Soar // Amidst the Ruins // Album Review

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Soar first came to the fore in 2013, with their blend of Black Metal and gentle melodies all underpinned by Celtic influence. This has allowed an impressive following to gather and join this almost ritualistic movement and those will be wondering what delights they are in for with this latest offering.

The latest album is just shy of an hour long and is split across 5 tracks of brilliance, all composed and written by one man – Andy Marshall. Clearly there are a plethora of guests on board with the album throughout all the tracks, all of these people helping add that Scottish Folk to the Black Metal.

Having done the maths for the average track length, you have realised that there are some to really get lost in, in fact there is only one track that is under the 10 minute mark so clear your diary, you need to let this play loud with little to no distractions.

As the title track welcomes you to the album, the Black Metal is strong, however there is a most definite Celtic theme woven throughout loud and proud. Not only does it work, it is fantastic and bring images of heather covered hills clouded by grey and murky clouds and mist. The combination of the stunning Scottish country tinged by the usual Scottish weather, all put together in audible form and it doesn’t disappoint.

As the tracks continue you will feel like you are in a book of short stories, as you are taken in some incredible journeys, with highs lows and uncertainty but all you know is that these tales are some of the best ones you have heard in some time.

The Black Metal is perfectly balanced with melancholy, folk and atmosphere that just makes you feel every note, every drum strike and every growl from the vocal.

For those people out there that enjoy their music on the darker side of things, maybe with some tartan running through it and music that paints vivid images the you have to listen this. And by listen I mean properly listen, no a token press play – you will thank yourself for allowing yourself to be completely absorbed by the album.

It may only be February, however I think that Soar have created one of the masterpieces of 2025 and an album that will please the fans massively as well as enticing more to join the masses.

Amidst the Ruins will be released Friday 7th Feb 2025 via Season of Mist.

Review: Ed Ford

 

Tracklist:
1. Amidst the Ruins (12:41)
2. Echoes of the Ancient Land (11:41)
3. Glen of Sorrow (12:05)
4. The Sylvan Embrace (8:19)
5. Rebirth (14:10)
Full runtime: 58:57

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

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
2×12″ Vinyl Gatefold – Black
2×12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear & Black Marbled
2×12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Green, White & Black Marbled
2×12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear, Red & Blue Marbled

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