JOHNNY MIDDLETON On Musical Direction Of SAVATAGE’s Upcoming Studio Album: ‘It’s Kind Of A Mix Of Everything’
SAVATAGE bassist Johnny Lee Middleton has confirmed the progressive metal band is sitting on a substantial amount of new material for a future studio album, though no release date has been set. Speaking to Metal Kaoz, Middleton said songwriter Jon Oliva has "a whole pile of music" accumulated over several years, but the band is prioritising quality and timing over a rushed release, weighing the demands of their ongoing commitments with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and planned 2027 European touring with SAVATAGE.
Middleton described the new songs as spanning the full breadth of SAVATAGE's history, with vocal duties split between Oliva and touring singer Zak Stevens, ranging from heavy material to more melodic, "Edge Of Thorns"-style tracks. The interview also touched on the band's 27 July 2026 concert at the Amphitheatre of Pompeii, Italy, which will feature a specially orchestrated set arranged with guitarist Al Pitrelli, filmed for a DVD release, alongside hopes for North American shows in 2027.
In short
- SAVATAGE has a large stockpile of unreleased new songs
- No release date set; band prioritising quality over timing
- Pompeii concert on 27 July 2026 to be filmed for DVD
Explained simply
SAVATAGE is a progressive metal band formed in the 1980s, known for combining heavy rock with orchestral arrangements and theatrical elements. The group developed a distinctive style that blends complex musical compositions with both aggressive and melodic sensibilities.
In recent years, the band has been less active in the studio, with its members focused on other musical projects, most notably the symphonic rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For devoted fans, the prospect of new studio material from SAVATAGE represents a significant event after an extended period without fresh recorded work.
The band's primary songwriter is founding member Jon Oliva, with guitarist Al Pitrelli and bassist Johnny Lee Middleton as key members. SAVATAGE's recent work has featured touring vocalist Zak Stevens alongside Oliva, and the band has historically drawn on the full spectrum of styles from their back catalogue, ranging from heavy numbers to more melodic compositions.
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