Seems like Jon Oliva's been listening to some 70's hard rock and prog records of late, as the latest Jon Oliva's Pain release Global Warning is chocked full of raging Hammond organ, proggy synths, searing slide guitar lines, and crunchy riffs. In addition, expect plenty of hints at late 80's era Savatage here, especially on the manic "Adding the Cost", the theatrical "Before I Hang", and the dramatic, symphonic "Firefly", which could have easily been a leftover from Streets or Gutter Ballet. Oliva's vocals have held up surprisingly well over the years, his venemous snarl given a futuristic spin thanks to some nifty effects on "Master", and mixes his melodic side with more aggressive passages on the bluesy "The Ride". It's safe to say that Jon still likes to show his love for The Beatles, evident on "Walk Upon the Water", but for the most part, Global Warning is filled with heavy, progressive tinged thumpers, most of which are loaded on the back end of the CD, like "Stories", "You Never Know" (a real vintage Savatage sounding piece, featuring some killer guitar work from Matt LaPorte), and the grinding "No More Saturday Nights". Kudos to the band here (LaPorte, keyboard player John Zahner, bassist Kevin Rothney, and drummer Christopher Kinder), as each puts in a stellar performance here, giving these dramatic and well arranged songs the muscle they need.
Fans of Savatage, TSO, and 70's heavy rock & prog should eat this latest release from Jon Oliva's Pain right up.
Track Listing
1. Global Warming
2. Look At The World
3. Adding The Cost
4. Before I Hang
5. Firefly
6. Master
7. The Ride
8. O To G
9. Walk Upon The Water
10. Stories
11. Open Up Your Eyes
12. You Never Know
13. Someone/Souls
14. Untitled Track
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
