JON OLIVA’S PAIN

And so, on English soil a proud Taj Mahal of its own has risen. Its architect is none other than the well-known Jon Oliva — the voice of SAVATAGE. He handled the role of creative director with a solid "excellent" — his subordinate craftsmen-musicians laid stone upon stone with precision, adorning and animating the massive structure. From the very first chords of "The Dark," you understand you're dealing with a modernized brand of old-school hard rock, not without touches of heavy metal and progressive intricacies. The music veers toward QUEENSRYCHE at times, then sends shivers down your spine with Pink Floyd-esque notes. If there's one thing "Tage Mahal" has in abundance, it's superb melodies (at times evoking QUEEN), and the choruses ring out with all the power they should. The alternation between aggressive anthems (played in a progressive major key, which by no means diminishes their bite) and somnambulistic arias is a delight (listen to "Walk Alone" and you'll immediately see what I mean). The disc is a bit drawn out in places, yet after listening you're left with an overwhelmingly positive, cohesive impression. For those who pine for the impassioned rock of the '70s, this is an unequivocal destination.