Showing posts with label Celtic Metal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celtic Metal. Show all posts

Wednesday 6 March 2019

Saor "Forgotten Paths" (2019)


My introduction to Saor was a breath of fresh air beginning with their sophomore record Aura. Out from the now decades old genre of Black Metal that so routinely falls into its own established tropes, Saor introduced a soaring gleam of bright, triumphant, heathen melody to counteract its dark underbelly of blast beats, tremolo guitars and burly, gaunt screams. It may not have been an original twist on the sound but its execution was sublime and deeply inspired by Marshall's Scottish heritage and countryside. The following Guardians record was more of the same and had less of an impact on me. It may be the absence, or more likely the music but this new release has been a very fond listen for me these past two weeks.

The luscious and melodic side of the music feels expanded upon, a beautiful piano interlude middle of the opening title track and a entire song, Exile, dedicated to nostalgic folk sounds half a step away from Fief in the best of ways. This obvious expansion resonates in the lead guitars that gleam and glow, leading every song forward like a light carving the path through the pale on its epic journeys. Soaring with reverb and inflecting glorious melodies it rises high above the fury of beastly screams and pummeling drums, making its most abrasive sections feel bright and inspiring.

Through the loud and obvious instruments, pagan violins and glossy pianos shape tone and mood with a dose of folk and heritage that never leaves the music. Its a constant delight that makes the sound engulfing. Even in their quiet parts the lead guitar once again soaks you in the dazzle of its glimmering light. With three lengthy ten minute plus songs the music can hold this sense of constant beauty and epic without faultering. Bron is the darkest of the three and even it can find this stunning flicker of light in the black as its cultural elements blossom along the songs epic progression. Things really came together on this album and I can't recommend it enough.

Rating: 8/10

Saturday 17 December 2016

Saor "Guardians" (2016)


Ive been awaiting this record for some time, Saor, a one man band, really impressed me with his last release "Aura", a fine record that took traditional Black Metal values to a serine, warm and heart felt setting inspired by the Scottish highlands. It was a mature, seasoned piece of music that took all the mockeries away from the extreme music and imbued it with the sombre beauty of the natural world. It ended up being one of my favorite records of the year. So Saor returns, still a one man band and unchanged in approach "Guardians" stagnates somewhat, repeating the same successes of its predecessor.

Its a noticeable step up in fidelity, richer clarity in the guitar distortion and organized space gives room for the stunning string sections and earthly bagpipes to gleam through the walls of blast beats and guitar shredding. The songs take on grandiose themes and progressions with each clocking in over ten minutes and going through many passageways, soaring high, tumbling lows and climatic peaks in their wake. A little more groove and rhythm feels present in the guitar styling than before but mostly its power chord whirling as the flutes and fiddles inflict human melodies and cultural folk roots into the heathen music.

There are times where deep guttural shouts accompany guitar focused sections and it can drift into a sleepwalk between its grandiose moments. Although aesthetically polished and stronger the music competes with its own style as some parts feel like a repeating formula. "Tears Of A Nation" tips the scales with a break at the six minute mark for a truly memorable moment as the album concludes with a timeless melody, heightened by the continual shifts in intensity that comes from the Metal instruments. Its a solid record but more of the same, which is not a bad thing given the brilliance of this project, however it doesn't surpass the benchmark of "Aura" for me.

Rating: 6/10

Sunday 26 October 2014

Saor "Aura" (2014)


Saor is a one-man-band project inspired by the landscapes and cultural heritage of the Scottish highlands. This record immediately revealed itself upon my first listen, the rich atmosphere sets an immersible tone for the Celtic folk influences to shine through. Its not to often an album can be instantly appealing, but its always a pleasant surprise. Since my first listen everything that became apparent about this sound has been true of the record and i have thoroughly enjoyed "Aura" the bands second full length. 

The five songs that make up "Aura" are lengthy, passionate epics that don't progress as much as they immerse in theme and inspiration, often keeping your attention locked in. There is variety in pace, instrumentation and composition that keeps a steady mood with great maturity. The reoccurring flute leads are delightful and the instrumental writing is detailed, lots of care has been put into the drums which were a highlight for me, they are never boring, always finding fills and cymbals to color the demanding blast beat nature of Black Metal songs. Alongside the usual arsenal are strings, flutes, bagpipes & violins bringing home the Celtic heart of these songs, there presence in these songs is a work of art and beauty.

The production feels flawless, the mix finds the balance for each instrument to shine without anything feeling overpowered. The strings are both subtle and powerful, chiming in just under the guitars they have a powerful effect on these songs and sit in a place where they can be in or out of focus depending on what your listening to. They help guide the emotional narrative of these songs, where the guitars and drums build the atmosphere alongside them. The unity of all the instruments on this record is stunning, guttural growls and screams add the human element and on "The Awakening" distant cultural chants climax the song in awe. Altogether we have a very complete and defined record that creates a beautiful listening experience every time.

Favorite Songs: Aura, Farewell
Rating: 7/10