What does The Dungeons Are Calling sound like?

A relentless fusion of thunderous riffs and theatrical melodies that encapsulates the spirit of 80s heavy metal. Rooted in heavy metal and progressive metal. Start with "The Dungeons Are Calling".

Is The Dungeons Are Calling a good place to start with Savatage?

Yes, The Dungeons Are Calling is recommended as a starting point for new Savatage listeners. A relentless fusion of thunderous riffs and theatrical melodies that encapsulates the spirit of 80s heavy metal. Released on March 22, 1984, The Dungeons Are Calling was Savatage's second studio album, following their debut, Sirens. At this point in their career, the band was carving a niche in the heavy metal scene, transitioning from a promising newcomer to a more recognized name with a distinct sound that blended power and progressive elements.

Who is The Dungeons Are Calling for?

The Dungeons Are Calling works well if you're into theatrical narratives with dark themes, steady pacing for focused listening and immersive storytelling through song.

How many songs are on The Dungeons Are Calling?

The Dungeons Are Calling has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Dungeons Are Calling

Savatage · 1984

40 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal

A relentless fusion of thunderous riffs and theatrical melodies that encapsulates the spirit of 80s heavy metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Dungeons Are Calling Start here — The title track sets the tone for the album with its dramatic narrative and powerful instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature blend of melody and heaviness.
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By the Grace of the Witch — This track features captivating riffs and an engaging vocal performance that exemplifies Savatage's knack for combining storytelling with musical intensity.
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Metalhead — With its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, 'Metalhead' serves as a declaration of identity within the metal community, resonating with fans through its empowering message.
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City Beneath the Surface — This track stands out for its complex song structure and atmospheric depth, reflecting Savatage's early experimentation with progressive elements in their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and energetic performances but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the sixth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
Each song features multiple tempo changes, often shifting from fast-paced verses to slower, more dramatic choruses.
The album includes theatrical elements in its vocal delivery, with dramatic phrasing and varied dynamics that enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

theatrical narratives with dark themes
steady pacing for focused listening
immersive storytelling through song
energetic tracks for active engagement

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Savatage's place in heavy metal and received critical acclaim.
Themes: dungeon narratives· witchcraft imagery· metal community identity
Career context: Released on March 22, 1984, The Dungeons Are Calling was Savatage's second studio album, following their debut, Sirens. At this point in their career, the band was carving a niche in the heavy metal scene, transitioning from a promising newcomer to a more recognized name with a distinct sound that blended power and progressive elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Trans-Siberian Orchestra· Iced Earth· Queensrÿche