Jon Oliva’s Pain Festival
by Franco Wissa
Staff Writer
It was fellow Hardrock Haven staff writer, Jordan Rex, who, in his bio, talks about a “gut reaction” when hearing a particular track. He goes on to say, “… if the music itself doesn’t elicit an emotional response of some sort, what’s the point.” Truer words have never been spoken. Music is the most sincere form of expression on the planet. The writing of a track, a CD or lyrics has to come from down deep in your “gut.” Then from there, the feeling has to show through in your musicianship, and how the music plays out to us, the listeners. We need to feel the same anger, love, hate and fervor that the songwriter is trying to convey into his music. And if we don’t, as Jordan says, “…what’s the point.” Some bands have that capability and talent to convey their feelings in droves (At Vance, Firewind, Royal Hunt, Gotthard,) and others, well not so much.
Born in New York City in 1960, Jon Olivia, since 1976, has been heavily involved in music, as a member of his early bands, Metropolis and Alien, which soon after the addition of his brother Criss, morphed into Avatar. But after learning that a German band with the same name was threatening a lawsuit if they continued to use the name, a “S” was put in the name, which from Savatar, and at the suggestion of Criss’s wife became Savatage, who would go on to release a solid body of work. However, on October 17, 1993 a tragedy occurred when Criss was killed in a devastating vehicle accident. Over the years, Jon Oliva, in addition to his membership in Savatage, would come to be part of a myriad of projects with both Circle II Circle, Jon Oliva’s Pain and Trans Siberia Orchestra.
Coming into view is Jon Olivia’s Pain latest Festival. The follow up to 2008’s Global Warning, and the band’s fifth studio release overall. First off, it must be pointed out, the emotional response comes through- and comes through in massive droves. The opening track, “Lies,” is ripe with sounds of angst, disgust, emotional turmoil and a man at his wit’s end. Jon Olivia pulls this one off superbly with solid drumming, guitar riffs and razor edge sharp solos. It is dramatic as hell and a highlight of the CD.
Things get exceptionally brooding with the following track, the dark, keyboard heavy, “Death Rides a Black Horse.” The focal point of this track, the growling vocals notwithstanding is the superb backdrop of the keyboards. Intertwining their way around thick, solid guitar chords the keyboards lay an intricate weave which only adds to the ominous vibe. As a completed track, it all comes together wonderfully, and holding it all together are the delicious keyboards. The sounds of thunder open the title track, “Festival.” Sadly the full sound heard up to this point is dropped a notch as the sound becomes subdued and the expressive musicianship gets lost in vocal screams.
The gorgeous piano of “Afterglow,” with its striking vocals and attention must be given to the lyrics. Give a listen to the lyrics of “Afterglow,” as they tell of “what we try to hide…in the dark of night.” The hard rocking “I Fear You,” the gentle “Looking For Nothing,” the monster sized “The Evil Within,” the tender acoustic guitars of the 7-minute “Winterhaven,” are superb. Again this track is accentuated by a delicately played piano.
Closing out Festival is “Now.” A stunning ballad that tells of a man alone, missing the women he loves. “Now,” is as poignant as any track. The vocals tug at you, and as the listener closes their eyes, and allow the keyboards, cymbal rolls and harmonies to swirl around, time is forgotten and slowly the listener’s head begins to nod in time with the tempo to its fading end. Absolutely perfectly played.
On the whole, Festival is imposing, striking, loud and larger-than-life. Each instrument comes in and out of earshot at perfect times. The tracks come together in their individual complete form wonderfully. The sound is excellent and the mixing, as always, ideal. Festival leaves you wanting to hear more and that is what makes a CD worth hearing. It elicits that emotional response like few CDs heard have. For along with the “gut reaction” spoke of by that Hardrock Haven reviewer, all the torment, personal chaos, hatred and affection sung crawls its way to the listener’s core and from the “gut” one can feel of all these emotions. From opening track to closing, this is truly a collection that needs to be heard.
Label: AFM
Track Listing:
Lies
Death Rides a Black Horse
Festival
Afterglow
Living on the Edge
Looking For Nothing
The Evil Within
Winterhaven
I Fear You
Now
Hardrock Haven Rating: 9/10