Saracen

English heavy metal band from Derbyshire, formed in the mid-1970s; best known for the 1980 album Heroes, Saints & Fools.

Originated in Derbyshire and originally performed as Lammergier. Their 1980 debut was recorded for local label Nucleus and distributed by PolyGram; the album earned national circulation and entered the Top 50. Line-up names cited in reviews include Steven Bettney (vocals), Robert Bendlow (guitar/composer), Richard Lowe (keyboards), Barry Yates (bass) and John Thorne (drums).

Reviews celebrate Saracen's 1980 debut Heroes, Saints & Fools for its epic, prog-inflected take on NWOBHM. Key highlights include strong keyboards, melodic guitar solos, and passionate vocals. The band is noted as originating in Derbyshire and formed in the mid-1970s. The album is frequently cited as the group's golden era.

For:Fans of NWOBHM, progressive metal, 1970s-80s hard rock and keyboard-forward heavy music.