Saracen have been around for 25 years but this is the first time I have actually heard of them. Their latest album is called
"Vox in Excelso" and is based around the legend of the Knights of Templar. This was the basis of the story behind The
Da Vinci Code book and movie and likely this link has garnered them more publicity than before. The Knights were warrior monks that sheltered a secret - an ancient knowledge that is still kept in silence even to this day. A very popular subject to discuss these days, and this disc throws fuel to the fire and dives right into the flames. A fascinating slice of history and if you have the liner notes, the album becomes and even deeper experience.
Two original members of
Saracen is all that remains after all this time, but they are the core of the band. Singer Steve Bettney has a very melodic voice and Rob Bendelow churns out some nice guitar solos as well. Musically its a crossbreed of
AOR and progressive rock. Instrumental tangents, symphonic aspects and a handful of complex segments round out the prog influence. The catchy harmonies and almost overly smooth vocals of Bettney represent the
AOR side.
The album is quite long and has a consistent feel throughout. Misfortune creeps in due to the fact that most of the songs seem similiar, which in the context of the concept approach, could be a positive aspect depending on how you interpret it. For me, the familiarity crossed the boundary into monotonous territory. Between tracks there are spoken narration segments that help fill in the story and world around it, but they are a nuisance when you just want to listen to the music and not bother with the whole concept immersion process.
"Vox" has its moments though, with the smooth guiding voice of Bettney, a few sprinkles of guitar and some great key tickling that sees them pounding on the organ with flavor and flourish. This recalls such classic bands as the 70s
Kansas formation and early 80s Magnum. It is pompous and epic and still keeps touch with its
AOR base. Highlights include the rocking
"Meet Me At Midnight" and the chilling
"Exile". The nicely constructed
"Mary" is lengthy and has many twists and turns along the way and the symphonic rocker
"Where Was Their God" features strong lead guitar and a haunting hook.
The concept is a refreshing change of pace from all the fantasy themes that seem to dominate hard rock music, and the mix of prog, pomp and
AOR is a cool variation on the expected approach.
Saracen have released a solid disc overall but one that doesn't linger in memory for long. Satisfying for the first few initial spins, but after that... the novelty wears off and the harsh reality of monotony sets in. If you are seeking a nice symphonic based British hard rock release, then this will satiate your cravings.
Written by
Alanna Wednesday, August 9, 2006
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