Saor
Amidst The Ruins
Season Of Mist
If you want epic, the Saor have you covered. This band occupy a space where black metal and classical celtic melodies mingle in perfect harmony. Neo classical or symphonic black metal are nothing new but the arrangements here would actually force even the most ardent classical snobs to admit there is impressive musicality on display and a real air of sophistication. Opener and title track Amidst The Ruins would slot nicely into a Game Of Thrones battle scene no problem! This is not an album for casual listening though, at around 12 minutes per track you approach this album for the long haul much as you would a vast cinematic experience. Echoes Of An Ancient Land comes barreling out with black metal fury then easily transitions into wistful Celtic folk before seguing back. The startling thing is how effortlessly the music does this, like blast beats and classical music have always been bedfellows. The production here is giant too and crystal clear, not a easy task with so many sounds in the mix but here it’s a joy and as a result this album demands to be heard through a quality pair of speakers. Glen Of Sorrow makes you wait for it’s uproarious payoff with a steady build that opens into a full blooded road of a track that is equal parts brutal and majestic with ethereal reverberated clean sung passages taking the album into progressive rock realms.The Sylvan Embrace brings an acoustic respite before closer Rebirth blasts forth to take you back home on your trusty steed. This a fantastical, spellbinding, excellently executed listen and a perfect soundtrack for escapism.
Review by George Miller