They are rock and metal titans, and it was our pleasure to interview Saracen earlier this month
They are rock and metal titans, and it was our pleasure to interview Saracen earlier this month
CHANGE OF HEART
How did the band form and how have you kept everything going over the years?
Saracen evolved from a band called ’Lammergeier’ which was put together by Rob Bendelow and Richard Lowe in the late 70s. But with the change of band members, finally Steve Bettney (vocals), Rob Bendelow (guitar), Richard Lowe (keyboards), Barry Yates (bass) and John Thorne (drums) the band Saracen was formed. Rob left the band after the Heroes, Saints and Fools album and with a change of line up and the ‘Change of Heart’ album release the band folded in 1985. It wasn’t until Rob was approach in 2003 to get the band back together and release the new album ‘Red Sky’ that Saracen started playing again. Although the band has had additional line up changes over the years, with Steve at the helm and Simon Roberts (guitar), Paul Highfield (bass), Tris Alsbury (drums) and Paul Bradder (keyboards) the band will carry on playing while ever fans want to hear our music.
How do you approach songwriting?
Rob has always been the song writer for the band over the years with the exception of a few of the songs. I think Rob’s approach to song writing for the band comes from his interest in history. Rob is a very creative and well read person, if a certain topic inspires him whether it’s medieval or modern then that becomes the trigger for his inspiration. We all then work together to help bring the songs to life.
HISTORY
HISTORY
How do you approach songwriting?
Rob has always been the song writer for the band over the years with the exception of a few of the songs. I think Rob’s approach to song writing for the band comes from his interest in history. Rob is a very creative and well read person, if a certain topic inspires him whether it’s medieval or modern then that becomes the trigger for his inspiration. We all then work together to help bring the songs to life.
COLLECTION OF SONGS
Are there any themes that you explored on your most recent album that were chosen for a particular reason?
Not really the previous two albums ‘Vox in Excelso’ and ‘Marilyn’ are concept albums but with ‘Redemption’ Rob put together a collection of songs that worked great on the album.
What’s Your Favourite Album That Saracen Has Done?
That’s a difficult one, I suppose I have to mention ‘Heroes, Saint’s and Fools’ because that’s the one everybody wants to hear but for me it would have to be ‘Vox in Excelso’.
VOX IN EXCELSO
VOX IN EXCELSO
What’s Your Favourite Album That Saracen Has Done?
That’s a difficult one, I suppose I have to mention ‘Heroes, Saint’s and Fools’ because that’s the one everybody wants to hear but for me it would have to be ‘Vox in Excelso’.
FADE OUT
How do you transpose what you’ve recorded into a live setting?
We don’t approach it that much different really as the vast majority of songs we play are as recorded. We may have to change the odd ending because a fade out was used on the recorded track but that’s it. Of course the most important thing is to think about the audience, engage with them as much as possible and have a good time. That’s what we try to do.