SAINT Hellblade CD 2010/2021 HUIPPUKUNTO

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c808 SAINT Hellblade CD 2010/2021 HUIPPUKUNTO

Saint returned in 2010 on Retroactive Records with its fourth comeback offering HellBlade.  Album finds Saint staying true to its traditional metal roots but separating with a darker and swarthier vibe combining the catchy aggression to Time’s End (sophomore offering from 1986) with the sleek burnish of Too Late For Living and artistic flair characterizing The Mark (at least that is what this reviewer is hearing).  Upshot is a work hailed by fans and critics alike as ranking among Saint’s finest.

Mid-tempo pieces “The Blade” and “Endless Night” (engaging qualities to both) and “Hell Train” and “Sinner Peace” (with their low-end intensity) best embody that darker and swarthier vibe in question.  Pace picks up with “New World Order” and “To The Cross”, a pair of boundless energy driven cuts, while it does not get much more powerful than albums driving title track.  A melodic heading, in contrast, is taken on “Crying In The Night” and “You & Me” to touch upon the as noted accessible aspect.

Front man Josh Kramer returns with his Halford-like vocal presence with a performance characterized by passion, heart and guts.  Bassist Richard Lynch nails the killer low-end groove, while heavy hooted timekeeper Bill Brost puts in perhaps the strongest Saint showing on drums since John Perrine from Too Late For Living.  Underrated Jerry Johnson handles all guitar duties in placing himself on similar level as talented predecessors John Mahan and Dee Harrington. 

I always felt HellBlade featured the strongest production of the first four Saint comeback Saint.  Production further bolsters from re-mastering (courtesy of Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound) to the January of 2022 Retroactive Records re-issue of HellBlade to reveal a crisper sound with extra layers of depth and polish.  Specifically, I hear better definition to guitars (noting the pronounced rhythm guitar edge) and fuller low-end presence (bass delivers added punch).

Another benefit to the Retroactive re-issue is the jewel case packaging (referencing work of Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics) to supplant the digi-pak of the original.