Saracen are not your average by the numbers NWOBHM act. Ever so often - you come across a band not content to trod the oft' beaten path - straightforward 70's rock - with a heavier edge - you know the deal. Anyway, Saracen are more of a progressive band, with a unique sound. I loathe using this term - we all know it gets thrown around far too often - but it's EPIC. While this is not a concept album - as are later works from the outfit, this one has several similarly themed medieval tracks, and weaves a cool feel throughout album; heavy use of keys and driving sounds, with great riffs bring this feel to life. There's also a couple of long, serious tracks; 'Ready to Fly', 'Horsemen of the Apocalypse', 'Crusader' and the emotional title track all sit above six minutes. With so many albums in my collection, I often forget about this little gem from these Matlock, Derbyshire lads - but when I hear it again I'm always like "oh, this song - cool!" - it totally has a unique feel, and songs aren't straightforward and formulaic. This is a welcome change when sifting through the umpteenth different obscure NWOBHM demo from every stretch of the British Isles.