Saor originates from Glasgow in Scotland and is the inspiration of one man, Andy Marshall, who says “I used to play in some local bands, but I never really liked writing music with other people, There were too many opinions and arguments about the direction of the music. I have always preferred writing music alone.”
Marshall’s unique blend of Caledonian folk and black metal truly is the epitomy of atmosphere and is steeped in the history of Scotland and its epic landscapes.
Saor has four previous albums and they are all equally heroic and majestic, my particular favorite being Forgotten Paths. What makes this incredible musical journey all the more extraordinary is that Marshall writes and performs all vocals, guitars, bass, and folk instruments. A testament to his vast musicianship.
Origins is the upcoming release from Marshall, who once again has composed, played all instruments, and performed the lead vocals with the exception of a session drummer, Dylan Watson, and female backing vocalist Sophie Marshall. The album will be released on 24th June via Season of Mist.
Saor had been performing live frequently prior to the pandemic, with the addition of live musicians on various instruments for obvious logistical reasons. I was lucky enough to see them perform at Wacken in 2019, which was amazing, although a completely different feeling than absorbing the music on vinyl at home. Hopefully, they will be able to get back out on stage again soon!
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Origins begin with “Call of the Carnyx“, and immediately I notice that the music is more guitar-driven than some of the previous releases. The track has some decidedly old-school heavy metal riffs as it shifts in tempo and feels all the way through.
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A great opening track giving an insight into all the repertoire that Marshall has incorporated into this album.
“Fallen” is the second track, I love the varying vocals in this one. From haunting low-clean vocals to more distorted gritty vocals and then back again, each shift is a surprise. Again the guitars are more prominent than I expected, yet this song has more of an ethereal melodic style. Around 3.30 into this track, an incredibly stirring folk melody kicks in and carries through to the end of the track. Immediately my imagination goes straight to all the historic tales I’ve read and seen of Scotland. Superb!
The third track is called “The Ancient Ones” and leans more towards atmospheric black metal, to begin with, it drops down to a softer melody and is where I first hear the dual vocals with backing vocalist Sophie Marshall. Very cool indeed. Then it comes back to the black metal vocal style which is full of angst and emotion. There is such a journey of styles and emotions in each song, it is storytelling, not just with lyrics and voice but with each instrument.
This is the type of music that is best listened to lying on the floor, eyes shut, while absorbing the intricacies in each track. “Aurora” is an amazing song, the melodies are floating and ambient. It carries you away in its wistfulness. It definitely got me in the feelings! My favorite on the album.
Saor captures sorrow and melancholy in the most magnificent manner. To be able to merge folk and black metal together in a way that doesn’t feel like one style or the other, yet has moments of each of those distinctive elements is an art form that Andy Marshall has perfected. I can’t easily describe how this music affects me, it takes me to another place and time.
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I really love the Caledonian melodies and the folk instruments, they’re stunning and mournful and triumphant all at the same time
“Origins” is the title track and is the recently released single. A perfect choice to give a good insight into what you can expect to find on the full album. Absolutely love the vocals on this track. There’s some seriously great guitar work and some beautiful haunting melodies, epic and victorious is how I would describe this song.
If you haven’t listened to Saor before, this album will give you a glimpse into the essence of Andy Marshall’s music. Then you will be compelled to travel back through the Saor discography and experience everything that has been released since 2013.
If you’re already a fan of Saor, don’t hesitate, it’s amazing and well worth your time to check it out.
Recommended for fans of folk metal and atmospheric black metal.
Saor: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Season of Mist
Category: Album
Country: Scotland
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
