Just two days after a stunning performance at Monsters of Rock , Savatage returned to São Paulo on Monday the 21st for a memorable show at Espaço Unimed.
The legendary progressive metal band, known for their ability to blend heaviness and melody with epic narratives, delivered a performance that will remain etched in the memory of Brazilian fans. The audience, still euphoric from the festival's energy, arrived with great anticipation, eager for a more extensive setlist that promised to revisit the band's greatest classics. The opening act was Opeth , who delivered an intense sonic experience, balancing heaviness, melody, and emotion, captivating both longtime fans and those seeing them for the first time.
The current Opeth , consisting of Mikael Åkerfeldt (vocals and guitar), Fredrik Åkesson (guitar), Martín Méndez (bass), Joakim Svalberg (keyboards), and Sami Karppinen (drums), demonstrated impeccable synergy on stage. Mikael, as usual, was the center of attention, alternating between guttural and clean vocals with ease, as well as interacting with the audience with his characteristic charisma and humorous comments between songs. The band, which has gone through several sonic phases, presented a repertoire that balanced its heavier side with introspective moments, pleasing all tastes within its vast discography.
The show began with the mellow “§1” followed by the powerful “Master's Apprentices,” from the album Deliverance (2002), which immediately thrilled the audience with its heavy riffs and complex transitions. Next, “The Leper Affinity,” from the classic Blackwater Park (2001), maintained the intense atmosphere, with its dark introduction and Åkerfeldt's visceral vocals. These two opening tracks demonstrated that Opeth was there to assert its relevance as one of the most influential bands in the genre, and was warmly received by the São Paulo audience.
Following this impactful start, the measured “§7” from the album Last Will And Testament (2024) showcased the band's characteristic experimentalism. They slowed the pace with “In My Time of Need,” from the album Damnation (2003), a melancholic ballad that highlighted Mikael's versatility as a vocalist and the band's sensitivity in creating emotional atmospheres. This moment of introspection was followed by “Ghost of Perdition,” from the self-titled 2005 album, which returned to heaviness and complexity, with Svalberg's keyboards standing out, enriching the composition's sonic density.
The encore featured two great moments: “Sorceress,” the title track from their 2016 album, showcased a sound influenced by 1970s progressive rock, revealing the band's more recent and experimental phase. They then closed with “Deliverance,” an epic of over 13 minutes that perfectly synthesizes the essence of Opeth: heaviness, technique, and emotion. Even with a more introspective and somber sound compared to the main act, Opeth captivated the audience with their precise and engaging performance.
Savatage took to the stage with a lineup that blended veterans and new talents, keeping the band's essence alive. The lineup featured Zak Stevens (vocals), Chris Caffery (guitar), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), Jeff Plate (drums), and Al Pitrelli (guitar). Without founder Jon Oliva (keyboards and vocals), the band relied on two keyboardists, Paulo Cuevas and Shawn McNair, to fill the gap. The chemistry between the musicians was evident, honoring the group's legacy, especially that of Chris Oliva , while injecting new energy into their performances.
The show began with the instrumental “The Ocean,” including a snippet of “City Beneath the Surface,” preparing the audience for an exciting night. Then, “Welcome” and “Jesus Saves” raised the energy of the crowd, with Zak Stevens showcasing vocal mastery and stage presence. An unusual moment occurred when the band mistakenly announced “Sirens” as “The Wake of Magellan,” which generated laughter and a relaxed interaction with the audience, reinforcing the group's charisma.
The setlist functioned as a journey through Savatage's discography, highlighting tracks like "Strange Wings" and "Gutter Ballet," which evoked nostalgia and emotion among longtime fans. Songs like "Dead Winter Dead" and "The Storm"—the latter with an extended introduction by Pitrelli—showcased the band's technical virtuosity. "Chance" paid homage to various nations, ending with the display of the Brazilian flag on the screen, drawing enthusiastic applause.
The tracks “Edge of Thorns” and “The Hourglass” maintained the intensity, proving that Savatage still has a great impact live. One of the highlights of the performance was the rendition of “Believe,” with Jon Oliva appearing on the screen at the piano and taking over the initial vocals. The band's entrance after the chorus created a moment of profound emotion, especially during the solo, which paid tribute to the late Criss Oliva . The audience, moved, sang in unison, transforming the song into a true anthem of celebration and remembrance.
The encore featured the powerful "Power of the Night," with Zak Stevens wearing a Brazilian national soccer team jersey—a gesture that captivated the audience. Closing the night, "Hall of the Mountain King" was performed with explosive energy, bringing a memorable evening to a close.
The performance at Espaço Unimed was not just a repeat of Monsters of Rock, but a complete delivery that provided an intimate and special experience, reinforcing the strong bond between Savatage and its Brazilian audience. A grandiose performance that proves the band is in top form to continue honoring its legacy.
Check out the photos of Wellington Penilha :
