Handful of Rain

Handful of Rain

Track Listings

1. Taunting Cobras

2. Handful of Rain

3. Chance

4. Stare into the Sun

5. Castles Burning

6. Visions [Instrumental]

7. Watching You Fall

8. Nothing Going On

9. Symmetry

10. Alone You Breathe

Tracks:

Taunting Cobras
Handful Of Rain
Chance
Stare Into The Sun
Castles Burning
Visions (Instrumental)
Watching You Fall
Nothing Going On
Symmetry
Alone You Breathe

Customer Reviews:

Jon Oliva's therapy album .......2007-03-26

Handful of Rain in many ways marked the beginning of a new chapter in Jon Oliva's career, considering it was the first ever album written, recorded and produced without his brother Criss Oliva who was tragically killed in a car accident in late 1993. Given that Criss was the primary songwriter and guitarist of the band, it was believed that Savatage would be no more, and every member took a break before deciding what they'd do with their lives. And even though the booklet credits the full band, every instrument was played by Jon Oliva, including rhythm guitars, some acoustic bits, bass, and drums. It was only at the final moment when they brought in vocalist Zak Stevens and former Testament guitar player Alex Skolnick to lay down some leads. So in a way, Handful of Rain could be considered Jon Oliva's first solo effort with some lyrical input and creative arrangement ideas from producer Paul O'Neill.

This is by far the darkest Savatage album ever, considering Jon started writing it about five or six months after Criss' death when he needed something to occupy himself with. There is an ever-present despondent mood permeating the album, kicking it off on a heavy note with "Taunting Cobras", complete with pulverizing riffs and screaming vocals. It is with the creepy intro of the title track (which is also the best video the band have done) that the tone of the album is fully set, mixing dramatic vocals with tinges of acoustic guitar and blues-inflected chords. The song maintains a steady mid-paced flow with occasional slamming rhythms and drums that highlight the chorus. Oliva expands this style with "Castles Burning" and "Symmetry", another depressing piece with its doomy atmosphere, stark acoustic guitars, and heavy parts. At one point during the chorus, Zak Stevens gives away the title of their future album Poets and Madmen, which, ironically, would become another harrowing (yet terribly overlooked) record, not too unlike Handful of Rain.

"Chance" is a turning point in the both the band's discography and history of rock, being the first ever song to use a five-part counterpoint in the end. Savatage would go on to writing many other songs after this one, layering various vocal harmonies to represent the characters' state of mind in their amazing concept albums. Lyrically, "Chance" was inspired by a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania during WW2 who defied the government's orders by signing exit visas for thousands of Jewish refugees and therefore saved them from the Holocaust. Even though he was permanently removed from his position, he never regretted doing what he did. The song examines the various thoughts crossing his mind, and the counterpoint vocal harmony perfectly captures his restlessness thanks to the nice call-and-response type of vocals. Musically too, "Chance" would help forge Savatage a broader form of expression on later albums, mixing lots of piano, sweeped guitar licks, and shattering symphonic orchestrations.

Most fans agree that Handful of Rain presented two major hits, "Chance" and "Alone You Breathe". The former for its innovative structuring and the latter for being the very reason this CD got released in the first place. Jon wrote and dedicated it in memory of his brother, and since he couldn't put out a single track, he then composed other pieces, still retaining the overall intensity and desperation. The lyrics of "Alone You Breathe" are heart-wrenching. At one point towards the end, they borrow the famous "I am the way, I am the light" chorus which was previously used on "When the Crowds Are Gone" and "Believe", and in a way complete the trilogy, except that they are sung by Zak Stevens this time. Zak is at his best on this album: his voice oozes sheer emotion and his singing is indelible. I can even say that Handful of Rain is his most amazing vocal performance ever! The song closes with a wailing lead solo by Alex, but rather than trying to emulate Criss' unique sound, he opts to capture a different vibe and achieves this feat easily. Likewise, his playing on the album is his most moving, and this is coming from someone who worships both The New Order and Practice What You Preach.

Unlike other albums, Handful of Rain is chock full of some of Savatage's most overlooked pieces. The slightly Sabbath-like "Stare into the Sun" and "Watching You Fall" are both masterpieces. The use of semi-distorted guitar doubling and bluesy licks on "Stare into the Sun" takes it to another level, and Skolnick's lead is impeccable. "Watching You Fall" kicks in after the one-minute instrumental "Visions", laced with classical piano and symphonic elements. Lyrically, it addresses the war in Bosnia and the guilt one feels for not doing anything about it except watching the news on TV ("On a TV mounted on the wall | From the distance I can see it all | And I've been out here | Watching you... watching you fall"). Yet, there's no escaping it either ("So close my eyes and pretend I am sleeping | Avoiding the chance that you'll visit my dreams"). This track must have spawned their follow-up album Dead Winter Dead, which is a concept album dedicated to the war. "Watching You Fall" is a powerful tune with a repeated chorus and piano fade-out -- Zak's vocals are so well done that I am inclined to think that not even Jon Oliva himself could have captured the intended mood. It is one of Sava's best songs that brings tears to the eyes.

The album is thought-provoking from a lyrical standpoint as well. Much of it was inspired by real events: for example, "Symmetry" addresses suicide among musicians (the scintillating guitar lead here is mindblowing); while "Castles Burning" is about the murder of an Italian crime attorney; and "Stare into the Sun" represents the confusion of an old black man in Los Angeles who was shot during a riot watching the people burning down his neighbourhood. The song being from the perspective of the victim adds to its intensity.

There is a reason why this album is so stark, being it functioned as a type of therapy for Jon Oliva who was on the verge of losing his sanity or succumbing to alcohol. It is harsh and unfair to criticise it for sounding the way it does. This album was meant to be this way from the beginning. One must take into account the factors that shaped these songs -- may Criss Oliva rest in peace. His brother still carries on.

Good 4.......2006-10-19

Features the best post Jon Oliva (Vocal wise) tune ever in "Handful of Rain". Absolutely one of the most beautiful songs ever. The first track "Taunting Cobras" is really good as well. First 'tage cd without Criss Oliva. Alex Skolnick fits well, but Criss Olivas solos are missed a bit. They dont go for the theme oriented cd here, so its a bit looser with contrasting song structures. A bit too operatic at times (for my taste). Very clear vocals as well. Singer makes it easy to understand each word.
As i have been a 'tage fan for a long time,I still like the older "Dungeons are Calling" type stuff better, but this is a very well produced, enjoyable listen. The singer adds well to the style. Solid 4.

Overcoming Tragedy.......2006-07-11

How does a band overcome the tragic death of a founding member, major songwriter, and utterly brilliant guitarist? That was the question facing Savatage after the untimely death of Criss Oliva. Fortunately for all of us, Savatage would continue as a band, though founder and chief songwriter Jon Oliva would have less involvement in the band's 1994 album Handful of Rain.

Following up 1993's stunning Edge of Thorns was no easy feat, the band, this time with Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick on board, was up to the task. Like Edge of Thorns, Handful of Rain is a glorious power metal album with plenty of progressive and theatrical elements. Jon Oliva and Paul O'Neill continued their brilliant songwriting collaboration, coming up with 10 new songs that demonstrate the band's talent and versatility. Vocalist Zak Stevens seems far more comfortable in his new role, giving a flawless performance. Skolnick gives a standout performance as well, especially considering the shoes he had to fill. Handful of Rain also marks the first time the band used the intricate vocal layering (on the song Chance) that would become an important element of their later albums.

While the album was extremely strong from start to finish, there are some standout songs that rank among Savatage's best, including the title track, Chance, Visions, Watching You Fall, and Alone You Breathe. Truthfully there isn't a weak moment on the whole album.

While the standard version of Handful of Rain is a bargain at $9.98, you may want to spend a little more on the German import version. It has not been remastered, but the 2002 SPV reissue does have a few extras that make it worthwhile. It features 2 additional tracks - the radio edit of Chance, and a nice acoustic version of Alone You Breathe, but the real bonus is that the liner notes have been expanded to include several pages of very detailed information about the band during this particular stage of their career. When added to the chapters from the other SPV Savatage reissues, you'll get the real story behind one of the best (and most underrated) metal bands of all time.

Savatage - 'Handful Of Rain' (Atlantic).......2005-02-23

Always have felt that Savatage was truly an under appreciated metal band that never did get the recognition they deserved. Have seen them several times. Remember hanging out in a club's parking lot with guitarist Criss Oliva(R.I.P.)after a show trading off Three Stooges lines, calling one another a knucklehead, grape head, etc. This was like a month or so before he was killed in a car crash. Glad to see the group decided to carry on. 'Handful...' debuts the former Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick and he appears to fit in rather well, I thought. The band's recently-new vocalist Zach Stevens seems to do the same. What luck,huh? These guys STILL rock!Good tracks include the guitar ridden "Taunting Cobras", "Nothin' Going On", the instrumental "Visions" and "Stare Into The Sun". Wait a minute...what's with all the melodic keyboard playing? I mean, that CAN be a great thing, but in Savatage? Okay,so they're now changing. STILL a decent CD. Long live Savatage!!

Challenging, but Rewarding.......2004-11-05

(...) [The] album was written following the death of Criss Oliva, who was replaced by Alex Skolnick, formerly of Testament. Skolnick provides the guitar solos and I think he does the rhythm guitar work as well, although some say it was done by Jon Oliva. For whatever reason, Jon is not credited as a band member, even though he co-wrote all of the songs and provides keyboard, bass, and drums (the bassist and drummer left shortly after the photo shoot).
Although I could not figure this out myself, many of the songs that seem to have wacko filler lyrics are actually short stories about heroes from many different time periods ("Chance" is supposedly about some Italian guy who saved rare paintings from Nazis). This was my first Savatage album, and it took my nearly 2 1/2 months to fully appreciate all of the songs. There is some really good stuff here, especially the title track and "Castles Burning." Also "Symmetry" and "Watching You Fall" are great progressive rockers. The opening cut is a disappointment, especially considering the amazing openers that Savatage has had over their past three albums. Yet a great solo makes this pretty typical thrash song not as bad. "Chance" has been compared to by many as Savatage's "Bohemian Rhapsody," with different parts and operatic vocals. Yet even with some really good parts, it is not as enjoyable, because while I like Zak's voice, he does not have the operatic quality that Mercury had. The album ends with "Alone You Breathe," which is a fine tribute to Criss Oliva, I just wish that they had added a long guitar solo for a tribute as well. (Did anyone else notice that 1/3 of this song was almost exactly as "Believe" from "Streets?")
Anyway, while not as monumental as many of their concept albums, "Handful of Rain" is still an important CD to own. Alex Skolnick is a very good addition, even though another even better guitarist in Al Pitrelli would replace him. Highly recommended for fans (...)

Average customer rating:

Overcoming Tragedy

Handful of Rain

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Edge of Thorns
Streets-a Rock Opera
The Wake of Magellan
Gutter Ballet
Dead Winter Dead

ASIN: B00006LJ9N
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

Taunting Cobras
Handful Of Rain
Chance
Stare Into The Sun
Castles Burning
Visions (Instrumental)
Watching You Fall
Nothings Going On
Symmetry
Alone You Breathe
Chance (Radio Edit) (Bonus Track)
Alone You Breathe (Acoustic) (Bonus Track)

Album Description

2002 reissue of the U.S. progressive metal act's 1994 album includes two bonus tracks, 'Chance' (Radio Edit) & 'Alone You Breathe' (Acoustic), unseen photos, liner notes, original artwork, & a new booklet. Steamhammer.

Customer Reviews:

Overcoming Tragedy.......2006-07-11

How does a band overcome the tragic death of a founding member, major songwriter, and utterly brilliant guitarist? That was the question facing Savatage after the untimely death of Criss Oliva. Fortunately for all of us, Savatage would continue as a band, though founder and chief songwriter Jon Oliva would have less involvement in the band's 1994 album Handful of Rain.

Following up 1993's stunning Edge of Thorns was no easy feat, the band, this time with Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick on board, was up to the task. Like Edge of Thorns, Handful of Rain is a glorious power metal album with plenty of progressive and theatrical elements. Jon Oliva and Paul O'Neill continued their brilliant songwriting collaboration, coming up with 10 new songs that demonstrate the band's talent and versatility. Vocalist Zak Stevens seems far more comfortable in his new role, giving a flawless performance. Skolnick gives a standout performance as well, especially considering the shoes he had to fill. Handful of Rain also marks the first time the band used the intricate vocal layering (on the song Chance) that would become an important element of their later albums.

While the album was extremely strong from start to finish, there are some standout songs that rank among Savatage's best, including the title track, Chance, Visions, Watching You Fall, and Alone You Breathe. Truthfully there isn't a weak moment on the whole album.

Handful of Rain has not been remastered, but the 2002 SPV reissue does have a few extras that might make you consider replacing your older version. It features 2 additional tracks - the radio edit of Chance, and a nice acoustic version of Alone You Breathe, but the real bonus is that the liner notes have been expanded to include several pages of very detailed information about the band during this particular stage of their career. When added to the chapters from the other SPV Savatage reissues, you'll get the real story behind one of the best (and most underrated) metal bands of all time.