Imagine a world where heavy metal meets ancient legends, where UFO sightings inspire epic tales, and where the guitarist from Saxon teams up with a progressive metal mastermind. Sounds intriguing, right? But here's where it gets controversial: Can these seemingly disparate elements truly blend into a cohesive and compelling musical experience?
DOUG SCARRATT, the legendary guitarist from SAXON, is stepping into uncharted territory with his side project, VENGER. Alongside James Fogarty, an eclectic musician known for his work with OLD FOREST and formerly with IN THE WOODS, Scarratt is set to unleash VENGER's debut album, "Times Of Legend," on January 9, 2026, via Silver Lining Music.
To give you a taste of what's to come, VENGER has already dropped a music video for their first single, "From Worlds Unknown," produced by Sven Rothe. You can find the video online and judge for yourself. This track delves into a shared fascination between Scarratt and Fogarty: Ufology. "The song engages a subject Doug and I have a shared interest in which is Ufology," comments Fogarty. "It was written from the perspective of imagining that you were down by Stonehenge once and this UFO turned up but there's no one else there to witness it. And does that really matter? Ultimately, I don't think it does". The song paints a vivid picture: you're alone at Stonehenge, witnessing a UFO, and no one else is there to share the moment. Does the experience lose its significance simply because there are no other witnesses? It's a question that lingers long after the final note fades.
"Times Of Legend," written and produced by Scarratt and Fogarty, promises a refreshing escape into realms of history, folklore, and fantasy. It's a reminder that entertainment doesn't always have to be grounded in reality; it can soar on the wings of imagination. And this is the part most people miss: the album isn't just a collection of songs; it's a series of interconnected stories.
Fogarty elaborates, "I like the idea that 'Times Of Legend' could be like a heavy metal version of those 1950s schoolboy books where every chapter was a different story, that each song is its own individual story and that listening to the whole album is giving people a collection of tales." Think of it as a metal anthology, where each track unveils a new adventure, a new legend.
Scarratt adds, "We're both fans of cinema, so you've got all the classic horror movies in there as well as some historical elements too. I've always loved anything connected with fantasy and movies, we're surrounded by enough reality for me. When it comes to entertainment, I want some escape." The album draws inspiration from classic horror films and historical events, offering listeners a much-needed respite from the mundane.
While Scarratt's reputation with SAXON precedes him, Fogarty brings a diverse background from black and progressive metal bands like IN THE WOODS and OLD FOREST. VENGER's formation is a story in itself. The idea was born in 2024 when Scarratt's son was playing a show in Brighton, UK. Fogarty introduced himself, and the two quickly discovered shared musical interests. Their collaborative sessions felt like casual gatherings between old friends, bonding over metal, cinema, and a shared love for storytelling.
In terms of their roles, Scarratt is a guitarist's guitarist, renowned for his improvisational solos, while Fogarty excels in crafting harmonies and melodies. Sven Rothe, the drummer, is also involved in another of Fogarty's projects, creating a tight-knit musical ecosystem. Vocalist Franz Bauer, another associate from Fogarty's musical circle, lends his talents as a guest on the album.
"James writes great harmonies and melodies but doesn't solo, and I love improvising solos. I like to just listen to the track and see what happens," Scarratt explains. "Some of the solos start with melody parts, harmonies, and then go into some free fall, but I like the free fall because I love the randomness of guitar. And you know, I'm not always able to totally recreate solos and stuff live because guitars are so random. I can get it very, very close but I can't always make that harmonics exactly the same as I did on the recording. And as for the songs: settle in and get ready for stories." This highlights the organic and spontaneous nature of their music, where improvisation and experimentation are key.
In an era obsessed with digital speed and instant gratification, VENGER, named after the one-horned sorcerer from Dungeons & Dragons, offers a refreshing return to timeless tales. "Times Of Legend" draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, shedding new musical light on figures and stories of old. So, unplug from the digital world, sit back, and immerse yourself in the aural pages of "Times Of Legend."
Here's the track listing for "Times Of Legend":
- From Worlds Unknown
- Pharaoh's Curse
- Navigate The Labyrinth
- Crystal Gazer
- The Legend Still Remains
- Séance
- Throw The Switch
- Impaler Of Souls
- Tower Of Babel *
- featuring Matt Mitchell on vocals
The VENGER lineup includes:
Doug Scarratt - guitars, lead guitars
James Fogarty - guitars, synths, bass, backing vocals
Franz Bauer - vocals
Sven Rothe – drums
So, what do you think? Can VENGER successfully fuse heavy metal with ancient legends? Is this a concept that resonates with you? And perhaps most importantly, in a world saturated with digital noise, is there still room for imaginative storytelling through music? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we're eager to hear your perspective!
