Saor is a band that, hopefully, needs no introduction.  They have become mainstays in the folk/post/atmospheric black metal scene rather quickly, and mastermind Andy Marshall has been churning out his brand of quintessentially Scottish music for almost twelve years now, and it seems like every release has been upping the ante for the project.  2022’s Origins was a particular favorite of mine, and plenty others here at Nine Circles, Inc., so how could we pass up an opportunity to virtually sit down with Mr. Marshall and toss him some questions (some of which you may recognize)?  Check out his thoughtful responses below and stay tuned for a full review of Amidst the Ruins in the coming days!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I got my first guitar when I was around 13 or 14.  Back then, I was into mainstream rock and metal, and my mum used to buy me Guitar World magazine.  It came with CDs, and that’s how I first learned to read tabs and play along with songs.  But for me, it was never about being a virtuoso – I just wanted to create my own music.

At the time, I was listening to bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica, but when I got to high school, a friend started lending me CDs of heavier stuff – Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir.  That was my introduction to more extreme metal, and from there, I just kept digging deeper into the black metal scene.

I started out playing in high school and local bands, and after a few failed projects, Saor finally came to life in 2013.  It’s been a big part of my life ever since.

Luckily, my family has always been supportive.  My dad is a massive music fan, and he still comes to my local gigs, which is really cool.  The only pushback I ever had was from a few ex-girlfriends who didn’t really get it – but let’s not go there!

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

Most people call Saor atmospheric black metal or folk/black metal, which I get, but I don’t like genre labels.  There’s definitely black metal in there, but I pull inspiration from a lot of different places – metal, folk, classical, film scores, ambient, post-rock.

I came up with Caledonian Metal as a way to describe it.  It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it fits.  The music is deeply inspired by Scottish landscapes and history, so that term sums it up better than any genre tag could.

Origins was a little bit of a departure from the normal atmospheric black metal that Saor is known for.  What inspired some of the more NWOBHM and traditional metal moments, and can we expect to see more of that with Amidst the Ruins?

During lockdown, I went through a massive old-school heavy metal phase.  I was listening to bands like Wytch Hazel on repeat, and that definitely influenced my songwriting.  I’ve always loved bands like Iron Maiden, and even on my earlier albums, you can hear those dual guitar harmonies and galloping riffs.

With Amidst the Ruins, I kind of went back to the classic Saor sound—longer songs, more dynamics, and a stronger atmospheric black metal influence. I think touring the Aura anniversary set played a big role in that. Revisiting those older songs really got me back into that mindset.

It feels like Saor is one of a handful of relatively popular bands who really tap into what it means to be Scottish.  Any other Scottish bands that we should know more about?

Nothing really comes to mind.  To be honest, I don’t listen to much new music these days.  Life’s too busy!

Where are some of your favorite spots to draw inspiration from, considering nature and home play such an important part of Saor’s music?

I spend a lot of time on the Isle of Skye, where my dad lives.  He’s up in the north, away from the tourist-heavy areas, so it’s really peaceful.  Glencoe is another place that never fails to inspire me – there’s something about the mountains that just stirs the imagination.  But really, Scotland is full of places like that.  I could go on forever.

Are there any unexpected bands or artists who inspired Amidst the Ruins?

Not really.  The one exception is a section in Glen of Sorrow, which was inspired by the Faroese singer Eivør.  Other than that, I don’t think there are any surprises!

When playing live, you normally play bass and sing, even though you play most of the instruments in the studio.  Is there something special about holding down the rhythm section that makes you feel comfortable in that role, or is it more of a “somebody’s gotta do it” type of thinking?

It’s a bit of both.  I feel way more comfortable playing bass and doing vocals than I would on guitar.  If I played guitar live, I’d have to concentrate too much on my playing, and I don’t think I’d be able to deliver a strong vocal performance at the same time.  So, bass just makes the most sense for me.

Speaking of studio recording, there are a LOT of guests featured on Amidst the Ruins.  Who was your favorite guest to have on the record and why?  Any fun collaboration stories from the sessions?

Honestly, every guest brought something special to the album.  Ella was incredible – her vocals, whistles, flutes, and Uilleann pipes added so much atmosphere.  The string players really elevated the whole sound of the album.  Jo Quail completely transformed “The Sylvan Embrace” with her cello, and Carlos absolutely smashed it on drums.

I feel really lucky to have worked with such talented musicians.  They all brought their own energy to the record, and it wouldn’t have been the same without them.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

I’d just say – remember that your opinion is just that, an opinion.  Music is subjective, and everyone has different tastes.

For new musicians, I’d say don’t let bad reviews get to you.  Take them with a pinch of salt.  The only people that really matter are the fans – they’re the ones buying the records, coming to the shows, and experiencing the music.

What do you do to unwind in this crazy world when not crafting haunting, soul-stirring metal?

I like to spend time with family and friends, get outdoors, go to the gym, and just stay active.  I also enjoy a few beers and just chilling out.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

Right now, the focus is on touring.  We’ve got a lot of shows lined up, plus some festival appearances later in the year.  If we’re playing near you, come say hi and grab a beer with us!

Summarize your band in one word.

Scottish.

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To even get a response back at all is a dream come true.  Infinite thanks to Andy for answering us, and you better believe I will be taking you up on that beer when you come to Chicago next.

— Ian

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Amidst the Ruins will be available February 7 on Season of Mist.  For more information on Saor, visit their official website.