Pave the way traveler, reveal the story untold and hear the echoes of the ancient lands, while you embark on a journey through Saor‘s 6th Full-length Atmospheric Folk Black Metal record, “Amidst The Ruins“, an album packed with individuality, versatility and lore.
This album genuinely took me by surprise, mainly because of its versatility. I had expected it to be the kind of record that demands full immersion, where every track must be experienced in sequence to really dig in to the story behind the music. While there is some truth to that you can take these individual tracks out of the context of the album and you can see their own individuality their own fingerprint their own path. Each and every single song on this record has a beginning and end and with that comes a journey that allows you to go deeper into the individual songs outside of the context of the record. Then if you go deeper into the album and actually experience them in a row as they’re meant to be experienced, then you can see the tapestry that weaves these songs together and you can see not only one path but how different paths allow for a much longer Journey overall.
The soundscapes, from my listening experience represent mountains, winding creeks, and the gentle flows of water, almost immersing you or the listener in the vastness of nature. There’s an openness to the music which i couldn’t feel on the previous full-length and a sense of space that allows each melody to expand, breathing life into this journey, amidst the ruins. It feels as though the sound itself paints a picture before your eyes, unfolding with clarity. But beneath the beauty of nature there must be a dark side, and that ominous side adds to the experience, as is the case in the majority of “Atmospheric” Black metal music.
When speaking of music behind this one man project, i always need to highlight that It’s not just about evoking emptiness, darkness, roughness, sorrow, or melancholy but it’s also about crafting melodies that capture a range of emotions and landscapes. These melodies provide depth and detail, complementing the lyrics and vocals on a track-by-track basis. The way they are delivered, whether through guitars or folk instruments, especially the guest violin and flute, adds a dynamic quality to the album. Repeating the same melody with different instruments within a track creates fluidity, making the music more engaging, expressive, and layered, which ultimately is the reason of Saor‘s rise in popularity within the metal scene. Those same elements that I’ve mentioned appear on tracks like “Amidst The Ruins” & “Echoes of the Ancient Land“, where melody represents the key to the progression of the track’s individual story.
Lyrically, “Amidst The Ruins” leans into themes of loss, heritage, and perseverance, capturing the essence of Saor’s signature storytelling. The vocals, distant yet commanding, evoke the feeling of windswept highlands and forgotten battles, reinforcing the album’s strong emotional core. Tracks build with a patient intensity, rewarding listeners who allow themselves to get lost in the album’s ebb and flow. This dynamic push and pull is what makes the album feel alive, always surging forward like a river carving its path through rugged terrain.
Personally, I will say that these 5 well-written tracks are a great representation of what’s to come in the future, for now though, this record stand tall within Saor‘s discography. While longtime fans will find plenty to admire, newcomers may find this to be their gateway into Saor’s expansive discography. Only time will tell how this record will be remembered, but for now, let yourself be swept away by the beauty “Amidst The Ruins” has to offer.
Saor – “Amidst The Ruins” comes out February 7th, 2025, via Season of Mist.
Track listing:
1. Amidst the Ruins
2. Echoes of the Ancient Land
3. Glen of Sorrow
4. The Sylvan Embrace
5. Rebirth
Watch “Amidst The Ruins” official music video here:
Source: metaladdicts.com
