Saracen — Ready To Fly [NWOBHM, Progressive Metal] (1981)

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• “Saracen are not your average by the numbers NWOBHM act. Ever so often – you come across a band not content to trod the oft’ beaten path – straightforward 70’s rock – with a heavier edge – you know the deal. Anyway, Saracen are more of a progressive band, with a unique sound. I loathe using this term – we all know it gets thrown around far too often – but it’s EPIC. While this is not a concept album – as are later works from the outfit, this one has several similarly themed medieval tracks, and weaves a cool feel throughout album; heavy use of keys and driving sounds, with great riffs bring this feel to life. There’s also a couple of long, serious tracks; ‘Ready to Fly’, ‘Horsemen of the Apocalypse’, ‘Crusader’ and the emotional title track all sit above six minutes. With so many albums in my collection, I often forget about this little gem from these Matlock, Derbyshire lads – but when I hear it again I’m always like “oh, this song – cool!” – it totally has a unique feel, and songs aren’t straightforward and formulaic. This is a welcome change when sifting through the umpteenth different obscure NWOBHM demo from every stretch of the British Isles.

  Though as I mentioned, this is not a concept album – it probably should be listened to as ‘an album’ – and hence reviewed as one – but I’m gonna jump straight into the deep end and talk about my favourite tracks. It actually is immensely difficult to choose a favourite here, with so many catchy, or emotional numbers. I’ll start off with the excellent melodic number ‘Rock of Ages’. Believe me NWOBHM fans – you’ll like this one more than the Def Leppard offering! (Or the Grant Lee Buffalo one)This killer track thunders in with a brilliant driving riff akin to something from Badger or Bitches Sin – dirty and hard rockin, yet utterly passionate. The vocal/guitar mating in the verses is magical and delivered perfectly – just talented songwriting. The chorus in this one is massive. The backup vocals in “Livin for each day!” are well harmonized, and Steve Bettney’s main delivery is passionate and strong. Heavy use of keys in this one makes it far more memorable – and is something the band puts to excellent use throughout the album – and perhaps works even better in the more epic tracks. Either way, while this type of song often is designed merely to tick the box (Obligatory simplistic rock anthem, with ‘Rock’ in the title) – these guys kill it here. The keys, oh the keys.

  ‘Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ – unsurprisingly given the title, has a dark, ominous feel to it – and at times some doomy sounding riffage (intro section before first verse) – coupled with your dark subject matter – lyrics of surrendering yourself to hell – and the almightiness of the mighty horsemen – and you have what is very much a doom metal track. Yet – it somewhat kicks the ass of Witchfinder General – in my opinion. The centerpiece of this one are the excellent, holocaustic lyrics, delivered with a passion by our frontman. This track gives the band a chance to show some of its early influences. Black Sabbath clearly comes through in the dark subject matter, prominent bass delivery, and drudgy nature of sections of the song – while the trademark keys, epicness and energy hint at the bands Yes and Pink Floyd influences. A thrilling, excellently crafted number totally able to hold it’s own against any classic doom piece.

  The excellent and emotional opener ‘Crusader’ which perhaps even bests the more well known ‘Saxon’ track of the same name, shows a lot of Uriah Heep coming through in the sound. Here Saracen proves their worth as perhaps one of the best bands when it comes to writing extensive, drawn out songs that are completely as far from boring you can get. This effect is achieved through excellent narratives – strong lyrics crafted through a variety of different sections throughout the song. Keys are again used to great effect, while the strong vocal melodies are also present. Drumming throughout this well crafted piece certainly adds to the atmosphere. ‘Ready to Fly’ is basically a heavy metal version of Pink Floyd – a kickass combination. Opening synth build some energy before the hard hitting classic NWOBHM vocal/guitar arrangement. Vocals are aggressive, and have a tone akin to Rob Halford – particularly given the thundering riffage underneath. While lyrics are epic and fantastical, guitars thunder along aggressively, and occasional high pitched shrieks again evoke that Priest comparison. Slower sections build depth with strong synth while guitars erupt in an orgiastic solo section, climaxing the awesome energy in this pure heavy metal beast. Rob Bendelow shows some real genius in writing cuts like this one. I firmly believe that if this song were handed over to Priest at the time – it would still be revered widely today as a metal masterpiece. It would actually suit a place on something like Riot’s Thundersteel – with its soaring epic energy. Every bit as virtuosic, sad and epic as something like ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – these guys are absolutely deserving of a wider audience, and much more respect as groundbreaking musicians.

  The remainder of the album is equally as amazing; ‘Dolphin Ride’ is a slower, acoustically infused progressive number – touching in its soft honesty, again bringing out those 70’s prog rock roots, while ‘No More Lonely Nights’ is the bands attempt at a more straight forward, dirty rock ’n’ roll cut. Hugely catchy, with equal measures of pounding, thumpy guitars, sleazy lyrics, and melodic, soothing choruses. This one has more of a 70’s rock feel, and Uriah Heep influence, and puts the band’s trademark keys to good use. Utter professionalism evident in this band’s debut album. Brilliant songwriting and attention to even the smallest details – not to mention a totally unique sound make this one an absolute NWOBHM must-have. Perfect mixture of the dirty thundering impact of riffs in ‘Rock of Ages’ and the passionate proto-power metallism of and grandeur of the sublime ‘Ready to Fly’ make for one of the most interesting and enjoyable NWOBHM records I’ve heard. After having listened to this one again – I can honestly say two things: one is that I will be tracking down ALL these guys other stuff, and two: without wanting to espouse cliché; this band is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in NWOBHM and are totally deserving of a much greater fan base. Yes it’s that good! Along with another recently reviewed band – Rhabstallion, these guys may very well be the most amazing overlooked NWOBHM band of the whole damn bunch!”

  Thanks to Metal Archives for the review/description.

  February 5, 2023 at 9:33 pm

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