For 26 years, the members of Saint, in some form or another, have been making music. Josh Kramer and company return with their 9th studio album, entitled Hell Blade. Kramer, alongside the only other original Saint member, Richard Lynch, release another solid effort of 80s metal laced with apocalyptic themes and messages. Usually one would think to tell these guys that 1984 is long passed, but instead, how about we let them stay lost in the 80s?

In light of recent events and the foreshadowing of the book of Revelations so easily visible in today's world, Saint may be more relevant than ever. The apocalyptic lyrics throughout this album can't help but make one realize that we are indeed living in the end times. Not all is gloom and doom with Saint, however, as they also give hope in the reminder that Jesus Christ is in control with the songs "Crying in the Night," "You & Me," and "Endless Night" and lyrics like "And we watch the endless night slowly turn to glory; And a world so full of life folding true to story."

Hell Blade has its share of rockin' metal tunes. "To the Cross," "Hell Train," and "Hell Blade" will all get your head banging. The highlight has to be "New World Order." This song's lyrical content could be considered controversial to some as Kramer boldly sings the lyrics "And we don't know just what Obama-nations breeding here. Oh, here comes the New World Order, the Devil's on his shoulder; start running for the border." Kramer warns of the impending One World Government talked about in Revelations; the New World Order. The song also consists of different quotes, including a quote from President Obama himself.

With all the goodness it offers, Hell Blade falls short in two areas. The first is length. Saint totals 10 tracks, but the first is a 38 second build up for "The Blade." Saint only manages 9 songs again on an album. The album itself is good, but it leaves you feeling a little slighted and wanting another song or two. The other area of complaint is in the tracks "Crying in the Night" and "You & Me." As standalones, the songs are solid, but they don't seem to fit into this album. The entire album maintains a dark and ominous feeling aside from these two songs. The message they bring is excellent, but the music just seems a little too bright and happy for this record.

Saint is definitely back and just as good if not better than ever. If you are a fan of 80s metal along the lines of Judas Priest, or you yourself are still lost in the 80s, get this album. Hell Blade will keep your head banging as Josh Kramer belts out Biblical messages from the book of Revelations.

- Review date: 5/11/10, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com