'Gutter Ballet' marks the point where 'Savatage' would start developing their more symphonic / theatrical based side. At this stage they seem hesitant to plough straight ahead with an album full of this new sound and with the exception of four or five tracks continued in a similar vein to 'Hall of the Mountain King'. To further enhance their depth, rhythm guitarist 'Chris Caffery' was added which in turn gave 'Chris Oliva' more freedom to perform, although credited on the album didn't actually feature, as nearly all the tracks were cut before he joined.

The blistering opener quickly dispels fears that 'Savatage' were softening their sound, this is definitely no 'The Fight for Rock'. 'Of Rage and War' is a thumping, politically driven rocker, full of aggressive lyrics, tasty solos and unshakeable vocals and could quite easily have been from 'Hall of the Mountain King'. The pace is dropped for the operatic sounding title track, a masterfully composed cracker, brimming with beautiful pianos contrasting energetic rhythm, also noteworthy is 'Criss Oliva's' fine fretwork. The more progressive side continues with the instrumental 'Temptation Revelation', a fine laid back track that leads sweetly onto 'When the Crowds are Gone'. This piece was taken from a musical lyricist 'Paul O'Neill's' had written in the late 70's and was the influence for 'Savatage's' first full concept album 'Streets'. Musically its a superb track, the emotion behind the vocals in incredible, this is all backed by a great melody. 'Silk and Steel' follows, a 'Led Zeppelin' inspired instrumental, pleasantly played but nothing revolutionary. The second half of the disc is more like old school 'Savatage', and kicks off with the simplistic but powerful blazer 'She's' in Love', lyrically not one of their finest, but an enjoyable romp. Next up is 'Hounds' a brooding number that interchanges gloomy melodic segments with faster riff filled thrashers, the 'Oliva' brothers really shine on this track, with 'Jon' delivering the lyrics with unbelievable power, while his brother just shreds. A tad drawn-out maybe, but fans of their early work should lap this up. 'Unholy' is another "back to basics" track, pretty simple but again a great thumping number complimented by some strafing axe work. 'Mentally Yours' follows, a fair number but ends up getting too repetitive. Better is the superbly written 'Summer's Rain', a much more developed song than any on the second half of the album and highlights the talents of lyricist 'Paul O'Neil', again we see 'Jon Oliva' delivering the vocals with plenty of passion on this overlooked ballad. The vinyl copy of 'Gutter Ballet' closed with 'Summer's Rain' but CD and Tape include 'Thorzine shuffle'. A superb darker number, written by 'Jon Oliva' about his experience in rehab, it features great brooding lyrics, a nasty plodding rhythm and doom laden backing vocals- A disregarded gem.

Definitely on-a-par with 'Hall of the Mountain King' and should please fans that enjoyed that album. The re-released CD also features two additional live track 'Hounds' and 'When the Crowds are Gone' both are great renditions and well worth picking up if you get the chance.