Saris – Beyond the Rainbow
Saris released their fifth album, Beyond the Rainbow, on June 13, 2020. Saris was founded back in 1981, in Bochum, Germany.
Beyond the Rainbow is a colorful look at the many different journeys that life can take. This was my introduction to Saris and I am so glad they agreed to send their new album.
The band is made up of Derk Akkermann, songwriter, guitars, keyboards, and programming; Lutz Günther, on bass and backing vocals; Anja Günther, on lead and backing vocals; Henrik Wager, on lead and backing vocals; and Jens Beckmann, on drums and percussion.
“Avalon”, opens to sounds similar to Dream Theater. Henrik Wager, even sounds like James LaBrie. The orchestration, keyboards, drums, bass and guitar electrify the soundscape. “Destiny can’t rest you know! Can’t see the far side of the shadow. The last in line will find the key. Somewhere beyond the apogee!” “Coming home from the battle, time to lose your fears!” A powerful song of conquest and a search for fulfillment.
“Time Machine”, opens full of instrumentation, including some awesome lead electric guitar soloing, supported by bass, keyboards and powerful blasting drums. Wager sings, “I want to go back to the way we used to be”. Yes, you and the rest of the world. We could all use a time machine right now. He sings, “Time machine, can you cross the universe, when time stands still, in your sweetest dreams”. Yes, we are all ready. Great song which captures that feeling well.
On “Oblivion”, Wager’s vocals really capture that quieter, emotional presence James LaBrie’s voice always seems to display. A very strong ballad, full of excellent lyrics. Wager sings, “When you stop looking, through the eyes of someone else. You feel salvation, but you cannot see yourself”. Excellent!
Saris has two lead singers. A male and a female lead singer. We have heard Wager, now we hear from Anja Günther, on the album title and longest song, “Beyond the Rainbow”. The song opens as an instrumental. Then Wager sings, with Anja Günther singing back-up.
“Orphan”, opens with soft percussion and keys. Orchestration and piano is added in step, as a great orchestral melody begins. Wager really sounds like LaBrie on this track. Another fateful journey, this time about family. Günther is increasing her role as singer as the album proceeds. The keyboards are rich and unique. The lead guitar work is also original and does not sound like a Dream Theater copy.
“Strange Melody”, opens with violins, orchestration, then guitar. Actually, a wonderful melody. Wager and Günther singing together, giving even more feeling to the album.
“New World”, has a beautiful melody set to chords, as keyboards, bass, and drums are added. Finally, Günther gets to sing lead vocals. A story of kings and dreams. “Take me to the new world calling. Let the song and dance begin!” “A new day dawns!” We are all waiting for sure. Very uplifting message and song.
“Heaven’s Gate”, brings back the old guard of what Dream Theater used to sing about. Finding peace and striving for excellence in sound.
“Anyway, from You”, opens with one of the best guitar solos on the album. The bass, drums and keys support well.
“Infinity”, is another great, Dream Theater – inspired masterpiece.
Track List
- Avalon – 5:10
- Time Machine – 7:09
- Oblivion – 3:59
- Beyond the Rainbow – 11:47
- Orphan – 5:55
- Strange Melody – 6:10
- New World – 5:17
- Heaven’s Gate – 6:59
- Anyway, from You – 4:56
- Infinity – 5:08
Like most bands, I am sure Saris is a fantastic, performance band. They, like all other bands are stuck off the stage for now, but this music would have been wonderful played live. You can really feel the emotion and excitement they put into their music. The feeling of wanting to take the stage and the need to perform is all over this album. “Time machine” is a perfect reflection of that missing spirit. The rest of the album has a Lord of the Rings feel, full of stories of greatness and ambitious journeys. The album is full of very uplifting lyrics, which I think we all need right now.
Definitely a great alternative to the most recent albums Dream Theater has released.
This is another excellent band find this year. I have them on my watch list. Please give Beyond the Rainbow, a listen. Like me, you will probably want to look back and listen to their deep catalog, as well as follow them in the future.
https://saris.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-rainbow