Savatage have been one of America's most serious metal bands since the 1980s, and they never settled for straightforward riffs when they could write something more ambitious. This 1995 release shows them in full command—the songs are substantial and well-arranged, mixing heavy riffing with compositional depth and symphonic elements. Tracks like "The Dungeons Are Calling" and "Visions" showcase a band that respects both the heavy and musical sides of metal equally. The production is clean and powerful, letting the instrumentalists shine without sacrificing the weight you want from heavy metal. If you're into bands like Dream Theater but want it heavier and darker, Savatage is required listening.