Have you ever heard of SAINT? No? Me neither. Till now. And this, although this band is already around for 20 years and I fell for metal even longer!
Main reason might be that SAINT belong to the White Metal scene and thus actually not occur in regular Metal press coverage, which is pretty schizophrenic since it is likewise dorky to get maltreated with both gnawed pig bones and fake blood and flying bibles. As for me as an atheist Christianity as well as Satanism have its eligibility only for the hour of fairy-tales to scare kids. When talking about Metal we talk about music and freedom. If someone would like to write religious lyrics to its heavy music… so, why not? I, for myself am free to decide if I want to listen to such kind of Metal or not. However, I hit on Hell Blade by chance and this album is well worth to get reviewed. It’s already the ninth record for Salem, Oregon-based metallers.
SAINT can be described as traditional heavy Metal band, anywhere between Priest’s British Steel and the better songs of Point Of Entry. But the most specific trait on Hell Blade is that SAINT reaches easily level and quality of mentioned classics. That happens not only due to the instrumental effort, most of all contributed by guitarist Jerry Johnson, who almost constantly dishes out one killing riff after another, but also by singer Josh Kramer, who sounds like the elder brother of Rob Halford. His voice is slightly deeper but displays the same characteristics and leaves a significant and varied mark on the songs.
What still might sound like the umpteenth copy of a Priest album scores more and more due to its great songs and the authentic 80’s atmosphere, especially, since the original is nowadays far away from efforts like this. In view of gems such as the lively opener The Blade, the hypnotizing To The Cross and the slow Sinner Peace fans of classic Heavy Metal will get tears of joy in their eyes. With the melodious rocker Crying In The Night and Endless Night with its guitar walls piling up, SAINT furthermore prove that they also perfectly master the trademarks of the priests back at that time. Only New World Order is a bit trivial and pales.
Ok, I might be musically prestressed but Hell Blade is worth to dish out phat 8 of 10 points for it. Haven’t heard such great traditional Heavy Metal album for ages. Inventive goes for sure differently, but those who love stuff from the early 80’s should at least risk an ear.