Saga 28

Released in 1993, The Security of Illusion signaled a rebirth of sorts for Canadian prog rock popsters Saga, as earlier members Jim Gilmour (keyboards) and Steve Negus (drums) were welcomed back into the fold – for the first time since 1985's Behaviour…

While Saga began as a progressive rock band, increasing pop sensibilities put the group in a league with bands like the Fixx in the early '80s. This album, which follows the excellent Worlds Apart, is nearly as good as its predecessor; Michael Sadler's commanding voice leads the way while the rest of the band punches up the fairly succinctly written songs with loads of texture and occasional instrumental fireworks…

In their latest album "Forever Now," Gösta Berlings Saga shows that they know very well how to preserve their essence without falling into repetition by composing a record that delivers an engaging blend of analog synthesizers, well- crafted guitar lines, pulsating drums, and echoes of space rock and post-rock, all wrapped in dense atmospheres. The notes seem carefully chosen to stir emotions, awaken images, and create entire stories in our imagination. "Forever Now" is not just a new chapter in the group's discography but a powerful statement that the band remains in full creative form.

Released in 1993, The Security of Illusion signaled a rebirth of sorts for Canadian prog rock popsters Saga, as earlier members Jim Gilmour (keyboards) and Steve Negus (drums) were welcomed back into the fold – for the first time since 1985's Behaviour. And as evidenced by the music, the result of the reunion returned the group straight back to their heady early-'80s period, especially on the downright vicious rockers "Mind Over Matter" and "Stand Up," as well as the percussive-heavy album closer, "Without You." Instead of being influenced by what was going on in the rock world circa this time period, Saga stick to their guns on The Security of Illusion, and come up with a release that nearly managed to out-rock their Canadian competitor at the time, Rush.