'Sirens' is the first outing for the 'Oliva' boys and they start out in the uncompromising manner that they maintain throughout most of their career. What is immediately evident about this debut is the technical abilities of the 'Oliva's', 'Chris' with his distinctive yet magnificent guitaring and 'Jon' with his earth shattering vocals. Although 'Sirens' isn't as refined or cleverly penned as later albums, the sound is pretty distinctive, the nearest comparison would possibly be 'Armoured Saint', Thrash influenced but still well within the traditional Metal sound, albeit edging towards early Power Metal.

First off is the ''Tage' classic 'Sirens', a superb song that's still performed today and while this original version doesn't rip like later live renditions, still a quality track full of menacing lyrics, superb 'Jon' screams and deft guitaring from 'Criss'- Stunning live. Following in fine form is the apocalyptic 'Holocaust' that ebbs and flows magnificently thanks to fine work from 'Steve Wacholz' and 'Keith Collins', the atmospheric sound effects are particularly effective and this is one of many memorable cuts. The tempo falls for the brooding intro to 'I Believe' before developing into a hard hitting rocker, graced with a couple of fine 'Criss Oliva' solos and some fitting galloping rhythm work. Nastier still is the Thrash Metal of 'Rage' and what it lacks in refinement it makes up for with vigour, while the simplistic yet pulsating 'On the Run' is enjoyable but perhaps a tad under developed. Better still is the grooving ripper 'Twisted Little Sister', nicely penned and braced throughout by some sublime riff and rhythm, 'Jon Oliva' gives it plenty for this unusual but potent track. The fine run continues with the rigorous 'Living for the Night', which displays more fine work from the 'Oliva's', especially 'Criss' who's fret contribution can't be overlooked. More impressive material is brought about by 'Scream Murder' a menacing rocker, which highlights a glorious vocal performance from 'Jon', who displays plenty of his trademark screams. The tempo falls for the final track 'Out on the Streets', a fairly ordinary effort, that was later reworked for 'Fight for the Rock' and as with that version falls a little short.

The silver anniversary edition comes complete with two bonus tracks, the first of which is 'Target' a gloomy mid tempo affair, that while well within the early ''Tage' sound, is a little run-of-the-mill. Much better is the 'Hall of the Mountain King' reminiscent 'Living on the Edge of Time', a no-nonsense belter, full of classic 'Jon Oliva' and choice guitar licks from his brother. A hidden instrumental track can be found right at the end of the CD, a sweet melodic guitar piece, no doubt played by 'Criss'.

If you are into the more theatrical 'Zak Stevens' sounding 'Savatage' this might not be your bag, but those who like the rawer ''Tage' like myself, will see this as a splendid debut.