You have to hand it to them, releasing two albums on the same day (7 February 2025) , not a lot of bands or labels will chance it. But then you encounter the LA based band SABER, active since 2018, has done just that. Not only that, but their label RPM-Roar was eager enough to help them pull this off. Well, they can get away with it, because in true VAN HALEN style, neither of the albums hits the 30 minutes mark when it comes to length. And if you have read my review of the rerelease of the 2021 debut album, “Without Warning”, you will already know that both albums sound very similar. If you hadn’t you have just found out now that “Lost In Flames” is giving us the same vibes as their debut. And that is very much okay in my book.

Musically this is very enthusiastically written, played, recorded and released pure Heavy Metal music by a band that likes to keep things simple. They have the ability to make you take notice of everything they do, however straight forward it might be. Yes, just like SAXON and AC/DC can. But do not think they are to be compared to those giants of Metal musically. Not at all, as what SABER plays is mid to fast paced NWOTHM with such a perfect vibe and feel that you will be tapping your feet, nodding your head and humming along. Unless you are still a young gun, then you could be actively headbanging to the Old-Fashioned Eighties Heavy Metal that SABER plays.

As I have mentioned earlier, I feel that “Lost In Flames” and “Without Warning” are very similar sounding albums, especially when you play them consecutively. They are both so very enthusiastic, energetic and fun that it is rather difficult to distinguish one from the other. But I have to admit, after a few listens I think I have found something. I would dare to say that the songs on “Lost In Flames” sound just that little bit more mature, whilst still retaining the happy feel that “Without Warning” gave me. I feel that SABER have found their kind of Heavy Metal, and I do hope that they keep on going and give us more new music. If I have my say, I really don’t want to wait four years until the next SABER album. Can we please get it a lot sooner?