Chris Caffery. The guitarist of SAVATAGE? Exactly. As the majority of his band also is venturing off into different project Chris now also has decided to stomp out into the Metal scene on his own legs. To aid him, he has surrounded himself with a potent group, Paul Morris (keyboards), Dave Z (bass) and SAVA drummer Jeff Plate, who together with Chris’ already known skills on the six string make sure that the instrumental side is beyond any kind of criticism.

Now when you look at the line-up, you might have noticed that I have not mentioned any singer. Well, the guy on the mic listens to the name of Chris Caffery. The guitarist of SAVATAGE? Exactly. With proud ten hours of singing lessons under his belt, he decided to take on the challenge and I have to say that for that he does a damn good job. And one can also make out one big role model: Jon Oliva! Yes, Chris apparently has listened to the „Mountain King“ for a few times and noticed that he can do the same, at times coming damn close to the original, not really a disadvantage, if you ask me.

And musically? There “Faces“ more than once reminds me of SAVATAGE as well, but thankfully not the for SAVA disappointing “Poets And Madmen” release. The quite interesting intro “Alas” leads right away into the title track, borne by heavy riffing, the rough/melodic vocals of Chris and a certain sense for dramatics, before “Fade Into The X“ presents us with a song that with its vocals, structure and the light choirs would fit onto a SAVATAGE album almost perfectly. Altogether Chris covers the whole spectrum from dramatic Metal over powerful Hard Rock up to very emotional and unkitschy ballads and in every department leaves a more than good impression.

“Pisses Me Off“ truly lives up to its title and Chris lets off a lot of steam, from terrorists over war up to the coffee prices at Starbucks get their bit, just like on the equally aggressive “The Mold“. That ballads also are among his strengths, is proved by the duo “Never“ and “Far Away“, one of the heaviest ballads I have heard in a while. “Jealousy” then is a song that some people might take “offence” in, not because it was bad or vulgar, not at all, but towards the end Chris belts out the word “Jealousy” 109 times in a row!

And if 76 minutes and 16 songs were not enough yet, Chris adds a bonus CD titled “God Damn War” with more than 40 minutes, which gives us his very critical view of the topic war and fittingly the music also has an added heavy edge, in quality there is no let down to be noticed for sure.

Normally I am not a big fan of solo albums, but this double disc more than makes up for the last SAVATAGE album and should appeal to most fans of the American legend. A very strong album you should definitely check out, I am enthused! (Online October 18, 2004)