Is The Best and the Rest a good place to start with Savatage?

Yes, The Best and the Rest is recommended as a starting point for new Savatage listeners. A dynamic blend of orchestral metal and theatrical storytelling showcasing Savatage's signature power and progressive influences. By the time 'The Best and the Rest' was released in 1997, Savatage had already established themselves as a key player in the heavy metal scene with their earlier albums like 'Hall of the Mountain King' (1987) and 'Gutter Ballet' (1990). This compilation album came during a transitional period for the band, following a series of successful concept albums that showcased their evolving sound and narrative depth.

Who is The Best and the Rest for?

The Best and the Rest works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, theatrical storytelling moments throughout and introspective ballads for reflection.

How many songs are on The Best and the Rest?

The Best and the Rest has 15 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

The Best and the Rest

Savatage · 1997

75 min · 15 tracks · heavy metal

A dynamic blend of orchestral metal and theatrical storytelling showcasing Savatage's signature power and progressive influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

→
Gutter Ballet Start here — This track exemplifies Savatage's unique fusion of heavy metal with classical influences, showcasing both intricate instrumentation and powerful vocals.
→
Jesus Saves — As one of their most iconic tracks, it captures the band's dramatic storytelling style while addressing themes of redemption and sacrifice.
→
Edge of Thorns — The song features haunting melodies intertwined with poignant lyrics, reflecting the band's ability to convey complex emotions through music.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
theatrical storytelling moments throughout
introspective ballads for reflection
powerful anthems for cathartic release
late-night listening with depth

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer short, standalone pieces

Where this album fits

Themes: theatrical storytelling· redemption and sacrifice· orchestral metal fusion
Career context: By the time 'The Best and the Rest' was released in 1997, Savatage had already established themselves as a key player in the heavy metal scene with their earlier albums like 'Hall of the Mountain King' (1987) and 'Gutter Ballet' (1990). This compilation album came during a transitional period for the band, following a series of successful concept albums that showcased their evolving sound and narrative depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Trans-Siberian Orchestra· Iced Earth· Queensrÿche

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Tracklist

1 Gutter Ballet Start here 6:20
2 Degrees of Sanity 4:37
3 Jesus Saves 5:14
4 Edge of Thorns 5:54
5 Agony and Ecstasy 3:34
6 Chance 7:49
7 Complaint in the System (Veronica Guerin) 2:39
8 The Hourglass 8:06
9 Voyage 2:28
10 Prelude to Madness 3:13
11 Hall of the Mountain King 5:33
12 This Is the Time (1990) 5:41
13 Believe 5:43
14 Desire (acoustic Piano version) 3:54
15 All That I Bleed (acoustic Piano version) 4:35

What to play next

Listen next

Believe

1998

Go back to

The Wake of Magellan

1997

Full Savatage discography Where to start with Savatage Artists like Savatage

heavy metal power metal progressive metal

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