Special guests: Robin Beck, Steve Overland, and Issa Life long pals Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow formed their first band "Lammergier" during the mid 70's together with folk guitarist turned rock bassist Barry Yates. The name changed to "SARACEN" in the early 80's, but the music remained the same; an ever growing repertoire of powerful guitar orientated rock, laced with lush keyboards and evocative vocals. Escape Music have already presented you with the double CD Red Sky / Heroes, Saints and Fools (ESM124) which covers the band's early years. The conceptual CD "Vox in Excelso" (ESM135) was released in 2006 to great acclaim and has earned the band more and more respect. It's 2011, and this latest release from Saracen is another concept album, carefully crafted around the life and times of that ultimate Hollywood icon - Marilyn Monroe. This opus charts her rollercoaster life, from young orphan to worldwide superstar.....and beyond. As with Saracen's previous album ('Vox In Excelso') the storyline does not shy away from the darker recesses of history; in this case Marilyn's problematic life...and untimely death. No less than five tracks on the album tell their story in Marilyn's own words.....brought to life by the very special guest appearance of American songstress Robin Beck. Robin's unique vocal style adds a dramatic new dimension to this rich collection of interwoven compositions. Saracen's symphonic-rock instrumentation has also been augmented for 'Marilyn' with the inclusion of saxophone impresario Snake Davis. His evocative, soaring solos add greatly to the album's emotional journey. The layered vocal harmonies on 'Marilyn' come courtesy of Saracen bass man Richard Bendelow and classical-turned-rock newcomer Karensa Kerr. The fusion of symphonic rock with choral-style vocal arrangements has produced an intoxicating mix. Two more vocalists make outstanding guest appearances on this album - namely Norwegian rock sensation Issa and 'FM' frontman Steve Overland. Issa handles the lead vocals on 'Hold On', whilst Steve & Robin intertwine beautifully on 'Who Am I?'.