A Matlock, Derbyshire band heavily influenced by Rock classics, SARACEN tended to veer into a more American Radio Rock orientation towards their second album. Created in 1976 and named after the sheep eating vulture LAMMERGYER, with an initial line-up of vocalist / keyboard player Richard Lowe, guitarist Rob Bendelow, bassist Barry Yates and drummer Titch. Changes were made in 1980 when a band line-up change prompted the band opting for a new name of SARACEN whilst adding former WILD WOLVES vocalist Steve Betteney and drummer John Thorne.

The debut album, although on a minor label Nucleus Records initially, proved such a great success that Polygram took over the band. SARACEN began negotiations with major labels including CBS Records, who informed the band thought SARACEN could be a viable replacement for JUDAS PRIEST. History records the A&R department at CBS obviously were blind to the fact that JUDAS PRIEST were one of the Britain's premier Metal bands and about to release their biggest selling album 'Screaming For Vengeance'. Eventually, SARACEN were sidelined.

Yates was replaced in 1982 by Jason Gardener and Bendelow departed after the negotiations with CBS Records broke down and was replaced by guitarist Haydn Conway. Thorne quit in 1984 shortly after recording the 'Change Of Heart' album with the group. This offering, produced by Keith Nichol, was issued through Wallsend's Neat Records. Later that year only Lowe and Betteney remained of the original group, which eventually dissolved in 1985.

Gardener formed covers band USA whilst Betteney formed MONTERREY (not to be confused with MONTERREZ). During 1996 Haydn Conway resurfaced, performing second guitar duties for SON OF A BITCH's South American dates.

Quite incredibly, after a 15 year lull, SARACEN, with original members Steve Betteney, Rob Bendelow, Jason Gardener and Richard Lowe, returned to action in 2001 announcing a record deal with Now And Then Records. This reunion was pre-empted by Bendelow's TEMPLAR solo album 'Come To The Light'. SARACEN's third opus, 'Red Sky', featured Jamie Little of the BOB CATLEY band on drums.

As part of their comeback campaign SARACEN were added to the billing of the SAXON and NIGHTWISH headlined Derby 'Bloodstock' festival in August 2005. The band also made studio time to record a new album 'Vox In Excelso', featuring additional keyboards from Paul Bradder, and put in an appearance at the November 'Firefest 2' festival held at Nottingham's Rock City, alongside HAREM SCAREM, POWER QUEST, HOUSE OF LORDS, BALANCE OF POWER and DANGER DANGER.

The group signed to Escape Music to release both 'Vox In Excelso' and re-issue 'Heroes, Saints & Fools' and Red Sky' as a box set with four bonus tracks. Latest man on the drum stool would be Mark Cross.