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Canadian prog-rockers Saga have been at it for over
three decades. With a sound that appeals to fans of pop
rock and prog rock alike, the group has had no difficulty
winning over an audience. Their sound is universal, and
easily one of the finest rock has to offer. Michael Sadler,
vocalist and founding member, left the group in 2009. Would
the band continue on? ***
Ultimately, the band decided to get a replacement vocalist
and move on. Out goes Michael Sadler, in comes Rob Moratti.
When a band decides to go on with a new vocalist, they are
faced with quite the dilemma – do they try to find someone
who sounds like their previous vocalist, or find someone
with an individual voice all their own? ***
All in all, Moratti has a pretty damn good voice, even
if he doesn’t really sound like Sadler. The album is certainly
a departure from previous Saga albums, but I applaud the
band for taking the time to try something new. The album
is heavier than early releases, ac tually veering on the
borderline of prog metal and alternative rock at times.
Sadler’s voice is actually very similar to Geoff Tate (Queensryche),
and it works perfectly for the material being explored here.
Yes, he’s less of an individual than Sadler was, but he
handles all the stuff on here pretty damn well. ---
The Human Condition: The album opens with this, an obscure
medley of keyboards and obscured vocals. It’s a strange
song, but it’s also excellent, and somehow manages to set
the stage for what’s to come. All in all, a solid opening
track.
Step Inside: Hard and heavy yet melodic at the same
time, this is a song that sums up beautifully what this
new incarnation of Saga is trying to pull off. It’s the
best of both worlds, and arguably my favorite track here.
***
Hands of Time: A melodic ballad with plenty of acoustic
guitars, yet still uniquely a progressive Saga song. It’s
the kind of song a group like Dream Theater would be proud
of. A very solid ballad that stands strong. ***
Avalon: Another tune that combines elements of straightforward
rock and melodic stuff. The presence of keyboards is stronger
here than on the other tracks, and this makes for a solid
listening experience. This could very well end up being
the album’s most popular song, and with good reason. ***
A Number With A Name: This song has a very strange
sound to it, but it works better than you might think. A
good melodic rocker with some interesting keyboard work,
it quickly became one of this listener’s favorite tunes
on the album. *** Now Is Now: A drum-heavy keyboard-laden
tune sounds like a strange combination, but the band proves
to be musical innovators all over again. No other song the
band has done quite sounds like this little gem. ***
Let It Go: More of a straight-up rocker than most of
the songs on the album. It’s not too fast or slow, just
a straightforward tune that rocks. Yet it’s still uniquely
Saga. Another great tune. ***
Crown of Thorns: This one features heavier instrumentation
than the other songs on the album, but it still maintains
th at melodic edge that makes it a Saga song. Though a heavy
songs, the keyboards still manage to add something to the
experience. ***
You Look Good to Me: Another mid-paced rocker, this
one is still pretty intensive on the melodic stuff. Not
a bad closing track. The band finishes off the album in
a good way with this song.
I admit, this album won’t be for everyone. If you’re
one of those people that just wanted the band to keep on
continuing in the Sadler direction, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
But if you’re a prog-rock fan with an open mind, and can
accept something that’s a little more progressive and heavy
than earlier albums, you’re going to be satisfied. Give
this album a chance and it WILL grow on you. All in all,
The Human Condition is strongly recommended.
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