Saracen (GBR)

Heavy Metal , Hair Metal , Epic Heavy Metal , NWOBHM , Stoner, Sludge
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Saracen (GBR)

Príspevokod užívateľa Horex » 06 Mar 2019, 07:00

Saracen - Marilyn (Japan Edition) (2011)

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Year : 2011 (Japan Edition)
Style : Heavy Metal , Progressive Rock , Hard Rock
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 148 mb


Bio:

Mid-70s have childhood friends Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow her first band Lammer greed founded, together with the folk guitarist and later bassist Barry Yates rock. They changed the name to early 80 Saracen, but the music remained the same; a bulging pantry made ​​of heavy hard rock with lush keyboards and vocals imploring.Saracen regarded as important representatives of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but based not on the classical approach of Iron Maiden or Saxon, but sounds like a mix of Magnum and Warlord. Some of their early albums released on the NWOBHM cult label Neat Records.Escape Music already have the double CD "Red Sky / Heroes," "Saints and Fools" published, which illuminates the early days of the band. The acclaimed concept album "Vox In Excelso" was released in 2006 and brought a Saracen enormous respect. 2011 appeared with "Marilyn" another, fantastic concept album with Escape, based on the life and work of Marilyn Monroe.Shortly after the release of "Marilyn," urged Paul and Steve Bradder Bettney out their colleagues Rob Bendelow to write a Saracen album, which would be oriented back to the roots of the band - "Redemption" is the result. A collection unmistakably epic tracks,punctuated by some heavy rocking numbers, as well as a beautiful ballad. Also included are complete re-recordings of two anthems of the 1981's debut "Heroes," "Saints and Fools", namely "Crusader" and "Ready To Fly". The second track of the album, "Reacher" is, of Jack Reacher, a character from bestselling author Lee Child, inspired. Lee has heard an early demo version of the song and found that the song the spirit of his hero (18 books, 1 movie) captures wonderful.Saracen, the expertise of producer Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Hatesphere, Pretty Maids) have made ​​in the Jailhouse Studios in Denmark to own.The man knows what he's doing: British hard rock has rarely sounded better!

Album:

British veterans SARACEN returned some time ago with "Marilyn", their fifth album, in this Japanese Edition including 2 bonus tracks, requested by one of you.Since their reformation in 2003, Saracen seem comfortable in crafting their releases into concept albums; much like its predecessor, "Marilyn [Japanese Edition +2]" is indeed a concept piece of work based in none other than cultural icon Marilyn Monroe.Saracen's late ‘70s / early ‘80s pomp rock style has not changed in order to better accommodate the new concept chosen to explore: the upfront-epic keyboards of Paul Brabber are ever present, complemented by thick guitar riffs and melodies courtesy of Rob Bendelow, all topped by the hymn-like vocals of Steve Bettney.They are helped in this adventure by, appropriately, some female singers including Issa Overseen (melodic rock albums for Frontiers Music), but mostly by lovely American singer Robin Beck. British FM vocalist Steve Overland duets with her on one track as well.Robin in particular, performs part of the vocals on a total of five songs out of eleven, effectively becoming a key contributor to this project.Typical of Saracen, the album begins grandiose with the epic instrumental "Norma Jeane", a grand and lush arrangement with big keyboards which includes saxophone. The use of sax in hard rock can add marvelous character and flavor to a song (which I totally love on this album), returns on many tracks.What follows on this work is varied, but marked always by Saracen's deft use of melody, harmony and hooks in every arrangement."Whither The Wind Blows" has some prog elements, with a strong vocal arrangements and a dense pompy instrumentation. I do like the acoustic guitar Celtic-oriented "Hold On", warmly performed by Issa. A sweet melody, including again a very good sax solo alongside the electric guitar."Make This Body Work" is a solid hard rocker with Robin Beck securely at the helm, while "Break the Spell" and "Unfinished Life" also rocks hard linked to the band's NWoBHM roots, adding more epic to these songs."Love Like a Razorblade" tones things down a bit, yet offers strong guitar and bluesy melodious feel."Who Am I" is one of the highlights of the album, this duet between Robin Beck and Steve Overland start as a soulful ballad but after a couple of minutes explodes into a catchy melodic rocker and then slows again at the end. Really good one.The more prog-folky "Not For Sure" gives me goosebumps because of the vocal performance by Robin Beck and the overall melancholic atmosphere of the whole song.The cover of "Feel Like Going Home" offers Beck's soaring vocals again over lush keyboards, bass and drums with a moderate pace and a sad feel (certainly reflecting the lyrics).A final mention to the last song, "Marilyn" finds Robin Beck lighting over in which seems to be an AOR friendly melodic rocker, but later turns to Saracen's signature pomp rock.This Japanese edition includes two bonus tracks: "Mourning Star" features spoken words, mostly a track with a busy instrumentation, nices guitar work and atmospheres.Then "Shine On" is one of the best tunes of the entire recording, a beautiful semi-ballad featuring all vocalists together, all providing wonderful harmony vocals through the emotive lyrics.Saracen's "Marilyn" is a very well structured album, musically varied and cleverly written.While having chosen this original concept to build their new record, Saracen have not made any compromises in their musical approach (apart from the inclusion of the female singers).The main music direction on "Marilyn" is melodic hard rock, with proggy and strong pomp elements, where ballads and tempo breaks abound.Lyrically, the concept is rather one-sided, concentrating mainly on tragedy, neglecting glamour and success which were arguably equally large parts of Marilyn’s social statue.Never the less, guest appearances by Issa Overseen and Robin Beck establish a female presence that is absolutely essential to the character of the album, being the main point of differentiation for "Marilyn".There is no denying that the musicianship is high on this album, very well arranged and with some stellar vocal performances.

Line-Up:

Steve Bettney - Vocals
Paul Bradder - Keyboards
Rob Bendelow - Guitar
Richard Bendelow - Bass, Backing Vocals
Snake Davis - Sax
Paul Gibson - Drums
Issa - Vocals
Robin Beck - Vocals
Steve Overland - Vocals

Tracklist:

01. The Girl: Norma Jeane
02. The Orphan: Whither the Wind Blows
03. The Dreamer: Hold On (ft. Issa)
04. The Model: Make This Body Work (ft. Robin Beck)
05. The Actress: Who Am I (Robin Beck & Steve Overland)
06. The Wife: Love Like A Razorblade
07. The Patient: Break the Spell
08. The Mistress: Not For Sure (ft. Robin Beck)
09. The Forsaken: Feel Like Going Home (ft. Robin Beck)
10. The Witness: Unfinished Life
11. The Woman: Marilyn (ft. Robin Beck)
12. Instrumental: Mourning Star (Japan Bonus Track)
13. The Legend: Shine On (ft. Robin Beck, Issa, Steve Overland) (Japan Bonus Track)


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Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
Odkazy na stažení všech alb naleznete pouze na našem blogu zde: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
Užívateľov profilový obrázok
Horex
Metalový král
Metalový král
Príspevky: 28119
Dátum registrácie: 21 Feb 2013, 19:14
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Re: Saracen (GBR)

Príspevokod užívateľa Horex » 16 Okt 2021, 19:59

Saracen - Change Of Heart (1984) (Skol Records Remastered Edition 2018)

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Year : 1984 (Skol Records Remastered Edition 2018)
Style : Heavy Metal , Progressive Rock , Hard Rock
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 123 mb


Bio:

Mid-70s have childhood friends Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow her first band Lammer greed founded, together with the folk guitarist and later bassist Barry Yates rock. They changed the name to early 80 Saracen, but the music remained the same; a bulging pantry made ​​of heavy hard rock with lush keyboards and vocals imploring.Saracen regarded as important representatives of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but based not on the classical approach of Iron Maiden or Saxon, but sounds like a mix of Magnum and Warlord. Some of their early albums released on the NWOBHM cult label Neat Records.Escape Music already have the double CD "Red Sky / Heroes," "Saints and Fools" published, which illuminates the early days of the band. The acclaimed concept album "Vox In Excelso" was released in 2006 and brought a Saracen enormous respect. 2011 appeared with "Marilyn" another, fantastic concept album with Escape, based on the life and work of Marilyn Monroe.Shortly after the release of "Marilyn," urged Paul and Steve Bradder Bettney out their colleagues Rob Bendelow to write a Saracen album, which would be oriented back to the roots of the band - "Redemption" is the result. A collection unmistakably epic tracks,punctuated by some heavy rocking numbers, as well as a beautiful ballad. Also included are complete re-recordings of two anthems of the 1981's debut "Heroes," "Saints and Fools", namely "Crusader" and "Ready To Fly". The second track of the album, "Reacher" is, of Jack Reacher, a character from bestselling author Lee Child, inspired. Lee has heard an early demo version of the song and found that the song the spirit of his hero (18 books, 1 movie) captures wonderful.Saracen, the expertise of producer Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Hatesphere, Pretty Maids) have made ​​in the Jailhouse Studios in Denmark to own.The man knows what he's doing: British hard rock has rarely sounded better!

Album:

After their remarkable early '80s debut album, British rock combo SARACEN disappeared for a bit, underwent a wholesale line-up change and re-appeared in 1984 with this second album "Change Of Heart", finally reissued on CD at the end of last year, including two hard to find bonus tracks.Perhaps it was the line-up change or perhaps it was a distinct decision by the band to move in to more “mainstream” New Wave of British Heavy Metal territory (or perhaps both) – "Change Of Heart" is, overall, a more of a straight-ahead hard rock style album with AOR tinges.On this record we have some greatly melodic, softer, pop-rock sounding songs – exhibiting the band’s Asia and Heart influences, all strongly keyboard infused, still crafted together with attributes of the NWOBHM.Saracen seems to shift focus to a more conventional 3-minute song formula – and they do this incredibly well. Just check the thundering, rockin' ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, or the no frills rocker 'Love on Sight'.One of my favorites is opener 'We Have Arrived', a showcase for Steve Bettney's sharp, powerful and clear vocals, and the use of lovely analog synthesizer to provide a 'pomp' atmosphere.'Julie' is a semi-ballad, radio-friendly tune akin Journey or Steve Perry solo but also Boston, then follower 'Seabird' is another highlight which starts as a ballad with acoustics into the mix and then explodes into a melodic rocker with certain epicness.'Meet Me At Midnight' has that very typical NWOBHM tone – however combined with melodic rock - resulting into something Tygers Of Pan Tang or Bronz did in the mid '80s. Love this stuff.‘Cheatin’ is a quite epic progressive AOR melodic rocker, a midtempo with some American influences such as Saga or even Kansas.Then 'A Face In The Crowd' is an elaborated slow tune with a bit of progressive on it, some acoustic guitars, and a feeling similar to Magnum.‘Hot Love’ is arguably the most NWOBHM sounding track on the LP and does kick a bit of ass. When this band attempts the genre, they do it better than many, bringing interesting riffs, good structures, more impressive lyrics, and enough of that ass-kicking roughness that made bands like Badger so great. Keyboards continue to feature in even these tracks, bring additional melody and thickness.The strong ballad ‘Bridge of Tears’ features piano, bongo drums and soulful guitar leads. Vocals are awesome on this one evoking a very young Rob Halford with that meaningful vibrato, and heartfelt lyrics. Here Saracen not only shows their originality within the genre, but proves they are probably one of the best NWOBHM bands to attempt the ballad – yes it’ that good. Guitar leads in this are as well structured and toned for the subject matter as you’re going to get.As bonus tracks, we have the hard to find single versions of 'We Have Arrived (Single Version)' and 'A Face In The Crowd (Single Version)', being the first of special interest because is quite different to the album version, including other synth / keyboard arrangement.By the time of the release of "Change Of Heart", Saracen easily were one of the more original, and technically proficient bands of the NWOBHM movement, which started to morph to a more accessible sound.With the ability to tackle various sub-genres from poppy melodic rock, hard rock and synth driven pomp AOR, to the rough and ready NWOBHM guitar riffs, and to do it well, Saracen are certainly a force to be reckoned with.Basically, on this album Saracen are experts at blending various genres / influences to craft a unique sound of their own. Their originality and depth makes them streets ahead of many contemporaries.In many ways, you can hear here something similar of what Phenomena project first album would deliver the following year.After few listens, you'll love "Change Of Heart", a little gem that certainly deserved a reissue and you need to discover.

Line-Up:

Steve Bettney - Vocals
Jason Gardner - Bass
Haydn Conway - Guitars
Danny Spencer - Drums
Richard Lowe - Vocals, Keyboards

Tracklist:

01. We Have Arrived
02. Love On Sight
03. Julie
04. Seabird
05. Meet Me At Midnight
06. Jekyll & Hyde
07. Cheatin'
08. A Face In The Crowd
09. Hot Love
10. Bridge Of Tears
11. We Have Arrived (Single Version) (Bonus Track)
12. A Face In The Crowd (Single Version) (Bonus Track)


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Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

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Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
Odkazy na stažení všech alb naleznete pouze na našem blogu zde: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
Užívateľov profilový obrázok
Horex
Metalový král
Metalový král
Príspevky: 28119
Dátum registrácie: 21 Feb 2013, 19:14
Kontaktovať užívateľa:

Re: Saracen (GBR)

Príspevokod užívateľa Horex » 16 Okt 2021, 20:03

Saracen - Redemption (2014)

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Year : 2014
Style : Heavy Metal , Progressive Rock , Hard Rock
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 132 mb


Info:

Mid-70s have childhood friends Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow her first band Lammer greed founded, together with the folk guitarist and later bassist Barry Yates rock. They changed the name to early 80 Saracen, but the music remained the same; a bulging pantry made ​​of heavy hard rock with lush keyboards and vocals imploring.Saracen regarded as important representatives of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but based not on the classical approach of Iron Maiden or Saxon, but sounds like a mix of Magnum and Warlord. Some of their early albums released on the NWOBHM cult label Neat Records.Escape Music already have the double CD "Red Sky / Heroes," "Saints and Fools" published, which illuminates the early days of the band. The acclaimed concept album "Vox In Excelso" was released in 2006 and brought a Saracen enormous respect. 2011 appeared with "Marilyn" another, fantastic concept album with Escape, based on the life and work of Marilyn Monroe.Shortly after the release of "Marilyn," urged Paul and Steve Bradder Bettney out their colleagues Rob Bendelow to write a Saracen album, which would be oriented back to the roots of the band - "Redemption" is the result. A collection unmistakably epic tracks,punctuated by some heavy rocking numbers, as well as a beautiful ballad. Also included are complete re-recordings of two anthems of the 1981's debut "Heroes," "Saints and Fools", namely "Crusader" and "Ready To Fly". The second track of the album, "Reacher" is, of Jack Reacher, a character from bestselling author Lee Child, inspired. Lee has heard an early demo version of the song and found that the song the spirit of his hero (18 books, 1 movie) captures wonderful.Saracen, the expertise of producer Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Hatesphere, Pretty Maids) have made ​​in the Jailhouse Studios in Denmark to own.The man knows what he's doing: British hard rock has rarely sounded better!

Line-Up:

Richard Bendelow Bass
Jamie Little Drums - See also: Bob Catley (live)
Rob Bendelow Guitars
Paul Bradder Keyboards
Steve Bettney Vocals

Tracklist:

01. Rocamadour 04:45
02. Reacher 04:43
03. Give Me a Sign 03:40
04. Geraldine 03:44
05. Swords of Damascus 05:31
06. Road to Yesterday 04:24
07. Crusader 07:32
08. Catch the Wave 06:33
09. More Than Missing You 03:57
10. Redemption (On The 6th Day) 07:14
11. You & I 04:27
12. Let Me See Your Hands 04:20
13. Ready to Fly 07:56


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Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

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Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
Odkazy na stažení všech alb naleznete pouze na našem blogu zde: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

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