Savatage’s “latest” release ‘Madness Reigns From The Gutter’ is a live album featuring recordings from 1990. Recorded at The Palace in Hollywood, California, during the Gutter Ballet tour. This was originally a broadcast for the “Revvin’ At Eleven” radio show on 105.5 KNAC. The recordings from that show on June 29, 1990, were retrieved from the archives for this release and expertly remixed and remastered.
the classic line-up
Don’t forget that we’re dealing here with a band that, at that time, had everything it took to break through and join the ranks of the world’s greatest. The classic lineup featured Jon Oliva, Criss Oliva, Steve “Doc” Wacholz, Johnny Lee Middleton, and Chris Caffery.
Of course, it’s an oversimplification to say that the band was never the same after Criss’s passing, and that’s certainly true to a certain extent. The guitar virtuoso sadly left us far too soon, but fortunately, Jon kept the band alive after his death, which has given music fans quite a bit of wonderful music. For example, what about ‘Dead Winter Dead’, or ‘Handful of Rain’? Not even to mention ‘Streets’ or ‘Edge Of Thorns’, albums that luckily also feature the great playing of Criss.
Nevertheless, I think these recordings showcase a band at the top of their game. What a machine!! At the time of these recordings, the band had just completed an impressive tour schedule and was in perfect sync with one another. Jon’s vocals are haunting, and Criss’s guitar playing is out of this world. But let’s not forget the contributions of Johnny, Steve, and Chris, because these guys provide the cement needed for a solid foundation. Finally, there’s a Savatage live album that’s fitting for this period of the band’s history.
the best of
And the setlist is a real treat. Especially if you’re a fan of songs from the band’s early years. This is simply a “best of” the early Savatage years.
“City Beneath the Surface,” “Of Rage And War,” “Power Of The Night,” “Sirens,” “Gutter Ballet,” “Hall Of The Mountain King,” “When The Crowds Are Gone,” and “Strange Wings.” They’re all on these recordings and more.
This album is a must-have for Savatage fans. Beautifully designed, with extended liner notes by Jon Oliva. The only downside, in my opinion, is the ugly cover. I understand that the photo of Jon and Criss is priceless, but to actually use it for the album cover? They should have used artwork from that era instead. But anyway, that’s just my opinion, and of course the cover doesn’t detract from the quality of the album.
the way it always should have been
Fortunately, Savatage is still around in 2026 and will be touring extensively again this summer. After years of waiting, that’s a joy, and that’s how I view this release as well.
Available for years only as a bootleg, but now finally released the way it always should have been. Thanks for this gift.
Report by Raymond Helebrand
