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.
In the vibrant landscape of 1980s heavy metal, Savatage's fourth studio album, "Hall of the Mountain King," emerged as a groundbreaking and transformative work. Released in 1987, the album marked a significant turning point for the band, solidifying their unique sound and setting the stage for their future success.
Historical Context
The mid-to-late 1980s was a period of intense creativity and experimentation in heavy metal. Bands were pushing boundaries, incorporating diverse influences, and exploring new sonic territories. Savatage, formed in Florida in 1978 by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva, had already established themselves as a promising act with their previous albums. However, "Hall of the Mountain King" would propel them to new heights.
Musical Exploration
One of the most striking aspects of "Hall of the Mountain King" is its ambitious musical scope. The album seamlessly blends elements of heavy metal, progressive rock, and classical music, creating a rich and dynamic sonic tapestry. This fusion of styles was a bold move for the band, and it paid off handsomely.
The album's title track, "Hall of the Mountain King," is a prime example of this musical exploration. The song features a powerful main riff, soaring vocals, and intricate instrumentation, all of which combine to create a truly epic listening experience. Other standout tracks include the anthemic "24 Hours Ago" and the hauntingly beautiful "The Price You Pay."
Controversies
While "Hall of the Mountain King" was met with critical acclaim, it also generated some controversy. The album's dark and theatrical imagery, coupled with its often cryptic lyrics, led some to accuse the band of promoting Satanism. However, Savatage vehemently denied these accusations, stating that their music was simply meant to be thought-provoking and entertaining.
Studio and Band Members
"Hall of the Mountain King" was recorded at the Record Plant in New York City, with renowned producer Paul O'Neill at the helm. O'Neill's influence on the album was significant, as he encouraged the band to experiment with different sounds and arrangements.
The album features the classic Savatage lineup of Jon Oliva on vocals and keyboards, Criss Oliva on guitars, Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, and Steve Wacholz on drums. This core group of musicians would go on to create some of the most iconic heavy metal albums of the 1980s and 1990s.
Frontman Jon Oliva
Jon Oliva's powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence were instrumental in Savatage's success. His ability to seamlessly transition between aggressive screams and soaring melodies made him one of the most distinctive vocalists in heavy metal. On "Hall of the Mountain King," Oliva's vocals are at their peak, delivering some of his most memorable performances.
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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, a revered mastering engineer, has made significant contributions to the music industry through his work at Sterling Sound Studio in New York City. Sterling Sound, established in 1968, is one of the most prestigious mastering facilities globally, known for its state-of-the-art equipment and top-tier engineers. Skinner's career at Sterling Sound spans several decades, during which he has mastered albums for a wide range of artists. His portfolio includes work with iconic names such as Metallica, who benefited from his mastering expertise on their groundbreaking debut album "Kill 'Em All" (1983) . This album, often credited with helping to define the thrash metal genre, features seminal tracks like "Seek & Destroy" and "Whiplash." Skinner's mastering played a crucial role in its raw and powerful sound, contributing to its lasting impact on the metal scene. Another notable project in Skinner's illustrious career is Raven's "Live at the Inferno" (1984). This live album captures the raw energy and intensity of the band's performance, and Skinner's mastering work ensured that the live recording translated effectively to the final product. His expertise helped to achieve a powerful and dynamic sound that captured the essence of Raven's live shows, further cementing their place in heavy metal history. In addition to his work with metal legends, Skinner has also mastered albums for diverse artists across various genres, demonstrating his versatility and broad appeal. His ability to enhance the sonic quality of recordings, ensuring they sound their best on all playback systems, is highly regarded in the industry. Skinner's approach to mastering involves a blend of technical skill and artistic sensitivity. He uses a combination of analog and digital equipment to achieve the desired sound, often employing tools such as equalizers, compressors, and limiters to shape the audio. His keen ear for detail allows him to make precise adjustments that bring out the best in each track. Beyond his individual projects, Jack Skinner has also contributed to the legacy of Sterling Sound by mentoring up-and-coming engineers. His guidance has helped to nurture the next generation of mastering talent, ensuring the continued excellence of the studio.
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Record Label & Catalognr: 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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Complete Track Listing of: Savatage Hall of Mountain King |
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Album cover photos of : Savatage Hall of Mountain King |
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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 ). |
The lineup for "Fight for the Rock" consisted of talented musicians who played vital roles in shaping the album's musical direction. Jon Oliva, who also provided vocals, showcased his piano skills on the record. Criss Oliva handled all guitar duties, contributing to the album's heavy and melodic sound.
Fight for the Rock 12" Vinyl LP
One of the most striking aspects of "Hall of the Mountain King" is its ambitious musical scope. The album seamlessly blends elements of heavy metal, progressive rock, and classical music, creating a rich and dynamic sonic tapestry. This fusion of styles was a bold move for the band, and it paid off handsomely.
Hall of Mountain King 12" Vinyl LP
"Power of the Night" showcased Savatage's evolution as musicians. The album featured a tighter, more focused sound than their previous releases, with intricate guitar work by Criss Oliva and powerful vocals by his brother, Jon Oliva.
Power of the Night 12" Vinyl LP