Saris - 2026 - Project: Off World

(73:00; Progressive Promotion Records)




















Formed in the early 80’s by keyboard player Derk Akkermann, Saris have had different line-ups over the years combined with periods of inactivity. I enjoyed their last album, 2020’s ‘Beyond The Rainbow’, but said there needed to be quite a few changes to be able to move ahead although I never thought they would have a total rethink of approach and alter the line-up but that is what has happened. Henrik Wager (lead & backing vocals) and Lutz Günther (bass) are also still there, but they have now been joined by veteran proggers Jimmy Keegan (drums, percussion), Marek Arnold (saxophone) and Martin Schnella (guitars), which has changed their music in multiple ways, all for the better. More of a thematic album than a concept, it has been influenced by the state of the world, the power, the politics, the paranoia, religion and revenge, technology and temptation, corruption and contradiction. There is a need to save ourselves from others and sometime save others from ourselves, and for those of us living away from Europe, America or the Middle East, it sometimes we feel we are the only sane ones left and the world is tearing itself to pieces so I certainly understand where they are coming from.

Musically this is symphonic prog combined with some prog metal, power ballads, stadium rock, melodic metal etc. Wager has a great voice, while any album which contains Schnella and Arnold will always be wonderfully arranged with many layers combining to produce something special, but in many ways this album belongs to Keegan. It is his drumming which drives through songs which may otherwise be a little bland and over-produced, creating an inventive framework for others to work around. I certainly hope this is a new band as opposed to the older members plus session musicians, as if this is what they produce the first time they are together I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

The only real downside for me is a passage within “Mamucium” at the five-minute mark which is so heavily influenced by Genesis it could possibly be thought of as a “steal” from “Apocalypse in 9/8”. That small point aside, this is a thoroughly enjoyable release which is easy to listen to with good hooks, wonderful vocals, and melodies. And did I mention the drumming? This is a real step up from the last album. 

Kev Rowland, August 2026

Links:
https://www.saris-music.info/
https://www.ppr-shop.de/

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