“This meticulously crafted work is further elevated by a very dynamic, powerful, and simultaneously genuine sound.”
– Scream Magazine
“Evocative and assertive enough to secure Saor’s place within the atmospheric black metal scene.” – Rock Tribune
In the vein of ancient echoes and the whispers of timeless glens, SAOR, the torchbearers of Scotland’s majestic heritage, announce the release of their enthralling new album, Amidst the Ruins.
SAOR continues to breathe life into history with their captivating synthesis of atmospheric black metal and the haunting melodies of Celtic folk. This latest album is a monumental tribute to the ancestral spirits and untamed landscapes of Caledonia. Echoing the tales of yore, each track opens a doorway to Scotland’s storied past.
The Glen of Sorrow paints the tragic saga of the Massacre of Glencoe, while The Sylvan Embrace, featuring the spellbinding Jo Quail, transports listeners to the serene heart of Scotland’s verdant forests. From the awe-inspiring Echoes of the Ancient Land to the transformative journey of Rebirth, every note is suffused with the strength, sorrow, and spirit of the highlands.
At the album’s core lies the title track, Amidst the Ruins, a reflection of the conflict between the relics of Scotland’s noble past and the ephemeral distractions of modern life. This song is both a homage to the enduring legacy of the land and a clarion call to reconnect with the sacred threads of tradition.
Stream the full album now on the Season of Mist YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/IMkOeBpSGYo
Amidst the Ruins is out this Friday on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Pre-save Amidst the Ruins here: https://orcd.co/saoramidsttheruins
Tracklist:
1. Amidst the Ruins (12:41) [WATCH]
2. Echoes of the Ancient Land (11:41)
3. Glen of Sorrow (12:05)
4. The Sylvan Embrace (8:19) [WATCH]
5. Rebirth (14:10) [WATCH]
Full runtime: 58:57
Country: Scotland (UK)
Genre: Caledonian Metal, Atmospheric/Folk Black Metal
FFO: Winterfylleth, Panopticon, Drudkh, Uada
Out of the mists, where lore whispers in the winds, SAOR, the heralds of Caledonia’s primeval beauty and ancient tales, rise once again to enrapture souls far and wide. Their newest offering, Amidst the Ruins, is an epic voyage set to rekindle the fires of heritage and resurrect the valor that courses through Scotland’s vast landscapes.
Since their emergence in 2013, SAOR has beckoned listeners to transcend the mortal plain, intertwining the ferocity of atmospheric black metal with the gentle, haunting melodies of Celtic fold. Andy Marshall, the sage bard and architect of SAOR‘s sound, continues his pilgrimage through the verdant glens and stark highlands, revealing sights both ethereal and eternal through his music.
Building upon the chronicles of old, the forthcoming album Amidst the Ruins stands proud, a timeless sentinel amidst the sands of time. For in this work, Marshall, the visionary, has deftly woven strands of modern-life dissonance into the rich tapestry of Scottish lore, enshrining the enigmatic contrast between the remnants of a glorious yore and the often-elusive grasp of the present day. This auditory saga resounds with the resonance of ruined structures and forgotten paths, its melodies steeped in the reverence for sacred ground and a lament for the disconnect wrought by modernity.
Delve deep and you shall find Echoes of the Ancient Land, a heartfelt tribute to Scotland’s timeless landscapes and their profound ancestral connections. Through The Sylvan Embrace, SAOR imparts a harmonious sanctuary, a sylvan retreat where solace is found, and spirits are soothed. With Rebirth, the cycle is complete, weaving an intricate spell of transformation and new dawns.
The band’s odyssey upon the stage is nothing less than transcendental, as audiences bear witness to the heart of their aural fables brought vividly to life. These live performances stand as sacred rituals, bridging the veil between epochs, inviting all to partake in the shared legacy of the Scottish Highlands.
In Amidst the Ruins, the warriors of SAOR cast a clarion call to awaken from the lethargy of modern existence, to reclaim the essence of a heritage laid asunder. From the vibrant resonance of ancient battles to the hushed despair of Glencoe’s betrayed souls, every note spills forth like blood of the fallen seeping into the heathered earth.
As we stand on the cusp of this new era, Amidst the Ruins, the latest chronicle unfolds. SAOR‘s watchful eye turns to the horizon, the whispering woods, the twilight skies, and the sleeping stones bearing seers’ dreams, evoking the indomitable spirit of the realm. In their hands, the past is resurrected; its tales to be retold for those who would heed the call—SAOR, remain the ceaseless bards of Caledonia unbroken.
Line-up:
Andy Marshall – All Composition, Writing & Instrumentation
Guest Musicians:
Ella Zlotos – Female Vocals, Tin Whistles, Low Whistles, Uilleann Pipes
Carlos Vivas – Drums
Jo Quail – Cello & FX on “The Sylvan Embrace”
Àngela Moya Serrat – Violin on “Amidst the Ruins”, “Echoes of the Ancient Land” & “Rebirth” Miguel Izquierdo – Viola on “Amidst the Ruins”, “Echoes of the Ancient Land” & “Rebirth”
Samuel C. Ledesma – Cello on “Amidst the Ruins”, “Echoes of the Ancient Land” & “Rebirth
Recording:
Andy Marshall – Vocals, Guitars, Bass recorded at Fortriu Studios, Scotland
Nikolaus Jira – Female Vocals, Tin Whistles, Low Whistles and Uilleann Pipes recorded at NikolausRecordings Studio, Germany
Jose Garrido and Daniel Sabugal – Drums recorded at NewLife Studios, Spain
Mattias Eklund – Violin, Viola and Cello recorded at Farkosten Studios, Spain
Chris Fielding – Mixing and Guitar reamping at Penylan Studio, Wales
Tony Lindgren – Mastering at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden
Biography:
Saor
Edits by Sébastien Gamez
Cover Art:
Julian Bauer (@julianb_art)
Website: https://julianbauer.com/
Layout by Adrien Bousson
Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/saoramidsttheruins
Follow Saor:
Official Website: https://www.saormusic.com
Official Store: https://store.saormusic.com
Bandcamp: https://saor.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saorofficial
YouTube: https://youtube.com/saormusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saormusic
Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/4099241-saor
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rHMzJ1RKUMtid1K2QEYbr
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/saor/879243889
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/6768301
TIDAL:https://tidal.com/browse/artist/5653569