This is considered Savatage’s ‘breakthrough’ LP. I have no doubt that this reached a larger audience, but not because of any weekness in the songs. When I first heard this (back when there were no CD’s and just LP’s and tapes!) I was floored. Jon Oliva’s vocals defintely stand out in a big way on this effort. His brother, Criss Oliva also put his own feel in the guitars. This album has a certain sound to it that no other Savatage album has. It sends chills up your spine and has you singing along to classics like, Beyond The Doors of The Dark, White Witch, Legions, Devastation, and the centerpiece of the LP: Hall of The Mountain King, whose intro is from classical music, that being from the composer Grieg, and his Peer Gynt Suite. This album delivers a solid 150% of energy and soaring melody. I doubt there is ANY Savatage fan who doesn’t love this one. If you like any of the releases with Jon OLiva on vocals, and don’t have this yet: GET IT!! And play it loud!