(RPM ROAR)
Rating: 8.5
Full disclosure: I’m a fanboy of these guys: loved the Without Warning debut (my #1 album of 2021), which is being reissued simultaneously with the new disc, and have seen them live on a couple of occasions, but apart from pre-release videos, had not heard this material.
Unlike many in the NWOTHM field, Saber inject a love of glam, particularly the over-the-top vocal delivery of Steven Villa: he of the piercing, high pitched screams. The other trademark of Saber is the fleet fingered delivery of Joel Dominguez (now also seen onstage with Haunt).
The title track kicks off this eight song effort. It was chosen as the first video by the new label, so it encompasses everything Saber is about. Listen to Villa’s high end and Joel’s fretwork.
In case you missed it, “Phoenix Rising” begins with another buzz of six-string magic. Destined for a European fan favorite, in part due to the simple repeated, titular chorus, but also for the changes in dynamics/intensity. Can you place the subtle use of tambourine?
Anyone who’s heard “Madame Dangerous” (related to a real-life femme fatale bar encounter) can’t disavow the ‘80s pop metal influence. It’s the closest they come to the debut. These guys write catchy songs that aren’t watered down. There’s plenty of meat (or real guitar) left on the bone. Case in point “Shattered Dreams”.
As much as I enjoyed the raw, aggressive debut, these are better constructs, with stronger tunes and performances, top to bottom. Case in point, listen to the guitar break that erupts out of nowhere in “Time Tells All”. Between the oft used, gang vocal title phrase, Villa yelps the verse. Whereas in the past, Saber relied on (endearing, but) campy intonations, everything about Lost In Flames screams “Upgrade/professionalism”.
The staccato delivered “Shadow Of You” is a heretofore unknown rhythm for Saber, but the rich production puts the bottom end right up front, until Dominguez slices through, with some tasty licks. Another strong melody. Speaking of classy work, “On The Hunt” showcases the man’s talents, on a commercial Van Halen styled number.
A nod to neo-classical showmanship, that’s how the otherwise Teutonic, disc closing “Steel Breaker” commences. A shred fest throughout, Villa also has plenty of sustained wails, just in case the listener leaves the platter somehow forgetting his input.
As the label moniker intimates, Saber are set to raise from the flames. Be amongst the first to latch onto the ride!
Release date: February 7th, 2025
Source: bravewords.com
