Critical Reception
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic | |
| Metal Storm | 8.5/10 |
| Chronicles of Chaos | 7/10 |
| Sputnikmusic | 3/5 |
Reviews for The Dark Saga were fairly positive, but some viewed the album as a disappointment, following Burnt Offerings. Much of the negative feedback was attributed to simplified songwriting, and lack of intensity found on the album.
Sephiroth, of Metal Storm, called The Dark Saga "a great album that has to be listened to entirely in order to grasp the harmonic line which gives it unity". Adrian Bromley, of Chronicles of Chaos, felt similarly, calling the album "a cool concept record that manages to keep the listener going from start to finish", but was disappointment by the album's reduced heaviness. Eduardo Rivadavia, of Allmusic, on the other hand, was pleased by the musical changes and called The Dark Saga "a strong album, and one of the band's best", while Mike Stagno, of Sputnikmusic felt that the album "is not the best example of the band's skill".
Despite the criticism, the album was praised for Matt Barlow's vocals, as well as Jon Schaffer and Randall Shawver's guitar playing. Eduardo Rivadavia called Barlow's vocal performance "impressive throughout", while Mike Stagno felt that "Barlow's deeper vocal style also helps the songs sound much more emotional". Rivadavia also named Schaffer and Shawver's interplay the highlight of The Dark Saga.
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