Saber: Lost in Flames

LA-based heavy metal merchants Saber is set to release their sophomore album Lost In Flames on February 7, 2025.

This album is a compact and impactful offering, and certainly one of the stronger NWOTHM (New wave of traditional heavy metal) albums I've come across recently.

From a variation perspective, Lost in Flames is a nice mix of heavy hitters and more melodic numbers. And being just 8 tacks long with no waffle, Saber just gets straight to the point. They're in and out, without overstaying their welcome. 28 minutes and change. Job done. I'm a big fan of this approach.

Stylistically Saber's sound is a nice fusion of 80s metal tropes; Classic Heavy Metal (ala Priest), Thrash (Early Anthrax), Power (Early Helloween), with a little bit of early Queensryche and the sleazy edge from Glam thrown in for good measure (not surprising for an LA-based act). The vocals contain plenty of high-pitched Falsetto power, and are supported nicely by some gang chant vocal parts at times. Perhaps that's how I'm getting the early Anthrax vibes. The guitars riff, shred, and divebomb away with a legitimate energy and swagger, and the rhythm section is rock solid. Highlights to my ears are the book ends on the album; Lost in Flames and Steel Breaker. Both of these are ultra high-energy riff fests, with great vocal hooks - exactly what I'm after from this new wave of traditional metal sound.

Saber is a young 5 piece that seems to have what it takes. They're carrying the torch for traditional metal with style and I'd imagine this album will continue to solidify them as one to watch, especially when it comes to the NWOTHM scene.

Track listing:
01. Lost In Flames
02. Phoenix Rising
03. Madam Dangerous
04. Shattered Dreams
05. Time Tells All
06. Shadow Of You
07. On The Hunt
08. Steel Breaker

Added: February 2nd 2025
Reviewer: Chris Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 242
Language: english

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