I must be the only person who isn't a Saint fan. That's rather surprising since I was a fan of Priest, their closest secular comparison. For having made, what... 7 records now over 20 years and having their own recording studio, I'd expect better from such a band. Vocals aside, I find the production just so-so. I assume they must have been going for a raw sound. I will say I'm thankful there are more songs I'll play from this than The Mark on my show. In The Battle is still their best for me.

It does appear that Josh Kramer only sang on three songs this time around. Of course, they are the three BEST songs:

Quote:

Josh sang on Half a times Measure, Crime Scene Earth and Invader Rich

I read in a post by Richard Lynch at CMR that Saint decided to move in a heavier direction; hence, Josh singing on only three songs. Doesn't make sense; I always felt Josh's vocal style would be perfectly suited for a "heavier musical direction".

Been a Saint fan since I saw them open for Stryper in the Portland, Oregon area back in 1985 (still own the vinyl copy of WOTS I purchased while at the show).

Here is how I would rank Saint's "comeback catalog":

The Mark - 90%
In The Battle - 85%
Crime Scene Earth - 80%

I don't think that they needed to switch singers to get a heavier sound, either. Besides, the songs aren't really heavier--they just have gruffer vocals. I like how Yvonne put it--Diet Cookie Monster vocals!

Well I finally managed to get my grubby little hands on this album. I must say that I am very happy, and somewhat disappointed at the same time.

Musically this album is fantastic. The problem I have is with the production/mix, mostly with regards to a bulk of the vocals.

alldatndensum wrote:

It does appear that Josh Kramer only sang on three songs this time around. Of course, they are the three BEST songs: Quote: Josh sang on Half a times Measure, Crime Scene Earth and Invader Rich

Gonna have to slightly disagree with this. At first listen I think “Half a Times Measure” is probably one of my least favorite songs (mostly because of the confusing vocal arrangement on the chorus). I would have to agree that both “Invader”, and “Crime Scene Earth” are fantastic tunes, by my early pick for favorite would have to go to the mid-paced anthemic “Everlasting God”. It just grabs me for some reason.

Now as to the controversy regarding Richard singing lead on 6 out of the 9 songs on this album (effectively relegating Josh to guest vocalist status). I’m glad I knew this little bit of information before I actually listened to album. But I don’t think the news is a horrible as some people are making it. I think Rich sounds really cool on most of the tracks for which he sings. The vocal style he is using is not a radical departure from the style Josh usually uses, and I think the songs still sound like Saint. The only real problem I have with the album is how the vocals are recorded or mixed in the album, they seem buried and kind of muddy, kind of hard to sing along when I can’t even tell what they are saying.

I don't think it's as good as The Mark, but some of the tracks are superb. Half Times... is probably my favourite track, and although it's a shame that Josh doesn't sing on more of the songs, Rich does do a great job! I'd put it in the same league as In The Battle.

Fundy

While it has grown on me, I would not put this in the same ball park with "In The Battle". The mix is a lot muddier, and I still don't like Rich's vocals as much as I do Josh's. The songs are good, but with the other factors, I would rank this one right above "The Perfect Life".

Maybe it's a better idea to let Josh Kramer do the vocals on the next album of Saint.
Then Richard Lynch is responsible for bass and vocals.
I think on "Half A Time Measure" i'ts richard responsible for the vocals.
Maybe we have to contact the band to tell we like Josh doing the vocals more.

Is it usual for a band to have two vocalists?

I needed time to get used to this CD too.

I like the new cd, but it is my least favorite of Saint's albums. I agree that it would be better with Josh singing all the songs, but a bad Saint album is still better than most bands great albums.

I don't mean this as bad as it sounds, but I'm still baffled by everyone's love for Saint (or why I don't seem to "get it" with them).

Just chalk it up to the "different strokes for different folks" principle, Topshot.

This is the only band I can think of in a genre I like that EVERYONE else seems to adore and I'm like "What's the fuss over?"

Sort of like KISS or AC/DC in the secular world. I was never a fan of either. Sure I'd sing along with some of their popular songs, but I never owned an album!

I can certainly understand why someone wouldn't be into the band. They are not technically superior musicians (at least on the recordings). Their recordings are not super high quality. Their sound is very derivative (not really original). My sister-in-law, and one of my good friends both thought they were awful when I loaned them cds.

But there is something about this band that just appeals to me, can't seem to put my finger on it but I am a huge Saint fan.