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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Never underestimate the "Mountain King", May 16, 2008
It's pretty depressing to think that we may never see another Savatage album. The band's 25th anniversary came and went with barely a whimper; certainly not the rumored tour or DVD release. It's even more depressing to think that Savatage's demise owes more to business reasons (label issues, the money-making machine that is Trans-Siberian Orchestra) than personal or creative ones. Still, it's good to see that founding father Jon Oliva isn't sitting idle. His solo band Jon Oliva's Pain has released a trio of albums recently that are about as close to Savatage as you can get.
2008's Global Warming is the third Jon Oliva's Pain album, and like 2006's Maniacal Renderings, the album contains some guitar parts written by Jon's late brother (and Savatage co-founder) Criss Oliva. Not surprisingly, these are the songs that sound closest to the old Savatage sound. Still, I wouldn't call this a throwback album. While the earlier JOP albums seemed like a step back from Savatage's rock opera style and more towards the old school metal sound, Global Warning seems like a return to center. It's still undeniably a metal album, but it's a more versatile, more melodic effort. Heavy hitting songs like Stories (there's the patented Jon Oliva scream!), You Never Know, and Adding the Cost are balanced out by more melodic tunes like Walk upon the Water and Firefly. Oliva's unique voice is in great shape on this album, and so are his songwriting skills. Even after 25 years, you still get the sense that he is growing and progressing as an artist, which is pretty remarkable.
Disgruntled Savatage fans (I probably fall into this category) will still feel some disappointment that there isn't any new Savatage material, but if you can get past that, you'll find a lot to love in these Jon Oliva's Pain albums (not to mention Zak Stevens's Circle II Circle albums). The Mountain King is still alive and well, and is still a creative force to be reckoned with.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Third Time's A Charm!, July 10, 2008
Where Taj Mahal was a sometimes-interesting look inside Jon Oliva's closet of demos and Maniacal Renderings was a hit-and-miss step up as a sophomore release, Global Warning hits the nail on the head. 15 excellent tracks (counting the 2-for Touch Someone/Souls and the extra track No More Saturday Nights) that recall the best of both 80's and 90's Savatage! Most of the lyrics are simply wonderful with Jon bearing his soul much as he did on 1991's STREETS album, which I feel is his crowning achievement and the best Savatage release.
The band is at the top of their game here, sounding even better than their first go-round on the first Circle II Circle album. Worth singling out is Matt LaPorte, who eerily seems to be channeling the sprit of Criss Oliva in much of Global Warning's fretwork.
Highly recommended pick of the year, along with Circle II Circle's Delusions Of Grandeur, which also showcases that band at their best, as well.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
jon olivas pain, June 7, 2008
This another great release from oliva and the boys.Lots of different musical styles on this release. Some songs are really heavy like savatage, dr.butcher style and others I can relate queen,and the beatles too.Overall a must have.
thanks guys
bill
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~ Jon Oliva's Pain
~ Testament
~ Jon Oliva's Pain
~ Judas Priest
~ Circle II Circle
by Jon Oliva's Pain 
