Like 1999's
Full Circle,
Marathon offers little more than recycled rock clichés and unfulfilling musical hooks. While 25 years into their existence
Saga still had a following, they had become an obvious caricature of themselves -- an unintended
Spinal Tap. But unlike on
Full Circle, there appears to be a discernible degree of intensity and passion in these songs. Amid the predictable sounds and techniques utilized here, one song, "You Know I Know (Chapter 12)," incorporates a clever instrumental passage, although it's not nearly enough to elevate this album from its overriding murk and mire. ~ Dave Sleger