I am speechless, for this album is simply incredible. I saw it incidentally at a friend’s home who didn’t know himself what SARACEN was, as another colleague had burnt it for him. Without song titles, without cover, thus completely blank. It’s about the direction of MAGNUM, he said. Well, at least I already know the name SARACEN, as I’ve often been stumbling across the “Heroes, Saints And Fools” EP, which is said to be an absolute classic after all, for years already. But after all, not everything which is praised as an absolute classic is interesting. The less so since said EP is from the year of 1981, when the NWOBHM was bubbling, and I’m careful with things from that time.

The fact is that SARACEN have never been a Metal band, but they rather felt attracted to Hardrock with Prog influences. It reminds me of bands like MAGNUM or PRAYING MANTIS, typically british that is – has nothing to do with the sweetish shit from America. SARACEN are so emotional, so powerful they should certainly have the status of a classic. Dual vocals characterize the picture and this picture has been translated so movingly and ingeniously that even DEF LEPPARD are left behind. But SARACEN aren’t limited to 3-minute radio songs by any means, the tunes have an optimum of melodies, hooks and choirs, but they always meander and allow skilful twists and breaks, so that you are literally excited to see what may still come.

On this album, old songs, new ones as well as tunes from band-leader Rob Bendelow’s solo album “Templar” can be found, which almost equals a kind of “Best Of”. Downright ideal as an entrance to the cosmos of SARACEN I think. Here you are served changes of dynamics, calm passages which increase the suspense, outbreaks into clearly more powerful regions, really, really great solos. By the way, the album is dedicated to the original bassist Barry Yates who died in 1992 at the age of 38. RIP, brother! Even at a higher age, the guys still know how to fill powerful Rock songs with pure passion and magic. This music is timeless and immortal! Really great! (Online November 12, 2004)