Customer Reviews

Maniacal Renderings

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For all intents and purposes, this is the newest Savatage record; released under the banner of Jon Oliva's Pain, of course. Why isn't this labeled as a Savatage album? Because the members of Savatage are so involved in solo projects and the money-making machine of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, they aren't readily available for Jon Oliva, the perrenial song-writer and voice of Savatage. His current band is at arm's reach, all living in the same general area, and more than willing to aid the Mountain King in his verses.

That said, you have to be more interested in whether or not this is a GOOD Savatage album. Let me assure you, it is. JOP's first album, 2004's 'Tage Mahal, was definitely a throwback to old school Savatage, but Maniacal Renderings is even more retrospective. Much of this release reminds me of Hall of the Mountain King, Gutter Ballet and Streets era. You'll still find some modern-day themes like the killer riffs on Poets and Madmen, plus those familiarly fun, yet strange, vocal melodies that overlap in a clashing sort of way that actually sounds melodic and somehow natural.

Most improved since 'Tage Mahal is the maturity as the band as a whole. While the first JOP almost had the feel of a Jon Oliva solo album, i.e. Jon and his backing band, Maniacal Renderings has a more cohesive feel to the music overall. Jon's new bandmates are definitely coming into their own and feeling comfortable in their roles. The riffs and melodies are oh so Savatage, and the keyboards highlight the songs perfectly, as is usually the case when Jon writes music. The guitar solos compliment the music nicely, although conservatively, the most minor of flaws on a masterpiece.

Jon's voice sounds most superb on this album. I've heard criticisms of his vocals in the past, but I think he's just getting better with age. He's learned from the past, knows his limitations, and performs so with gusto. Some nice touches on this album are during the mellower interludes where he does a fantastic Paul McCartney imitation. His favor of the Beatles really shines through in places, spattered throughout an album full of chaotical musical and vocal presentations.

Musically, I find Maniacal Renderings a very descriptive title, not only for this album, but Savatage/Jon Oliva in general.

Five stars and a GIANT pedastal of gold in my hallowed hall of fame.

Jon Oliva is a musical genius. Savatage fans who are longing for more will not be disappointed by this album. The song "The Answer" is especially relevant to what is going on in the world today. Every song on the album embodies the rich, complex tapestry of music that fans of Jon Oliva and Savatage have come to expect.

Thank you, Jon, for making the world a better place with your music.

Great CD, though not his best. Jon Oliva is one of my heroes as far as music goes. He's got so much talent it's crazy.
I thought his previous album was better than this one, but they are both good. Get them both if you're a Savatage fan. Also check into Dr. Butcher (Oliva's other project).

This album is a revolution .. Jon is just amazing and he came at the right time specially in this album .. I really loved this album even more than Tag Mahal .. He put an amazing part in every single song to make you wait for it .. I can't believe that this album was made on 2006 !! Pls Jon remains the same and keep the good work ..

Awesome, Brilliant..I am speechless.. Vocals, music, solos, keyboards..
Hope he gets the appreciation he deserves

THIS CD IS PARTLY BASED ON SONGS AND IDEAS THAT CRISS AND JON OLIVA HAD BEFORE CRISS UNTIMELY DEATH. FROM THE FIRST RIFF EVERYONES A KING TO THE ACOSTIC TRIBUTE TO CRISS I STILL PREY THIS CD ROCKS WITH THE SOUNDS OF THE PAST, THIS CD IS IN THE MOLD OF SIRENS AND POWER OF THE NIGHT
A MUST FOR ALL SAVATGE FANS
RIP CRISS
PS YOUR BROTHER JON HAS DONE YOU PROUD