This album shows the beginning of Savatage's progressive tendencies as they explore new forms of expression in their music. Many fans consider this album the original turning point in their musical identity, distinguishing between the old and new Savatage. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
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Music Genre: |
Progressive Heavy Metal Music |
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Album Production: Produced by Paul O'Neill . (Paul O'Neill was inhouse producer/sound engineer for Atlantic Records) Sound/recording engineer: James A. Ball, Joe Henahan Bob Defrin - Art Direction Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age. Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period. One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within. Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture. Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal. Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s. Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.
Album cover design: Gary Smith Jack Skinner - Mastering Engineer Jack Skinner is a well-known mastering engineer, working at "Sterling Sound, New York City". During the 1980's he has mastered many albums for Heavy Metal bands, some of them include: Metallica , Exciter , Savatage , Anthrax and many others.
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Record Label Information: |
Atlantic 781 775-1 (781775) |
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Media Format: |
12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
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Year & Country: |
1987 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Savatage Hall of Mountain King |
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Track Listing of: Savatage Hall of Mountain King |
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Album cover photos of : Savatage Hall of Mountain King |
| Photo of Front Cover |
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| Photo of Album's Back Cover |
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Photo of Record Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Savatage is a heavy metal band that formed in 1978 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA. Throughout the 1980s, the band released a series of albums that helped to establish them as one of the most popular and influential bands in the heavy metal genre.
The band's first album, "Sirens," was released in 1983, and it was an instant success among heavy metal fans. The album featured the band's trademark sound, which was characterized by Jon Oliva's powerful vocals, Criss Oliva's shredding guitar work, and the band's fast and heavy rhythm section. The album's title track, "Sirens," quickly became one of the band's most popular songs, and it remains a staple of their live shows to this day.
In 1985, Savatage released their second album, "Power of the Night." The album was notable for its harder, heavier sound, which showcased the band's growing confidence and musical prowess. The album's title track, "Power of the Night," was a rousing anthem that became a fan favorite, and the album as a whole cemented Savatage's reputation as a major force in the heavy metal genre.
The band's third album, "Fight for the Rock," was released in 1986. The album marked a departure from the band's previous sound, as it featured a more commercial, radio-friendly approach. The album was criticized by some fans and critics for its lighter sound and lack of the band's trademark aggression, but it still managed to produce a few memorable tracks, such as "Out on the Streets" and "Crying for Love."
In 1987, Savatage released what would become one of their most popular and enduring albums, "Hall of the Mountain King." The album marked a return to the band's heavier sound, with fast-paced riffing and complex arrangements that showcased the band's growing musical sophistication. The title track, "Hall of the Mountain King," was a thunderous anthem that featured Criss Oliva's virtuosic guitar work and Jon Oliva's powerful vocals, and it remains one of the band's most beloved songs to this day.
The success of "Hall of the Mountain King" helped to establish Savatage as one of the premier heavy metal bands of the era. The band's live shows became increasingly popular, with elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnics that added to the band's already powerful stage presence. The band's growing fanbase also helped to pave the way for their future musical experimentation and innovation.
Throughout the 1980s, Savatage was known for their willingness to experiment with new musical styles and approaches. While the band's core sound remained rooted in heavy metal, they were also influenced by a variety of other genres, including classical music, progressive rock, and even Broadway-style show tunes. This eclectic approach helped to set Savatage apart from other heavy metal bands of the era, and it helped to establish them as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking bands in the genre.