Review by JD on February 24, 2012.

Thirty Years in metal is impressive as hell, and it is if it is in any music. Metal maniac Matt Sinner is such a man who has become a humble figurehead in the world of metal music and no matter what band he is in or has formed. Sinner will be a bright and shining star that is his legacy.

One of the originators of the whole German metal thing in the early to late 80's and even beyond that, Sinner still commands respect across the whole spectrum of fans and musicians alike. Still true to its roots, Sinner still keeps sounding fresh and inviting while bringing the heaviness to the foreground. Matt and company is showing the true heart and passion that all metal still holds in high regards even when playing with his other act Primal Fear.

Songs that are this powerful yet capture the listener in the deepest parts of the soul are so addicting are what we all live for. Making this music makes it clear that Sinner continues its domination in the scene. Tracks like the infectious 'Give And Take' to the Thin Lizzy-esque 'Atomic Playboys'. The intensity and love of the music they play shines through and hammers home the fact that metal is a force before, today and for years to come.

"One Bullet Left" is an album that leads to a time when metal was king, and it is the album that will help keep the music strong and healthy. A legend is someone who is unselfishly gives to anyone and musically speaking Matt Sinner has been one person that has kept the metallic ball rolling on for years – and we can all be thankful for that.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by Allan on July 22, 2003.

While most of the worlds bands go about their lives writing music that is melodic, structured, and relatively easy to understand, Kansas' very own duo Sabers go about things in pretty much the exact opposite way of such conventionalism. After numerous years of working together, Jeff Conaway and Charlie Hines are only now releasing their debut album "Specter" on Neurot Records.

The music that is "Specter" is certainly not commonplace and it's probably not something you're going to be in the mood for at all hours. What Sabers' music consists of is a rhythmic base that is created through sound loops, various field recordings, and drumming. On top of that you've got a guitar that is being run through multiple effects. The result is an ambient, layered, and textured set of soundscapes that are intense and hold the ability to alter moods and emotions.

When I initially listened to "Specter," I quickly caught on to the music but I was kind of stunned. At times it may seem to lack any structure, but there is in fact a rhythmic base to all of this that holds everything together. The sheets of sound effects cascade over this in an almost trance-like fashion. At first it may seem like everything is absolutely random and lacking any real direction, but through a few listens you eventually grasp the whole concept and purpose of Sabers. The music is indeed very well thought out and composed, with really no excess being used just for the sake of it. Conaway and Hines truly put a lot of thought and detail into their music. Each sound has a purpose. This may be the real genius behind "Specter." Despite its wandering qualities and ambient nature, the music is truly a well-oiled machine, working in full force. It's almost unmusical, yet at the same time so well trimmed and put together that it hardly seems as discordant and unorthodox as it really is.

Bottom Line: "Specter" is an intriguing listen that holds the power to manipulate the mind of the listener and set itself in rolling motion as an unstoppable force that invokes curiosity, enjoyment, and fear at the same time. For those brave enough to immerse themselves in the world that Sabers live in, "Specter" just might be your new home.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Originality: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.8 out of 10