Saor – Caledonia
Saor – Caledonia
Season Of Mist
Release date: 06/11/26
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Deep from the Scottish wilderness and the pioneering mind of multi-instrumentalist and composer Andy Marshall, Saor returns with new album “Caledonia”. Though really, this isn’t a new album! See, the 5 tracks we hear are re-recordings of earlier hits from the group. At the same time, Andy hasn’t just re-mastered older tracks and tried to pass them off as new songs like some bands (Behemoth, we’re looking at you!). “Caledonia” represents the newer modern sound for the band and the higher production values we’ve come to expect from Saor.
Take for instance, ‘Aura’. A regular in Saor’s modern setlist, the lead track from 2014’s album has undergone a transformation of its own. Both in the live setting and also in the studio. A crucial cog in that is the vocals of Ella. Although Saor is still essentially the solo project for Marshall who invites collaborators for live performances, the live lineup has been fairly consistent over the last 3 years or so, and Ella has been central to that. Especially with her beautifully dark and ethereal vocals that she really imprinted on the band’s DNA on “Amidst The Ruin”. They’ve played this song multiple times live now, and her backing vocals and mastery of the uilleann pipes and tin whistles add an extra dimension to an already fine track. Something you just can’t get digitally. Whilst completely absent on the original track, her voice is as salient as ever on this newer imagination of ‘Aura’.
In a similar vein, Marshall’s production skills have vastly improved, and this is as clear as day on “Caledonia”. The original racks felt like rough gems that needed a bit of polish; the talent was there for all to see but felt a little harsh and dirty. Now they shine like gleaming jewels that give Saor that pristine and premium fee. All without losing or compromising that rugged Caledonian atmosphere. This newer production is clearest on ‘Carved In Stone’, coincidentally the oldest song on this record.
As for Marshall himself, within a few seconds you’ll see the transformation in his voice. Whilst still fierce on older recordings, with retrospect you can see how his voice could be lost in the mix sometimes. Whether this is a vocal technique thing or a production issue remains to be seen. In either case, he’s cracked the code to both problems and his voice pierces above the mix in an absolute juggernaut of a performance! The darkness of his voice contrasts and juxtaposes elegantly with Ella’s soothing voice.
“Caledonia” is a triumph. Saor really hits the sweet spot between satiating older fans whilst offering something as a perfect starting point and introduction to the band’s vast and epic discography.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Aura MMXXVI
02. The Awakening MMXXVI
03. Carved in Stone MMXXVI
04. Hearth MMXXVI
05. Tears of a Nation MMXXVI
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