Richard Lynch visited my site. Here's what he had to say:

Hey Kurt,
I guess you didn't like "The Perfect Life"
Well that was a good review non the less for that project.
Thanks for the great review on "In The Battle" and your site looks great!!!
God bless,
Rich

WARRIORS OF THE SON (2004) ARMOR (20th anniversary edition)

The production on Saint's first EP was never good. But despite that I've from the first time I got to hear it ranked it as one of their best efforts. And it is always difficult when bands want to mess with their classics. Very few bands have done this successfully. But I have to say that I'm very pleased with what Saint have done here. The songs sound beefier without taking away anything from the originals. Rather Saint have stayed very true to how these songs sounded back in 1984, just upgrading them production wise. It's no secret that even these new recordings aren't done in the most expensive manner. But this I only think adds the needed charm to these tracks. The band have also pulled two never before recorded Saints tracks from the vault. But to be honest, I find "Killers And Destroyers" and "The Reaper" to be the weakest songs on this CD. Kudos to the band for wanting to give the fans something extra though. The first track is missing from the track list on the back insert.

LIVE 05 (2005) ARMOR

After the positive feedback for 'In The Battle' and the re-recorded 'Warriors Of The Son', Saint wanted to record a DVD. One show was filmed, but so far the band have decided to release it on CD instead. And why not? Save for the poor Cornerstone recordings on the re-issue of 'Time's End', they have not delivered a live-album before. So here the fans who have never seen them in action on stage get the chance to at least hear them. Now, this is a low budget release, so the sound is not that of a record company backed band. And the booklet and artwork is pretty scarce too. But it's the actual music that counts the most, isn't it? And while the track list on any live album is certain to leave something to be desired for any fan, I'd still say that this is a fine representation of Saint as a band. I've read complaints about Josh's vocal delivery. But I think he's doing a great job. The band sounds tight too. With Dee Harrington back, we now have 3 of the 5 members who recorded 'Too Late For Living'. Vocalist Tim Lamberson from 'The Perfect Life' is also back in the ranks, but this time as a drummer. 'Live 05' will probably please the hardcore Saint fans the most.

THE MARK (2006) ARMOR

You can count on Saint for delivering the goods! Once again they show us who are the kings of the Christian metal scene, and delivers what might just as well be their heaviest effort to date! Not bad for a band that was gone for half a decade, and didn't play real metal for even longer. Well, 'The Mark' is yet another stellar piece of molten metal. It's a concept album, taking on the Book of Revelations. The result is fantastic. They have really captured the good old sound from their past efforts, and continued their legacy by recording some of their best songs ever. Just check out "Babylon The Great" and see if you can't agree that this is classic Saint, with a new twist! The Judas Priest influences are present, and very noticeable in songs like "On And On" and "The 7th Trumpet". That last one comes complete with Josh screaming his lungs out, sounding very much like Rob during the 'Painkiller' era. I also like the inclusion of some double bass drumming here and there. Actually I'd love to hear more of that in the future! Add to this some choice guitar-work, with tons of shredding solos, and you've got a total package. 'The Mark' is one of those albums that just gives you a good feeling when listening to it. I'm not sure why, but I seem to hold some underlying skepticism every time Saint releases a new album these days. And still they are able to blow me away every time!

Killer tracks: The Vision, He Reigns, Bowls Of Wrath, Babylon The Great, Reap The Flesh

CRIME SCENE EARTH (2008) ARMOR

Has it been 2 years since 'The Mark' already? Man, time flies fast these days! Well, Saint are once again back with another slab of heavy metal missionary! And this time my hopes were way up, thus I pre-ordered the album (an therefore I received my copy with a cool calendar to boot!). Lyrically 'Crime Scene Earth' reflects on many of the crimes of humanity through out our history. But it also focuses on the only way to Salvation, through Jesus Christ! Musically this album is a bit different. Or should I rather say vocally. You see Josh Kramer is only singing on 3 of the 9 tracks presented. Instead Richard Lynch have taken over most of the vocal duties. The band claims it is because they opted for a heavier direction. But rumors has it that since Josh moved, the band had a hard time getting the record done without some crucial steps being taken. Thus Richard is singing most of the songs, and the vocals have been put a little further back in the mix. They have also put some minor effects on the vocals here and there, so the changes in vocals is not as apparent right away. To be honest, I really do prefer Josh's vocals, but then again Richard does sing on some of my favorite tacks on this CD. The music is still 100% classic Saint though. It's the same metallic rhythm section, sans the stellar double bass-work presented on their last effort. And wouldn't you know, they finally did it! They cover Judas Priest's "Invader" here! Saint have always been likened to the British legends, and here they take on one of that bands more obscure tunes. 'Crime Scene Earth' is in my opinion not as solid as the bands last 2 or 3 efforts. But it is still a good enough album for long times fans such as myself.

Killer tracks: Terror In The Sky, Everlasting God, The Judas In Me, Lost

HELL BLADE (2010) RETROACTIVE RECORDS

Saint is one of the only original '80's bands from the Christian metal scene that are still doing the same as they did back them, namely playing real heavy metal! Sure, they did fall short for a period during the dark '90's, but after the reunion in 2003-2004, they have more than made up for it! 'Hell Blade' is the 4th album with new material since then. They are now signed to Retroactive Records, probably the best label for Christian metal these days.

Already during the short intro opening this CD you get a feeling that something big is going to fill your speakers. Then the classic sounding "The Blade" comes crashing through, and it is soon evident that it is a vital Saint once again delivering the goods. Josh Kramer is back doing all the vocals, which is the way it's supposed to be. Then when "To The Cross" reaches my ears I'm totally hooked. This could just have easily been picked from my favorite Saint album, 'Too Late For Living', from 1988! And this is a common denominator for all of the songs on 'Hell Blade'. It totally captures that '80's metal feel, and even manages to add more crunch and thunder. Just check out the blistering solos on this thing? And double lead guitars? Man, this is a blast, and I'm loving each and every second of it! Saint has always has sort of a revolving door when it comes to drummers. Virtually a real life Spinal Tap. But I'm hoping newcomer, Bill Brost, will stay for a long time. He really gives the songs that push and drive a drummer should.

My only complaint is that the overall production is a little "muddy". This is of course due to a no-budget do-it-yourself production, done in Richard Lynch's own home studio. However, it doesn't ruin the feeling of once again listening to a resurrected Saint, playing metal the way we fans always loved them for.

Labels are always trying out new things to stop the parasite knows as illegal downloading. The latest thing is to send out pre-ordered CD's in good time before the official release date. So my copy of the album came to be during Christmas time of 2009. But the copyright date on the album says 2010, and I think the official release date was sometime in January of that year. Still, I added 'Hell Blade' to my top 20 albums from 2009.

Killer tracks: I love them all, but two absolute favorites are "To The Cross" and "Endless Night"