Releasedate: 07-02-2025
Label: Season of Mist
SAOR is a folk/pagan metal band from Scotland. Hailing from Glasgow, SAOR breathes life into history with their majestic mix of black metal with Celtic folk melodies. After three years of silence, SAOR is back with a brand new full-length called “Amidst the Ruins”, out now via Season of Mist. This album has a special meaning as it connects past with the present, opening the portals to Scottish heritage and history.
“Amidst the Ruins” offers us five songs, lasting almost an hour. The five tracks intertwine and melt into each so beautifully that the whole record feels like one emotional and spiritual journey. But this is nothing new with Saor; songs are beautifully arranged, produced and end result is another masterpiece. One surprise is The Sylvan Embrace, for which the band collaborated with Jo Quail. This is where the emotions peak for me personally.
As with previous records, we see Saor keeping it true to their essence with “Amidst the Ruins” while bringing in more emotions and elements. From choirs and chants to bagpipes, the album flows beautifully. You will feel each emotion with each transition, at times soft and at times dark. Emotionally, the album is gloomy. All in all, it tells the story of sorrow, darkness but also strength and renewal. SAOR channels these emotions beautifully. I personally also loved the contrast between the growls and the clean vocals as well; the transitions are arranged very well.
Amidst the Ruins is definitely recommended to lovers of this genre but also those who like the storytelling aspect of music. SAOR didn’t disappoint this time as well. Get this one and give it a listen from the beginning to the end.
Tracklist
- Amidst the Ruins
- Echoes of the Ancient Land
- Glen of Sorrow
- The Sylvan Embrace
- Rebirth