stepped back from lead vocals.

Role in Savatage

• Lead vocalist from Edge of Thorns (1993) onward.

• Brought a smoother, more melodic vocal style.

• Fronted the band during their most symphonic and conceptual period.

Personal Life

• Married with children.

• Known for being approachable and fan-friendly.

• Also fronted the band Circle II Circle after Savatage slowed activity.

Fun Facts

• Initially hesitant to join because he was a huge Savatage fan.

• His debut on Edge of Thorns was a major success.

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Johnny Lee Middleton

Born: April 29, 1963 – Tampa, Florida

Early Life

Middleton started playing bass in his teens and joined Savatage in the mid-1980s.

Role in Savatage

• Longtime bassist and steady member through multiple eras.

• Also active in Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Personal Life

• Keeps his personal life private.

• Married with children (not publicly detailed).

Fun Facts

• Known for his consistent presence in both Savatage and TSO.

• Played on most of the band’s classic albums.

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Steve “Doc” Wacholz

Born: November 15, 1962 – New Jersey

Early Life

Nicknamed “Doc” because he studied pre-med before committing fully to music.

Role in Savatage

• Drummer during the classic 1980s era.

• Known for high-speed double bass drumming.

• Played on Hall of the Mountain King and Gutter Ballet.

Fun Facts

• His technical drumming helped define Savatage’s early power-metal sound.

• Later pursued non-musical interests outside the band.

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Chris Caffery

Born: September 9, 1967 – Suffern, New York

Early Life

Started playing guitar at age 11 and joined Savatage in the late 1980s as a touring guitarist before becoming a full member.

Role in Savatage

• Guitarist and backing vocalist.

• Played a major role in the progressive era.

• Longtime member of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Fun Facts

• Known for his energetic live performances.

• Has released several solo albums.

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Al Pitrelli

Born: September 26, 1962 – New York City

Early Life

Studied at Berklee College of Music.
Highly respected session guitarist before joining Savatage.

Role in Savatage

• Joined after Criss Oliva’s death.

• Played on Dead Winter Dead and The Wake of Magellan.

• Brought strong technical precision.

Fun Facts

• Also played with Megadeth, Alice Cooper, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

• One of the most versatile guitarists associated with Savatage.

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Paul O’Neill (Producer & Creative Partner)

Born: February 23, 1956 – Died April 5, 2017

Though not an official band member, Paul O’Neill was crucial to Savatage’s evolution.

Role

• Producer and lyricist.

• Introduced orchestral and conceptual elements.

• Co-founded Trans-Siberian Orchestra with Jon Oliva.

Legacy

Without Paul O’Neill, Savatage may never have evolved into the theatrical, symphonic force they became.

Download Savatage's Albums from Amazon

Savatage Full Discography

More Albums: 

Savatage - Sirens (1983)

Savatage - Power of the Night (1985)

Savatage - Fight for the Rock (1986)

Savatage - Hall of the Mountain King (1987)

Savatage - Gutter Ballet (1989)

Savatage - Streets: A Rock Opera (1991)

Savatage - Edge of Thorns (1993)

Savatage - Handful of Rain (1994)

Savatage - Dead Winter Dead (1995)

Savatage - The Wake of Magellan (1997)

Savatage - Poets and Madmen (2001)