The saga of pomp/AOR/prog monsters SAGA goes on. Do the math and configure 10,000 days equals to 30 years. Yeap, 30 years of charming music for the thinking fans all over the globe. This Canadian piece has long now written its name in gold letters throughout the (widely) pre-prog music diaries. 10,000 Days brings both good and bad news but, what the heck, the one that really matters is the music and its whole vibe in before/after/in between historical 'dressing' facts.
This album is singer Michael Sadler's farewell. No, no musical differences, no fights, no 'money management' disagreements, no nothing.Michael just decided that - after serving SAGA with much of enthusiasm and less of dignity for all these years - he should focus mainly to his beloved family. And that's a decision you can't argue against. You know, many musicians depart from their bands after 2 or 3 albums for this reason (do not deny their decision, of course!). Michael Sadler stayed with SAGA for no less than 10,000 days and, preceding his departure, the whole album is names after the most crucial 'history' turn in the band's career. His message - by the way - to fans, friends and colleagues is widely expressed through the lyrics in More Than I Deserve.
As for the album itself: The SAGA 'trademark' points are once again present. Pompous creations, vast atmosphere, 'sharp' sound and perfect instrumentation is the offering. Playing a little bit with on-the-edge Prog Rock and under-water new sounds, the multi-dimensional sound of the Canadian masters will grab you on an endless sonic crossing through complex yet non-pseudovirtuosic tunes. SAGA always allowed the unique charisma of composing multipart music that was - in the end of the day - so 'user friendly' you could definitely label them as a 'pop' band. But that was never the case with this quintet.
SAGA is not the perfect band. They had their ups and downs, but always managed to play at heart and - in the case of 10,000 Days - the same feeling flows all around. There's a certain melancholy in the album's song and some routine in expressing moods and options. The truth is that there were certain timelines the album showed some flat preference. On the other hand, melancholy is an artistic feature and through the dominant keys, sharp guitars and floating rhythm parts one can question what came first: Sadler's departure or the songwriting?
Simple enough, though: SAGA fans have another notable album for their collection, 'prog' music fans will find interesting 'autumn' moments and enemies of the sound will behold another weapon against the band's philosophy. I like the album but it does not prevent me from placing it in the background, bringing Sadler's exodus forth ahead.