Savage Circus - Of Doom And Death

Power Metal
Dockyard 1

2009

1. Of Doom And Death
2. The Ordeal
3. Devil's Spawn
4. Chasing The Rainbow
5. Empire
6. Ballad Of Susan
7. Legend Of Leto II
8. From The Ashes
9. Dreamland

Originally put together by Thomen Stauch, formerly of Blind Guardian, Savage Circus' debut bore no small similarity to that band. Originally it was said Thomen Stauch formed this band because he wanted to move in a different direction than the rest of Blind Guardian, but this album finds the band without Thomen. Though he has left, Savage Circus continues with this, their second release.

Though Thomen is gone, the songwriting and the band seems more than intact. Of Doom And Death continues on in the vein of the first album with it's heavy, speedy, and epic tunes with perhaps just a bit more of a dark touch to the songwriting and feel. In a way this reminds me of the more recent Persuader output, but this is a much speedier beast with the addictive catchyness and powerful choruses that elevate Iron Savior. Piet Sielk's backing vocals really just add that extra something to this band and I love the combo. Savage Circus manages to sound epic without sounding over the top and cheeseball. I never really find myself listening to this thinking it's just a goofy fantasy power metal album... there's far too much heaviness and intensity for that. While this band has some certain Blind Guardian comparisons, I just find them much more easily digestible. Okay, admittedly the song Ballad of Susan heads to the land of fantasy cheese, but I'll give em one ballad. Gotta say that I like it anyways as the vocals are moving. Overall, This is just a solid, addictive power album with the heavy and catchy power of Iron Savior gone epic.

If you like epic power metal with a lot of balls than this is certainly one to check out. Certainly, if you liked the last album, Blind Guardian, Iron Savior, and/or Persuader than this is well worth a listen. Of Doom And Death makes for a solid sophomore release that is enjoyable from start to finish.

Highlights: Of Doom And Death, The Ordeal, Chasing The Rainbow, From The Ashes

Rating - 4.0/5

Savage Circus - Dreamland Manor

Power Metal
Dockyard 1
2005

1. Evil Eyes
2. Between The Devil And The Seas
3. Waltz Of The Demon
4. Tomorrowland
5. It - The Gathering
6. Beyond Reality
7. When Hell Awakes
8. Ghost Story
9. Born Again By The Night

Having departed from Blind Guardian, drummer Thomen Staunch apparently decided he wasn't through with the band's sound yet. Upon leaving he immediately surrounded himself with Hansi soundalike Emil Norberg of Persuader and also their guitarist. Rounding out the lineup we have producer extraordinare and Iron Savior mastermind Piet Sielck on bass, guitar, backing vocals, and producing.

Really the sound on this album is ay direct product of all the bands but it takes just the right parts to make something pretty incredible here. Now I've never been a fan of Blind Guardian but amazingly this new group manages to sort of make a BG album that I not only like, but think is really fuckin good. Imagine if you will the soaring vocal style of Hansi coupled with backing vocals of Piet Sielk merging into those addictive Iron Savior style choruses. Intrigued yet? Well add in some really heavy Iron Savior style chops, some Blind Guardian fantasy moments, and a crystal clear production job. This is really just the perfect fusion I wouldn't have imagined. Incredible songwriting and the band sounds tight as hell.

Blind Guardian, Iron Savior, and power fans in general should eat this up. Great debut from a new band to watch. The only thing I can see holding the band back is the obvious similarities to past bands, but I don't care. What they do, they do exceptionally well. Kinda weird, I should like a band so close to a power band I think is overrated as hell, but it happened here. Just has that Iron Savior quality to it that makes this thoroghly powerful and addictive.

Highlights: Evil Eyes, When Hell Awakes, Between The Devil And The Seas, Born Again By Night

Rating - 4.0/5