Gustavo: How is the new Sava album going?

Chris: We are writing it right now.  We should be in the studio June first to start.  The stuff is very heavy!!!

Gustavo: When it will be released?

Chris: Either late October or in January.

Gustavo: Is 'Poets And Madman' the official name?

Chris: As of right now, Yes

Gustavo: And the new TSO album, how is it going?

Chris: Very well, I was just in the studio last night playing. I like it a lot, my favorite TSO so far.

Gustavo: Is 'Beethoven's Last Night' the official name?

Chris: Correct!

Gustavo: What are the plans for the next Dr. Butcher release?

Chris: We plan to re-release the first one Worldwide for the first time so.  After Savatage is finished recording, I think we are going to try and record the new one!!! Fingers Crossed!

Gustavo: I read an interview where Jon Oliva said that the new Sava album will be very heavy, like 'Power Of The Night'.  Is it true?

Chris: It is the heaviest stuff we have done in a while!

Gustavo: Do you prefer the heavier songs or the more melodic songs?

Chris: HEAVIER!!

Gustavo: Tell me a little about Metalium.

Chris: The album will be released in June.  I co-produced and played half of the guitars.  I also wrote and engineered.  It was a lot of fun.  I love the record.  Mike Terrana is an amazing drummer and Henne Basse is the best new singer out there.

Gustavo: How was the American Rock Live tour last year?

Chris: It was a lot of fun, it helped launch the Metalium thing!

Gustavo: Do you have plans to do another tour with that line-up?

Chris: Right now I am planning to tour with Metalium this summer as long as my schedule allows it.

Gustavo: I read on your tour diary that you liked Brazil very much.  When will you come back?

Chris: I believe right after the release of the next CD.

Gustavo: Will the set list on the next Sava tour be different?

Chris: Of course!

Gustavo: Why didn't you play 'Alone You Breathe' on the last tour?

Chris: We played it the whole Dead Winter Dead Tour. We just changed the set for Magellan.

Gustavo: If Criss Oliva were still alive, what would be the biggest differences on the sound of the band?

Chris: Obviously his soloing.... He was very distinct.  I also think the past few records would have had way more guitars...It has taken time for me and Al to make the transition as writers in Savatage and finally now our influences are really starting to show as guitarists.  You always will miss the classic Criss tone too!!!!!

Gustavo: I also read on an American magazine that your favorite places to play were Greece and Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Is it because of the caipirinhas (shaggadelic!), rodisios, bela bundas or is it because of the fans?

Chris: Mostly the fans!!!!!

Gustavo: How do you define your playing style?

Chris: I think I sound like an angry kid who picks up his guitar to release frustration!!! I am very aggressive!

Gustavo: Do you think the combination with Al Pitrelli is perfect for Savatage?

Chris: Right now I think it works very well. Al still is not too accustomed to the Metal World, but he is learning with us!!!

Gustavo: Why do you prefer metal picks?

Chris: They give a really sharp attack and bright tone. They are tough to get used to, but they are great in the end!

Gustavo: What's your favorite guitar player?

Chris: I have a bunch.....

• Micheal Schenker
• Tony Iommi
• Uli Roth
• Blackmore
• Criss!!!!
• Malmsteen
• Ace
• Hendrix

Gustavo: When you were a kid, what was your favorite band?

Chris: Judas Priest and Iron Maiden!!! Kiss and Sabbath too!!!

Gustavo: Is there any new band in your hometown that you think is very good?

Chris: I do not go out to rock clubs much, so I cannot say!

Gustavo: Do you think it's possible for Savatage to become very famous some day?

Chris: If we keep being true to ourselves and our fans.... YES

Gustavo: What do you think of the people who say that Heavy Metal is dead?

Chris: If it was dead then I would have to work a real job!!! Those people were obviously not at the Monsters of Rock show!!!

Gustavo: Leave a message to your Brazilian fans and to the readers of 'Rock Knights fanzine'.

Chris: I love you guys! I cannot wait to get back as soon as possible! Keep the faith!!!