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Sarasin: Sarasin

Melodic Heavy Metal

4.0/5.0

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Pure Steel Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 11.02.2016

The back story to Canadian band Sarasin's appearance is rather brief. The band dates to the mid-Eighties with one EP to their name, 1987'sLay Down Your Guns. Fast forward 30 years with sole original member and guitarist Greg Boileau leading the band. They offer their very first long-player, simply self-titled, on Germany's Pure Steel Records label.

Sarasin

Now, noting that their origins are in the Eighties, and on Pure Steel, one can probably guess what kind of metal Sarasin plays. Yeah. You're right. Classic melodic heavy metal right out of NWoBHM roots. With this, as you would expect, they have twin guitar harmony and strong lead solos. This element is a staple of "true metal," so if you like your riff sharp and heavy, and your guitar solos soaring, you'll like Sarasin. Also clean vocals. Michael Wilson has solid presence, strong without needing to go screamo. The rhythm section provides some fine groove to the tunes, easily working either moderate or swift tempos. And most songs vary the tempo, making the Sarasin sound a cross between traditional heavy and speed metal. Notable examples come with Enemy Within and In Our Image. Returning to that groove element, also characteristic of classic metal is the notable presence of a rock groove in songs. Sarasin gets that and you can hear it within The Hammer, Now, and Forevermore. Although in that last song the lead guitar lines have a significant presence throughout. Another song deserves some mention, Live To See The Glory. First for the impressive drum intro at the start and then the lighter guitar and vocal breakdown at the midpoint, which carries to the end. Fundamentally, Sarasin's debut is a fine one, strong traditional melodic heavy metal with a significant guitar presence. Recommended.

Sarasin - The Hammer

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Fundamentally, Sarasin's debut is a fine one, strong traditional melodic heavy metal with a significant guitar presence. Recommended.

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