For those longing the return of a new 'Savatage' album, this latest offering from 'Jon Oliva's' new solo project, simply titled 'Jon Oliva's Pain', should keep your appetite sated. Heavily inspired by the 'Savatage' legacy and musical directions, 'Jon' and his new band consisting of former members from 'Zak Stevens's' 'Circle to Circle', concoct a terrific blend of ''Tage' inspired Progressive Metal. As you would expect 'Jon Oliva' handles lead vocals and although he used to be leaner and meaner, the "Mountain King's" voice still has that distinctive growl. One thing that hasn't diminished are his song writing abilities, which are as usual superb throughout, as 'Jon' pens about past feelings and experiences to create superb imagery in this first chapter of a proposed trilogy.

After a simple piano and vocal intro, 'The Dark' builds into a menacing pulsating rocker well within the old 'Savatage' mould, 'Jon Oliva' quickly confirms his voice still has a lot to offer, while layered backings vocals from 'John Zahner' and 'Kevin Rothney' add great atmosphere to a stunningly penned opener. Next up is 'People Say- Gimme Some Hell' a song composed principally of titles from old 'Savatage' songs and while it might be a little over engineered, it's an effective track, which blends lighter more jazzy sections with 'Oliva' style ripping for another excellent cut. After an instrumental packed intro, the tempo falls for the ballad come rocker 'Guardian of Forever', a track which balances lighter melodic sections with more uptempo yet darker choruses for a shrewdly arranged and ultimately impressive number. The pace is lifted for the lighter more carefree 'Slipping Away', which offers a slightly more commercial sound, yet still has all the qualities you associate with 'Jon Oliva'. Following in fine form is the powerfully sung 'Walk Alone', which skilfully balances melodic with more aggressive vocal driven sections and overall is pretty reminiscent of 90's Progressive ''Tage'. Ensuing is the 'Chris Caffery' / 'Jon Oliva' written 'The Nonsensible Ravings of the Lunatic Mind', which fails to disappoint as the 'Savatage' duo pen an intricate well crafted song, which displays plenty of choice guitar work and more excellent layered vocals. Not quite so impressive is the rowdy sounding 'No Escape', the only saviour is some classic 'Savatage' style instrumentation. Back on track is the superbly penned 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost' a melodious free flowing cut, graced with sharp keyboards and uplifting rhythm work. It's back to the rockers again with the darker more intense 'All the Time', the sublime pulsating groove upholds the song, while 'Jon Oliva' really gives it his all, as he goes from melodic to ripping. A gentler stance is felt for the pulsating 'Nowhere to Run' which includes 'Deep Purple' inspired keyboards while 'Pain' is more aggressive and features plenty of 'Oliva' screeching and guitar solos. 'Outside the Doors' is a more theatrical sounding number, personally I feel it doesn't fits in so well with the rest of the tracks, but all said still a decent track. Last up is the ballad 'Fly Away' which ensues pretty listlessly, but does pick up and highlights plenty of passion in 'Jon's' voice.

A splendid new venture for 'Jon Oliva' and while I think ''Tage Mahal' lacks a couple of real memorable tracks, a very consistent debut from a man who deserves more recognition and also a nod to his new band who positively impress.