Formed in 78' by brothers 'Jon and Criss Oliva', playing a pretty uncompromising metal, in the vein of early British Power Metal. Played about with a more commercial style in the mid 80's, but after disappointing fans returned with the solid 'Hall of the Mountain King'. Later releases maintained the harder edge but started incorporating more operatic concept pieces. Lead guitarist 'Chris Oliva' was sadly killed in 93', his replacement was to be former 'Testament's' 'Alex Skolnick' and in turn 'Al Pitrelli'. 'Jon Oliva' took time away from fronting the band and brought in 'Zachary Stevens' who features on the four albums previous to 'Poets and Madmen' which saw 'Jon Oliva' fully fronting the band. Future releases have been put on hold, as 'Jon' is now fronting his own side project 'Jon Oliva's Pain', which is thankfully in the classic 'Savatage' style.
