Some days ago we featured in exclusive the reissue of SARACEN‘s comeback album from 2003. But the band’s debut LP, 1981’s ”Heroes, Saints & Fools” is a cult classic you need in your collection too.
Often overlooked, SARACEN was one of the first bands from the NWOBHM movement, and helped to cement the timeless metal sound. The group released ”Heroes, Saints & Fools” in 1981, and dude, wow, at the time this LP was a blast, not only musically different from all the ‘rock in general’ but also different to all the other NWOBHM bands.
”Heroes, Saints & Fools” combine early ’80s British metal, hard rock, progressive, tons of melody and essentially, atmospheres. This is the official remastered CD reissue – be aware there’s many bootlegs, and one with ‘extra tracks’ which in fact are selections from SARACEN’s second LP.
This is the real remastered version, and with the album’s original track list – this is the best listening experience, 40 minutes of music as albums used to be, no need of additional tracks breaking the spell ”Heroes, Saints & Fools” creates on you.
And “Heroes, Saints & Fools” is spellbinding indeed, that magic from an era created by talented musicians.
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. This album totally has a unique feel, and songs aren’t straightforward and formulaic.
Founded by guitarist Robert Bendelow, SARACEN truly pushed boundaries and as far back as 1981 when the album got released, ”Heroes, Saints & Fools” was already a true masterpiece that no one who was “into music” knew what to do with.
Steve Bettney (vocals) proved not only to have that rocker / heavy metal attitude, but man, he could actually SING. He pumped out such energy and enthusiasm on these elaborated pieces of rock.
Though as mentioned, this is not a concept album – ”Heroes, Saints & Fools” should be listened to as ‘an album’, in its enterity and we did in the ’80s. Sure, each track is very good and standalone enjoyable, but the ‘magic’ on you appears after a full listening.
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! 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, very well harmonized, and Bettney’s main delivery is passionate and strong. Heavy use of keyboards in this one makes it really different – heavy yet melodic – and is something the band puts to excellent use throughout the album.
Can you imagine a more ‘heavy metal’ title to a song than ‘Horsemen of the Apocalypse’? Unsurprisingly, the song 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 classy metal track. 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, 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 70s Prog – 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 band’s attempt at a more straight forward, dirty rock ’n’ roll / hard rock cut. Hugely catchy, with equal measures of pounding, thumpy guitars, sleazy lyrics, and melodic, soothing choruses. This one has more of a 70s feel, and Uriah Heep influence, and puts the band’s trademark keys to good use.
Utter professionalism is evident in this band’s debut album. Brilliant songwriting and attention to even the smallest details – not to mention a totally unique sound make ”Heroes, Saints & Fools” 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 we can honestly say 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!
An overlooked ’80s gem.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
01 – Crusader
02 – Rock Of Ages
03 – No More Lonely Nights
04 – Horsemen Of The Apocalypse
05 – Heroes, Saints And Fools
06 – Dolphin Ride
07 – Ready To Fly
Lead Vocals – Steven Bettney
Guitar – Robert Bendelow
Keyboards, Vocals – Richard Lowe
Bass, Vocals – Barry Yates
Drums – John Thorne
SARACEN – Heroes, Saints & Fools ’81 (Official Remastered CD reissue) MP3+FLAC
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