top of page
Heavy Metal
Escape
New Release
Saracen
Crusader
Reviewed in issue:
114
Release Date:
20 Mar 2026
Reviewed by:
🟣 Ian Johnson
For Fans Of
Jerusalem
Praying Mantis
Threshold
Top three tracks
• Crusader
• No More Lonely Nights
• Follow The Piper
Fireworks Verdict:
"Saracen are unsung heroes of British Rock music,"
THE REVIEW
Words Of Wisdom!
Unashamedly biased, that’s what this review is going to be, and you may ask why? Well, back some forty-four years ago now, I first heard a song called ‘Heroes, Saints & Fools’ on (I think) ‘The Friday Rock Show’. The next day I went out in search of this album, found it, and I’ve been in love with it, and Saracen, ever since. What, you may ask then of ‘Crusader’? Saracen played at the Tower Of Fire festival set up by Fireworks head honcho Bruce Mee, who decided that a live statement from the band was needed, and not before time.
"I’ve been in love with it, and Saracen, ever since"
Of course, this is a love letter to ‘Heroes, Saints & Fools’, and it shows a band with nearly fifty years of gigging experience at the top of their game, playing a set of songs that they obviously love to an exuberant crowd of fans, who also obviously love them as much as the band does. ‘Crusader’, ‘Rock Of Ages’ and ‘Horsemen Of The Apocalypse’ open up proceedings. The group are on fire, the crowd sing along to every word, and these songs are a joy to hear. ‘Ready To Fly’, a long-time live favourite, is next and it’s much more powerful in a live setting which sees the band really going for it. Then comes one of my all time favourite songs, the aforementioned ‘Heroes, Saints & Fools’, one of the best songs ever written by a British Rock band in my opinion! Closing the album we have the superb triumvirate of ‘Follow The Piper’, ‘We Have Arrived’ and the band’s hit single ‘No More Lonely Nights’, and it’s more great songs from a fantastic band.
"Of course, this is a love letter to ‘Heroes, Saints & Fools’"
Saracen are unsung heroes of British Rock music, quietly beavering away behind the scenes, releasing wonderful albums that everyone should have in their collections, whilst never getting the recognition they so richly deserve. ‘Crusader Live’ needs to be heard and enjoyed by Fireworks readers old and young, it’s wonderful. Bias over.
Reviewer:
🟣 Ian Johnson
Let Us Know The Score!
0
0
0
0
bottom of page