September brought us two very different metal milestones.
On September 28th, 1988, Ozzy Osbourne released “No Rest for the Wicked” an album remembered for its heavier, nastier sound and for introducing the world to a young guitarist named Zakk Wylde.
Exactly one year earlier, on September 28th, 1987, Savatage released “Hall of the Mountain King” the album that pushed the band toward a more theatrical and symphonic form of metal.
Different years. Different sounds. Two albums with stories that go far beyond the songs.
Time for an Album Battle.
Ozzy Osbourne – “No Rest for the Wicked”
Released on September 28th, 1988, “No Rest for the Wicked” marked a high-energy new chapter for Ozzy. The album eventually went double-platinum in the U.S., but one name in particular makes this record impossible to ignore:
At just 21 years old, Wylde was virtually unknown when Ozzy discovered him through his demo. His aggressive riffs, pinch harmonics and wild guitar energy immediately gave Ozzy music another shot of adrenaline.
It was the beginning of a legendary musical partnership. The album also had plenty of attitude beyond the music.
“Miracle Man” was Ozzy direct response to television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who had publicly attacked his music. Swaggart highly publicized 1988 scandal made the song subject even more striking.
Then there’s “Hero” which appeared unlisted on the original vinyl and cassette editions. For listeners who expected “Demon Alcohol” to be the end, the album simply kept going.
And “No Rest for the Wicked” had another wonderfully strange moment hiding in “Bloodbath in Paradise”. The track opens with a distorted backward message connected to The Exorcist, one of Ozzy favorite horror movies.
Even the album artwork has a story. The original concept featured Ozzy with a crown of thorns and girls holding crucifixes, but those elements were removed before the commercial release because of concerns over censorship and religious backlash.
And then there’s Bob Daisley.
Daisley returned to record bass and co-write material, only to leave again after the studio work. For the promotional period and tour, Geezer Butler stepped in.
So behind one album sits an impressive cast:
Ozzy Osbourne – vocals
Zakk Wylde – guitars
Bob Daisley – bass
Randy Castillo – drums
John Sinclair – keyboards
Not a bad lineup for an album called “No Rest for the Wicked”.
Savatage – “Hall of the Mountain King”
One year earlier, on September 28th, 1987, Savatage released an album that would become a major turning point for the band.
“Hall of the Mountain King” brought together aggressive metal, classical influences and theatrical ambition in a way that pointed toward the band future.
It also marked the beginning of Savatage creative partnership with producer Paul O’Neill.
The centerpiece is the two-part combination of “Prelude to Madness” and “Hall of the Mountain King”.
“Prelude to Madness” takes Edvard Grieg famous In the Hall of the Mountain King and turns it into a blistering metal piece, while its introduction also quotes Gustav Holst’s Mars, the Bringer of War.
And there was even a strange crediting mistake on the original vinyl involving Grieg.
The album also featured Ray Gillen on “Strange Wings” joining Jon Oliva for the climactic vocal section. Unfortunately, his name appeared as “Ray Gillian” on the sleeve.
Then there was the beginning of something much bigger.
Paul O’Neill theatrical vision and his collaboration with the Oliva brothers would eventually lead toward the world of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Even decades later, the connection remained. In 2009, “Prelude to Madness” was re-recorded and expanded as “The Mountain” for Night Castle, now with full orchestra and choir.
The core Savatage lineup on the album featured:
Jon Oliva – vocals, keyboards and piano
Criss Oliva – guitars
Johnny Lee Middleton – bass
Steve “Doc” Wacholz – drums
With Paul O’Neill helping shape the band new direction “Hall of the Mountain King” became much more than another 1980s metal record.
Two Albums. Two Eras. One Poll.
One gave Ozzy a new guitar legend and a heavier edge.
The other helped Savatage build the theatrical, classical-metal foundation that would become such an important part of their identity.
Ozzy Osbourne – “No Rest for the Wicked”
vs.
Savatage – “Hall of the Mountain King
Now it’s your turn:
🤘 Which album gets your vote?
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