Hall of the Mountain King is the fourth studio album by the American heavy metal band Savatage, released in 1987 under the direction of producer Paul O'Neill. It is their first album produced by O'Neill, who was assigned to the band after the tour in support of Fight for the Rock. O'Neill's influence pushed Savatage to adopt a conceptual style beginning with this album. "Prelude to Madness" is an arrangement of Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from the Peer Gynt suite. Oddly, Grieg is not credited for this song, but for the following title track - which is an original song. The intro of "Prelude to Madness" features keyboards and guitar playing "Mars, the Bringer of War" from Gustav Holst's suite, The Planets. The song would be re-recorded by Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2009 under the title of "The Mountain", appearing on that group's fifth studio album, Night Castle. "This Is Where You Should Be", recorded during the studio sessions for this album, was not included; years later it was released on compilations and album reissues. This was the first album to feature the album cover drawn by artist Gary Smith, who was responsible for lead guitarist Criss Oliva's airbrushed guitars at the time. Hall of the Mountain King reached position No. 116 in the US Billboard 200 albums chart. In 2017 and 2019, respectively, Loudwire and Metal Hammer ranked it as the 22nd and 8th best power metal album of all time.
I was not expecting to see this here. Savatage is one of my favourite bands. This album through to Edge of Thorns is basically untouchable. 5/5.
Super enjoyed that; why can't more metal be fun?
Some classical heavy metal (pun intended). The vocalist is amazing, some good riffs now and tegen. Cool album
OK, first time through I wasn’t entirely sold on this… but I was driving around and album repeat was apparently on and the second time through I enjoyed it more… kind of what you might look for if you are looking for some good 80s heavy metal.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Beyond the doors of the dark, Strange wings, Hall of the mountain king, Castles burning
Metaaaaaal!
I'm telling you right now before listening to a note, I'm giving this an extra star no matter what for album art straight out of the 80s Advanced D&D book cover portfolio. Hell yeah buff mountain god, electrocute those giant smoking chalices. OK, I'm back and this did not dissapoint, the music is basically the cover art. Which is a solid 3 out of 3 classic 80s metal on the proggish side. It put a smile on my face: no notes.
Would always go for Gutter Ballet, but title track is as great as ever. The other songs vary from ok-ish to (very) good: 7/10.
Some fun 80s hair metal, great organizing structure to take the classic Grieg track and incorporate it in as the melodic backbone of the album. A bit too much instrumentally at times and not always memorable, but an enjoyable listen and a decent dose of metal.
Mid metal abundant
Not bad
Although I really enjoy metal, especially its more melodic variations, this album didn't resonate with me much, and I found it quite repetitive. It deserves an extra star from me, as I always enjoy metal versions of so-called "classical music" and they did it well enough for me.
Surprisingly good, but not especially interesting 3
Heavy metal, power metal. Ni fu ni fa.
Personally, I feel there are a lot of genre legends I would’ve gone for before this one, but in terms of representing the style it’s accurate. An enjoyable listen
Not my favorite style of metal music. The power metal era always felt like it tried to be a faster more extreme sound that Black Sabbath made in the late 70s but without the ability to capture the same darkness. The longer high pitched notes have always been something I haven’t enjoyed in metal. Overall though there are a few songs that are good. The metal riff of the classical Hall of the mountain king and then the follow up song are both pretty solid. Overall though this isn’t something I’d revisit to listen to again for fun. 5.5/10
We must be near the end of the list. 5 votes for this album
If I can step outside my own cringe, there is obviously some talent here. But wow. This definitely isn't for everyone.
Very ridiculous and over the top Heavy Metal. Did not know anything about this group. Funny they are connected with Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This was about what I expected, fun and inconsequential.
Monday morning blues and I get this nonsense. Was this someone's guilty 80's pleasure? Or a joke.....