Text by: Wellington Penilha
On April 19th, the 30th anniversary edition of the Monsters of Rock ( tickets on sale ) will feature a historic event: the return of Savatage after a decade away from the stage. In addition to their festival show, the band will also perform at Espaço Unimed on April 21st, sharing the stage with the heavy and complex Opeth – get your tickets now !
We've prepared a list of what to expect from this magical night shared between the two bands.
1. The triumphant return of Savatage
After ten years away from the stage, the legendary band led by Jon Oliva returns with a vengeance live. Unfortunately, the founding member will not be at the performances, as he fractured a vertebra in an accident in 2023 and also battles multiple sclerosis. The setlist promises to be a parade of classics like "Gutter Ballet" and "Hall of the Mountain King," recapturing all the grandeur that made Savatage one of the most iconic heavy metal bands.
2. Opeth and their sonic journeys
If there's one thing Opeth knows how to do, it's create atmospheres. Mikael Åkerfeldt takes the audience on a rollercoaster of weight and melody, and it's almost certain that "Ghost of Perdition" and "Deliverance" will test your neck's endurance. But you can also expect moments of mesmerizing calm, like in "Windowpane." Their setlist is usually unpredictable, so surprise is part of the experience.
3. Mikael Åkerfeldt's interaction
Beyond the intricate compositions and the brutal alternation between guttural ( Bloodbath ) and melodic vocals, an Opeth show wouldn't be complete without Mikael Åkerfeldt's infamous monologues. The vocalist and guitarist is known for his hilarious interludes between songs, which range from self-deprecation and jokes about extreme metal to, of course, friendly taunts directed at the audience.
4. Timeless Savatage Anthems
If you grew up listening to metal in the '80s and '90s, this show will be pure nostalgia. Classics like "Edge of Thorns," "Gutter Ballet," and "Chance" are sure to bring the Espaço Unimed to a frenzy. And for those who have never seen the band live, it's a chance to witness these anthems in their purest form.
5. Surprise cover
Both Savatage and Opeth have a history of including killer covers in their shows. Savatage has already performed versions of Free and "Jesus Saves" with a different twist, while Opeth has played around with classics from Deep Purple and Black Sabbath . Who knows, maybe there will be a special tribute to celebrate this legendary night?
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