Saor is a Gaelic word meaning free or unconstrained. Saor is also a one man band flying the flag for Scottish inspired blackened folk metal. The concept for heritage and folk influenced heavy music has been quite noticeable among Nordic bands who embrace their natural surrounds and their ancient cultures and through music keep these sources of national pride alive. Sole member Andy Marshall applies the same idea to his native Scotland. “Origins” is Andy’s fifth long play release. Saor first crossed my radar when they shared a bill at London’s Garage with Hellripper, Fen and the mighty Primoridial. Interest was immediately piqued and hearing this album is a serious eye opener.
“Call Of The Carnyx”, with a melancholy introduction that builds over a distant tribal beat that suddenly jumps to the forefront brings the album to life. The sounds of ancient battlefields invade your imagination before exploding into a Celtic fuelled call to arms and the listener is immediately transported to another time, another place. Galloping, Iron Maiden inspired riffs add to a heady brew with layer upon layer of swirling sounds creating an irresistible dynamic.
A sense of the epic continues into “Fallen”. Close your eyes and you’re in the Highlands. The propulsive rhythm and scything guitar are not overly elaborate and serve the track well. Hugely atmospheric with heavy folk leanings it feels like an ancient song for modern times. The track is equally compelling as it is exhilarating and for want of a better word, liberating. The wail of bagpipes could have been clichéd but they’re anything but…this is proud music, proud art that uplifts and invigorates. Driving riffs reminiscent of Primordial come in on “The Ancient Ones” with machine gun-like percussion pushing it along. Grand and expansive with impassioned vocals, you’re constantly drawn into this vision. When the foot comes off the accelerator it lifts the tracks completely and adds a warmth before circling back to some gritty riffage. There’re so many turns but everything locks seamlessly into place to create a visionary head trip.
The album’s second half creates a greater sense of urgency. The quick beat of “Aurora” and the lightness of the percussion give it an almost floating quality. A ceremonial feel with Celtic tones riding above a vortex of sounds is enthralling before the more traditional black metal feel of “Beyond The Wall”. Title track “Origins” sums this work up succinctly. Soaring and breathtakingly fast you can almost feel the wind in your face and it serves as a fine closing statement.
Sometimes, an album has such power, such inspiration that irrespective of your musical taste, you take notice. “Origins” is one such album. Proud and visionary, Andy Marshall has created the epic. Mel Gibson might have screamed “freedom” in “Braveheart”. The acted sense of pride pales in comparison with this album. We shall scream “Saor”. This is a stunning piece of art.
(9/10 Johnny Zed)
Leave a Reply