Savatage/Nevermore/Vicious Rumors

Thursday, September 6, 2001

Pound SF - San Francisco, CA

On September 6, Savatage kicked off the second leg of their US tour for the critically acclaimed Poets And Madmen CD, at San Francisco's newest (and best) venue for metal, Pound SF. Hot on the heels of appearances at some of Europe's premiere metal festivals, as well as a support slot on Judas Priest's European tour, Savatage made their return to home soil before an extremely appreciative and loyal throng of supporters. Founder Jon Oliva (vocals/keys) and long-time members Criss Caffery (guitar), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), and Jeff Plate (drums), were joined by newcomers Jack Frost (guitar) and Damond Jiniya (vocals) in a set that represented all eras of the bands illustrious history.

Oliva and Jiniya contributed dueling vocals to newer numbers such as 'Commissar' and 'Morphine Child', as well as classics 'Sirens', 'By The Grace Of The Witch and 'Unusual'. Jiniya's vocals were particularly impressive during numbers from the Edge Of Thorns (title track, 'He Carves His Stone'), Handful Of Rain (title track, 'Chance'), and Gutter Ballet (title track, 'Of Rage And War') records, and his stage presence was nothing less than stellar. Jiniya is a star in the making and a Savatage record with his vocal contributions will be most anticipated. The band ended the night with 'Tonight He Grins Again', 'Believe' and a terrific rendition of 'Hall Of The Mountain King'. Savatage left nobody disappointed and many wondering why this band is not a huge, global entity. Savatage rules!

As varied and technically sound as Savatage's set was, that is how intense Nevermore's 45-minute opening set was. Warrel Dane and crew incited a frenzied response to numbers from 'Dead Heart In A Dead World', and also treated the crowd to some older tunes from 'Politics Of Ecstasy'. Highlights included 'Inside Four Walls', 'The Heart Collector' and set closer 'The Sounds Of Silence'. The bay area's Vicious Rumors also performed, using the show as a warm-up gig for their upcoming European tour (supporting Savatage, who will be venturing overseas again shortly, and Symphony X). The band received an enthusiastic response to their return.