Not for the first time in 'Savatage's' history major line-up changes were the order of the day for 'Poets and Madmen', the most notable sees 'Jon Oliva' being reinstated to lead vocals, with 'Zak Stevens' leaving to spend more time with his family. 'Al Pitrelli' also takes a back seat only providing additional guitars, thus leaving 'Chris Caffery' a freer range to display his talents. As with previous ''Tage' albums many of the song are concept driven although not to the same degree as say 'Streets' or 'Dead Winter Dead', needless to say the penmanship of 'Paul O'Neill' and 'Jon Oliva' is still just as impressive.

A short piano driven introduction announces the opening track 'Stay with Me Awhile', a song which nicely balances melody with power, 'Jon Oliva' rolls back the years with a fine performance and is well supported throughout. Next up is the splendidly penned and arranged 'There in the Silence', I'm not totally sure about the synthesiser opening, but what follows is a very classy piece of work, with the sublime guitars and atmospheric keyboards combining especially well with 'Jon's' gravelling vocals. The ensuing track 'Commissar' was chosen for a single release and a good hearty rocker it is too, starts off subtle then develops into a trademark ''Tage' theatrical piece, interspersed with plenty of punchy fret work from 'Al Pitrelli' and 'Chris Caffery'- good stuff. The more straightforward 'I Seek Power' continues with mixed results, musically there are some impressive moments, but for me the chorus is lacking as it comes across as too downbeat and takes momentum away from the track, 'Jon Oliva' also doesn't really shin here. The more simplistic 'Drive' takes an almost Thrashy approach, not really in 'Savatage's' comfort zone, in fact I don't think 'Jon's' vocals lend themselves to the song, but the rhythm and guitaring is excellent- overall a little reminiscent of 'Dr. Butcher'. The epic 'Morphine Child' is up next and is a typical piece of class from 'Paul O'Neill' and 'Jon Oliva', that's beautifully arranged throughout it's ten minute running time, highlights here are the effective layered vocals and glorious subtle guitaring, both help make this a superb composition. Taking a slightly different direction is 'The Rumor' a track which balances acoustic sections with heavier more uncompromising sections, not sure it totally comes off but definitely some nice sections. The tempo falls for 'Man in the Mirror', which displays a softer side to 'Jon Oliva's' voice, the pace is unexpectedly lifted as the song proceeds and fails to disappoint with it's atmospheric melody and 'Chris Caffery's' choice fret work. 'Surrender' follows with a similar approach, switching from melodic openings to hearty rocker, while 'Awaken' is a comparable yet more aggressive piece, that at times is reminiscent of their early period. 'Back to a Reason' closes affairs in balladsy fashion, another fine piece but perhaps we've heard this track previously in one form or another, thankfully the song is eventually turned on its head and closes the album on a high.

Another sublime piece of work for ''Tage', perhaps at times there is that recycled feel from earlier concepts, but it's still a winner and also nice to see 'Jon Oliva' fronting the band once again.