Savage Circus - Of Doom & Death (2009)

Formed by Thomen Stauch as an attempt to return to the mid to late 90s appeal of Blind Guardian (just before they started over producing and tracking their albums into cubicle sterility), the Savage Circus Dreamland Manor debut in 2005 was exactly that. Four years later, the followup has arrived, and ironically, Thomen Stauch has been replaced with able veteran and scenester Mike Terrana. The band still features Jen and Emil from Persuader, Piet Sielck and Yenz of Iron Savior, and a style which still remains a hybrid of Blind Guardian's Imaginations from the Other Side and most of Iron Savior's discography.

Essentially, while sitting at a stopgap, waiting for the next Blind Guardian record (which, I'm predicting, will have good songs but sound like ass due to the lazy, excess multi tracking), Savage Circus gives you the opportunity to experience what that band might sound like if it was still producing its best material. Jen Carlsson is nearly a dead ringer to Hansi, just a little more conversative. Piet Sielck's presence is also huge, and I find this band to be best when the two work in concert, which they do often.

Of Doom & Death is strong, stronger than Dreamland Manor; with a powerful, chugging bottom end to weigh down its myriad melodies and the soaring melodies that these two crooners evoke. The album is simply loaded with excellent, driving rhythms, Blind Guardian-level guitars and a wondrous atmosphere. All of the songs are good, though I was truly smitten by "The Ordeal", the mystical "Chasing the Rainbow", and the epic, thundering "Empire".

What more to say? If you loved Dreamland Manor, you will probably like this even more. Thomen may no longer be with the band, but they haven't changed all that much. Since the project was established by a member of Blind Guardian to sound like Blind Guardian (and Iron Savior), it's difficult to call Savage Circus a complete ripoff. The difference is less than Coke vs. Pepsi. So if that possibility offends you, skip it. I'll award no points for originality, just for asskicking, and this album is up there with Grave Digger and Rebellion for the strongest German power metal of late. And it's better than A Twist in the Myth...

Highlights: The Ordeal, Devil's Spawn, Chasing the Rainbow, Empire

Verdict: Win [8.5/10]

http://www.savage-circus.com/