SAINTS OF EDEN OVERLOAD ALBUM METECH RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 REVIEW: AUGUST 26, 2004

Saints of Eden originated in 1996 doing a re-mix of "Xodus" on The Nefilim's "Penetration" single. Cian Houchin (the man responsible for the lyrics and the music of Saints of Eden) was, at the time, Nefilim frontman Carl McCoy's bassist/keyboardist. His involvement with Carl dates back to 1993, when The Nefilim released the track "Chaocracy" on a Beggar's Banquet compilation.
Soon after the completion of The Nefilim's "Zoon" album, Cian toured with the band, playing over 20 shows before calling it a day in 1997, to concentrate fully on The Saints of Eden (as they were called then). He has released two albums under this moniker, each powerful, each very personal. People have complained about a Nefilim influence but as they say in England, play fair. Houcin was instrumental in helping to create that sound. He can do with it what he likes.
"Overload" has been three years in the making and shows a looser, more daring Saints of Eden. Sure, there are tracks which have some elements of the old style but they are complimented by songs which, amazingly enough, contain hopeful words and a guarded optimistic outlook. The music is a thoroughly riveting mixture of techno, electro, metal and straight up rock. The lead single (as yet to be released as such) entitled "Overload" screams along at a terrifying pace, though a lot of the album is more textural overall and demands repeated listening.
One can only hope for more from this band in the future.

PETER MARKS