SAGA is one of the most significant bands in the melodic Prog (hard) Rock music. 70% of DREAM THEATER, SYMHONY X, PAIN OF SLAVATION, FATES WARNING are - by far -not even aware of the Canadian legendary band's existence but...c'est la vie...SAGA was never the 'heavy artillery' for bloodsucking record labels/promotion agencies. Even if the band did establish its own 'brand' in the 80s, SAGA's name is not heard at all in our days, even if they carry on releasing good albums (2006's Trust latest studio release was such a case, too).
In reference to the herein reviewed album, it must be noted that a SAGA album entitled Worlds Apart was originally released in...1981 or 1982? Well... The album reached the USA charts at position No29, plus it had lots of success in other countries too. If any band has a representative album, so has this fine Prog/Pomp/AOR/Symphonic/Hard Rock quintet, aged now 30 years old! Worlds Apart combines melody, professional playing and challenging vibes/feelings the best way a band can be requested, in (generally speaking) Rock music.
When DIO performed the whole Holy Diver album live in its entirety, it was good news. The same goes for METALLICA's Master Of Puppets or MARILLION's Misplaced Childhood (even if performed by Fish himself). This is, also, the case for SAGA and Worlds Apart Revisited. From a gig in Pratteln, Switzerland (December 8th, 2005) is this recording coming off, including the whole album plus some more tunes from the band's rich discography. It's weird enough the band did not decide to put all Worlds Apart tunes on one CD disc and the rest on the other; nevertheless, SAGA is in fine mood, the sound is clear - even if somehow 'flat' at times - and the total setlist would not leave one fan dissatisfied. Grand tunes - like On The Loose (a successful single, also, those days) and Wind Him Up - did make that night a pleasant dream, while other cuts performed included older (Ice Nice, Humble Stance, Don't Be Late) or newer (The Runaway or Keep It Reel) ones. No Regrets and Scratching The Surface are sung by Jim Gilmour while it was a nice surprise too see rare 'gem' like We've Been Here Before (from 1987's Wildest Dreams) chosen for this gig.
This DCD release depicts the supremacy of SAGA, a band playing great music for more than a quarter of a century (fans interestined in MAGNUM will adore the band). The Worlds Apart Revisited album is also issued as double DVD release, while available will also be a deluxe DDVD/DCD package. There you can confirm the supremacy of this monstrously 'artistic' Canadian outfit. Do yourself a favor and correct your historic faults. After all, Canada has offered the services of RUSH and SAGA is not - by any means - far enough from the masters.