Metal Blade 2010

They came together again in original line-up: singer John Bush, bassist Joey Vera, the guitar twins Phil Sandoval/Jeff Duncan and drummer Gonzo Sandoval. But are the Saints able to continue their successfully outputs of the 90-ies – even in the line of duty of the great classic metal album “Symbol Of Salvation”? Regarding the abilities to create straight ear catching melodies and great arrangements we can say yes after we’ve heard fantastic songs like the dark ‘Head On’, the power hymn ‘Let Hook From The Right Field’ as well as the furious ‘Little monkey’. But: The rude charm of the late 80-ies/early 90-ies disappeared in the very modern production – furthermore we miss the dynamic in the songs of the album. So “La Raza” is a high class album – but not that classic album, we would expect from the Saints even with “Symbol Of Salvation” in mind.              

ANDREAS SCHÖWE