{"id":335,"date":"2019-12-10T23:33:50","date_gmt":"2019-12-10T23:33:50","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2020-11-20T05:13:55","modified_gmt":"2020-11-20T05:13:55","slug":"2019-12-10-saint-the-calf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2019\/12\/10\/2019-12-10-saint-the-calf\/","title":{"rendered":"SAINT: The Calf"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arriving from the pacific via a runaway locomotive the latest release from metal merchants Saint has arrived! Entitled The Calf,<\/em> be prepared for a fantastic excursion into the traditional metal landscape that Saint has really carved out as their own. Solid songs, top notch musicianship and world class production, The Calf <\/em>supplies all of these in abundance.<\/p>\n

Let me be clear, if you are expecting Times End <\/em>Part Two, forget it. This incarnation of Saint features founder Richard Lynch (bass), Jerry Johnson and Matt Smith (guitars) with drummer Jared Knowland and new vocalist Dave Nelson. Nelson will probably get the most scrutiny from fans of long time vocal workhorse Josh Kramer. Make no mistake, Dave Nelson\u2019s grit and gruffness provide a vocal performance which stands right up there with the best of Kramer\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

Musically it\u2019s Saint, albeit with some new added elements, guitar melodies that add depth and ambience. The double guitar attack pays off in spades here, adding some twists and turns to the already classic sound. As I mentioned, this isn\u2019t Times End Part Two, so get over it. The Calf <\/em>is somewhere between Hell Blade <\/em>and Desperate Night,<\/em> heavy with perhaps more melody at times. Don\u2019t say \u201cmore commercial\u201d because these days what does even mean?<\/p>\n

Album opener \u201cThe Calf\u201d gets it going full speed ahead with nods to \u201cPsalm 23\u201d and \u201cRise\u201d with tempo and intensity. \u201cFragile\u201d supplies heaviness with a slower nod but a driving rhythm. The guitar interplay throughout this album is amongst the most top tier to grace a Saint release. Waiting five years between releases has been a huge payoff in this regard. \u201cThe Fall\u201d drives poundingly with its headbanging tempo and surprising guitar melodies.<\/p>\n

However, album closer “God is God” is a tour de force. Heavy, pounding with spectacular guitar playing that pushes this song to the stratosphere. Lyrically discussing Jesus with depth and insight, amidst the strong arrangements and vocal performance, one of the best Saint songs ever.<\/p>\n

Saint has always had some tracks that were melodic without sacrificing their heaviness, \u201cThrough You\u201d from Times End <\/em>or \u201cThe War is Over\u201d from Too Late For Living <\/em>come immediately to mind. In that regard, both \u201cStormy Night\u201d and \u201cAnother Day\u201d fit that bill, both are slightly \u201csubdued\u201d with a stronger emphasis on melody. \u201cStormy Night\u201d is the stronger of the two songs here with fantastic arranging and some tasty guitar playing. Its message of endurance is a fantastic one, reminding us to press in the Lord.<\/p>\n

The entire album is supposed to flow one song to another with a continuing theme throughout. Lyrically, there is a depth that strikes me here, not just a \u201cturn or burn\u201d message but a discussion that is frank, open and honest. Part of the development and growth to this listener’s ears, this growth is appreciated with a round of applause.<\/p>\n

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