First thing I thought when I heard this was that
this reminds me a lot of Blind Guardian. The reason why is that Savage
Circus was started by former Blind Guardian drummer Thomas Staunch.
He started this band as a side-project to form music like Blind Guardian’s
classic albums. Thomas contacted his friend Piet Sielck of Iron Savior,
who suggested a vocalist and a guitarist for the band. Enter guitarist Emil
Norberg and vocalist Jens Carlsson (Persuader)…now with the framework
set all that was needed was one last person to complete the line-up. Staunch
asked his friend Sielck, and Savage Circus was born. Most people would think
that after a band roster is set, that you get together and start writing.
Well this is only partly true with Savage Circus. Since they are from different
countries, they used email, mp3s, and telephone to show the others their
ideas. It’s remarkable how they put the music together. One would
think that it would be hard to work anything out when your band mates aren’t
right there. At any rate, I like how it came out. It really amazes me how
much this sounds like Blind Guardian, that’s not a bad thing…
maybe a little heavier than their recent releases too. Energy filled symphonic
power metal. I don’t know if Norberg was trying to mimic Hansi Kürsch
but he does have a similar presence and style. Obviously it works well for
this style of music. Well the songs are good length and there are some powerful
choruses, what else could you want? If that wasn’t enough, the video
for “Evil Eyes” is a bonus on the North American release and
the cover artwork was by Markus Mayer, who has also done work for Nightwish
and Grave Digger. You can catch Savage Circus at ProgPower USA VII on Friday,
September 15th. Don’t miss it if you are in the area, I’m sure
it will be a great show.
Rating: 81
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
