Saor – Amidst the Ruins

Well, I guess this is what the people voted for on Instagram, and since I still believe in democracy (when it suits me), here we are. Honestly, I’ve been procrastinating on this review for a while. I’ve been into Saor since Aura, back when the project was limited by the constraints of being a one-person endeavor. Since then, I’ve enjoyed everything it’s released, even though Origins felt a bit predictable to me. That said, I’m willing to believe that Amidst the Ruins is exactly what Saor needs to continue its evolution. How much more Scottish can these guys get? Like, haggis Scottish? It seems impossible!

Thankfully, Saor has recaptured some of the edge that was missing since Guardians. While the album does have its uplifting moments, it doesn’t stray too far thematically. Listening to it feels like embarking on a journey through an ancient land, brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered. The sheer depth and intricacy of Ruins mean you’ll need multiple listens to take in all the details. I’d even argue this is Saor’s most ambitious work in terms of scale and musical complexity—something rare in the Black/Folk genre.

The album throws every possible Folk trope at you: ancient instruments, meditative melodies, varied vocal styles, and blast beats that manage not to overwhelm. Most notably, Ruins is immense in both sound and track length, so prepare yourself for a beautiful yet demanding journey through the highlands. While Origins sometimes leaned too heavily on familiar songwriting patterns, that’s not the case here. Even though some sections repeat themselves, they’re crafted with a lot more creativity this time around. They serve as narrative mechanism that helps us getting lost in this land of beauty and cruelty.

That said, I can’t ignore that the album feels like a colossal undertaking at times. Fans of Black/Folk will likely have no complaints, but the structure of Ruins may feel a bit drawn out for listeners craving more aggression. Personally, while I loved about 90% of the album, I think trimming that extra 10% could have made for a tighter, more streamlined experience. Then again, if you’re someone who enjoys getting lost in the vastness, this album might be perfect for you. At this point, Saor is mostly competing with itself, as no one else in this quirky Metal niche sounds quite like it.

I’ve experienced everything a newbie to Scotland should—its stunning nature, bustling cities, tourist traps, friendly locals, and even bar fights (I know what a Glasgow kiss is!). But it’s refreshing to see how one of the country’s most memorable musical projects still has something meaningful to contribute to a subgenre that’s desperate for creativity. Sure, it gets a bit gimmicky at times, but if you’re already in love with this style, you’ve got nothing to lose by giving Ruins a spin. Now, where can I get some haggis around here?

Label: Season of Mist

Release date: 7 February, 2025

Website: https://www.saormusic.com

Country: Scotland

Score: 4.0/5.0! Now I made up my mind!