Saint hails from Salem, Oregon where they formed back in 1982. Saint is a Heavy Metal band that has often been compared to Judas Priest. The band didn't always go by their current moniker. Back in 1979 the group went by the band name 'Power Faith' and from 1979-1982 they called themselves 'The Gentiles'. The band changed their moniker to Saint before the release of their 1984 debut 6-track EP titled 'Warriors of the Son'. The album was comprised of vocalist-Josh Kramer, guitarist-John Mahan, bassist-Richard Lynch, and drummer-Gene McClendon.
Over the years, Saint has released a number of albums including: 1984 debut EP-Warriors Of The Son(Morada/Rotton Records), 1986-Time's End(Pure Metal Records), 1988-Too Late For Living(Pure Metal Records), 1999 EP-The Perfect Life(Armor Records), 2004-In The Battle(Armor Records), 2005-Live 05(Armor Records), 2006-The Mark(Armor Records), 2008/2009-Crime Scene Earth(Armor Records, Retroactive Records), 2010-Hell Blade(Retroactive Records), 2011-The Revelation(Retroactive Records), 2012-Desperate Night(Armor Records), 2014-Broad Is The Gate(Armor Records), 2019-The Calf(Armor Records).
One of Saint's strongest offerings was released by the band in 1988 and was titled 'Too Late For Living' on Pure Metal Records. This release is a Metal feast featuring vocalist-Josh Kramer at the top of his game behind the mic and delivering up one of his best performances. Josh is supported by guitarist-Dee Harrington, bassist-Richard Lynch, and drummer-John Perrine.
In 2019 Saint returned to the Metal scene with the release of their 13th studio album titled 'The Calf' on Armor Records. With their latest release we find that vocalist-Brian Miller, who fronted the band on their previous 2014 release-'Broad Is The Gate', has been replaced by Vocalist-Dave Nelson. Now if you are expecting Nelson's vocal style to follow in the footsteps of Brian Miller or even Josh Kramer then you are going to be sorely disappointed. Dave Nelson's delivery brings to the table a strong solid vocal performance that can stand up to any band within the same genre. Nelson delivers up enough grit, hooks, and energy to help push this Metal offering over the top. With the addition of frontman-Dave Nelson to the line-up, this album helps to unite the traditional Saint Metal arrangements with a new modern day Saint sound.
The guitar section is managed from a duo approach by long time guitarist-Jerry Johnson along with returning guitarist-Matthew P Smith. Johnson and Smith's guitar work is both melodic and driving in nature as it helps propel the songs forward from track to track. In addition, the guitar department offers up some memorial solos for all you guitar enthusiasts out there.
Featured on bass is original & longtime member-Richard Lynch who continues to deliver up some killer bass lines for the band just as he did in the band's conception.
The drum work of percussionist-Jared Knowland makes its presence known on this release. I can imagine that after his studio recording sessions, he took a well deserved break to recover.
The band's lyrics are thought provoking and Christ centered
as one can see in the following lyric excerpts:
as one can see in the following lyric excerpts:
"Rise"
Scream! From The Mountaintop walk me down by the river
King! I wear the crown of thorns your Salvation I will deliver
Shine! I am the Light I’m the sign of the apocalypse
Rise! From the gutter we will disappear forever
Bow before your Master take all that you’re worth
Look out for the coming that I unleash on this earth
"Fine Line"
Cause You breathe the breath that’s in me
And You know my every need
You’ve come to consecrate me
You came to set me free
"Stormy Night"
It's a cold and lonely night
And I think I've lost my way
No self-control a long lost soul to fight another day
Weakness inside of me, my path reveals my history
Always convinced I'll find my way
But You are the one I need You've shown me so convincingly
A fool can't wait another day
Oh see me falling
See me crying
See me on my knees
Help me Jesus
Please forgive me
Oh Lord set me free
"Hell To Pay"
The seal is broke it has begun
The tribulation wrath
We’ve told you bout the end of time
We’ve told you bout The Path
Coming in a cloud of glory
Judgment day has come
He’ll return to crush deceivers
Awe the Risen (Chosen) One
Scream! From The Mountaintop walk me down by the river
King! I wear the crown of thorns your Salvation I will deliver
Shine! I am the Light I’m the sign of the apocalypse
Rise! From the gutter we will disappear forever
Bow before your Master take all that you’re worth
Look out for the coming that I unleash on this earth
"Fine Line"
Cause You breathe the breath that’s in me
And You know my every need
You’ve come to consecrate me
You came to set me free
"Stormy Night"
It's a cold and lonely night
And I think I've lost my way
No self-control a long lost soul to fight another day
Weakness inside of me, my path reveals my history
Always convinced I'll find my way
But You are the one I need You've shown me so convincingly
A fool can't wait another day
Oh see me falling
See me crying
See me on my knees
Help me Jesus
Please forgive me
Oh Lord set me free
"Hell To Pay"
The seal is broke it has begun
The tribulation wrath
We’ve told you bout the end of time
We’ve told you bout The Path
Coming in a cloud of glory
Judgment day has come
He’ll return to crush deceivers
Awe the Risen (Chosen) One
Saint is one of the early pioneer bands of Christian Metal with their roots dating back to the early 80's. Over the years their sound has evolved with the band having recorded some successful albums and gained a respectable position in the Metal community. Let's help Saint continue to be able to offer up albums in the future by supporting them today.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Dave Nelson - Vocals
Jerry Johnson - Guitars
Matthew P Smith - Guitars
Richard Lynch - Bass
Jared Knowland - Drums
Dave Nelson - Vocals
Jerry Johnson - Guitars
Matthew P Smith - Guitars
Richard Lynch - Bass
Jared Knowland - Drums