JON OLIVA, the Mountain King is back with his band PAIN to divert with orchestral metal at its best. At first the introduction entitled Global Warning sounds bombastically, the adoption of a Hammond organ and the maestro’s weird screams can be heard – like it used to be in old Savatage days! Jon uses his voice very variably on Global Warning, every now and then distorted, then again in aggressive manner, but oftentimes in clear pitch – incomparable!
I will pick out some songs to show the enormous variety this album offers. Look At The World is a swinging number with airy guitar melodies and choral chants. JON OLIVA’S PAIN can also rock heavy and straight like the powerful Adding Cost proves. During the track Before I Hang Jon screeches as in his early days and adds zest to his vocal performance by using his clear pitch in contrast – this is a real catchy tune. The highly melodic guitars are also responsible that I take this composition close to my heart! The ballad Firefly features floating keyboards and emotional vocal performances; the listener is abducted to a relaxed mood, the beautiful refrain causes goose pimps. The following song Master contains some modern tunes and these ones fit the band perfectly and care for alternation. Though I miss the certain something in this track – it is interesting but cumbersome and a little bit unspectacular. The anew ballad The Ride arises romantic feelings like sitting round a bonfire dissolved by cool rock feeling. In further course the fantastic dramatic Walk On Water, which is built up like a musical or the unerring Open Your Eyes reach vertiginous heights on the intensity’s scale.
Global Warning oscillates between calm tunes and fresh rocking parts, arranging the album variably and interesting. JON OLIVA uses his vocal chords very adeptly and his band has the right touch for alternating instrumentation. The Mountain King’s ability to create such emotional music after all these years is really admirable!