Saxon - Thunderbolt (2018)

Okay, I may not be suffering from OCD, but I have to start off this review with my uncomfortable feelings of that album cover. It is a cool piece of art, but the way the focal point of the cover is slightly skewed to the left just does not feel right. Sure, the bird might not have looked as intimidating if it was centered (unless it was magnified), and maybe this is a more dynamic take to the image, but it is still kind of annoying.

So with that stupid nitpick out of the way, how does the 22nd Saxon album sound? Well, if you have listened to any of the other 21 albums, you probably know how this one will turn out, it is just classic heavy metal that somehow never seems to get old. The guys keeps on reinventing the wheel, and still make the crowd roar cheerfully. There is just something with these types of bands that have created their own niche that is so admirable, and makes you appreciate them a little bit more, because you never know how long they will be around for.

Judging from "Thunderbolt" though, it seems like Saxon will be here for quite a while longer. They still have a drive that is as strong as it has ever been, and still find some neat tricks to make every song interesting (although I do think it was kind of weird that Biff tried some growling in "Predator", stick to what you do best man). The knack of creating a catchy and engaging song is certainly still there, and they add some sort of epic element to it all with this record. Songs like "Nosferatu (The Vampire's Waltz)", the title track, "The Secret of Flight", and "Sons of Odin" just adds a grand persona that raises the album a whole new level.

The lyrical content is also fun to discover, dealing with both Norse and Greek mythology, vampires, wizards, but there are two tribute songs that does catch my attention a little extra. First we have "They Played Rock And Roll", which is a clear homage to their fellow countrymen Motörhead, and one of the better ones to this date. Saxon carbon copies their style pretty well, while still keeping their own core sound, and the small nods here and there are fantastic for fans of both bands. Then we have the ending song "Roadies' Song", a tribute to the hard working man behind the stage that makes every show happen. This is not something new either (Motörhead and Tenacious D did it, just to name a couple), and the song is not my favourite in the record, but still a very nice tribute to the guys that never gets enough praise.

So yeah, "Thunderbolt" is nothing that will surprise you, and the second half might not be as exciting as the first, but the quality of the craft is still really good, and you will surely find a couple of new favourites in here. Biff Byford and crew has put together another really solid record with great heavy metal in their typical style, and keeps on trucking without slowing down even a little bit. It is surely a banger, and hopefully not the last one we will hear from the group.

Songs worthy of recognition: The Secret of Flight, Thunderbolt, They Played Rock And Roll

Rating: 7,5/10 Predators

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More reviews of Saxon
Sacrifice
Battering Ram

Saxon - Battering Ram (2015)

Being one of those bands that seem to not stop until death tells otherwise, Saxon keeps on trucking and releases a new album every other year. Say what you want about them, but you cannot deny that these guys are very productive, releasing 21 albums in 39 years. A impressive rate for sure.

Fortunately, this almost mass production of new albums has not at all affected the quality of the craft. "Battering Ram" may not be all to original, but it is far from bad. On the contrary, it is actually one the more solid albums I have heard from them in recent years (and the same can be said about that gorgeous album cover). It is not that the band has created a couple of songs that will go in history as instant classics, instead they have created 11 songs that all hold a good, high standard that every fan should have no trouble in banging their heads to.

Just like any other Saxon album, there are no big surprises in store. They start off by pulling their most powerful (and possibly the strongest) punch with the title track. Worthy of its name, it punches through your door with loud drums, sweet riffing, and Biff Byford's stand out vocals. Certainly a start that makes an impact. The strong starts continues with the groovy "The Devil's Footprint" (that more or less steals the intro to Iron Maiden's "The Number of The Beast" and just puts other words in it) and a slow, chugging Alice In Wonderland tribute in "Queen of Hearts".

The album does sink a little after that, but it never really submerges fully below the surface. All songs are steady as a rock, succeeding with its only mission, to entertain the listener with good music. Songs like "Stand Your Ground", "Top of The World" and "Three Sheets To The Wind (The Drinking Song)" does stand out among its brethren, but are these songs that will blow you away? No. Do they have to blow you away? Absolutely not, you will still enjoy them.

For us metal fans, this is just another Saxon release among the other 20. It is not a album that will baffle and it will have a hard time to make any best of lists this year, but it does what it was intended for, it entertains. "Battering Ram" lives up to the name, even if the bang is not too big. It is a good, strong album that does not disappoint anyone. It is simply Saxon, and we would not have it any other way.

Songs worthy of recognition: Battering Ram, The Devil's Footprint, Top of The World

Rating: 7,5/10 Queen of Hearts

Saxon - Sacrifice (2013)

You would think that after almost forty years and twenty full-length album that a band like Saxon would know what they are doing... and they do. After Motörhead, I feel that Saxon is the most stable British metal act that still is active today. I have at least not found a single bad album in Saxon's discography yet (have not checked through the whole discography, will do that some day) and their last offering, "Call To Arms", was a surprisingly heavy and strong assault that really got me into the band. So naturally, I expected no less from "Sacrifice".

As always, there is very little that separates Saxons albums apart from each other but I feel that "Sacrifice" has a little hint European power metal in it which is a nice clean touch and it does not take away too much of the band's original sound. But something that surprised me was the big variation in the lyrics. We have songs about bravery and fighting spirit ("Stand Up And Fight"),the tragic fate of Titanic ("Made In Belfast"), the thrill and excitement in racing ("Warriors of The Road") and, I cannot believe I am saying this, a song about standing and waiting in a line ("Standing In A Queue"). How the hell would anyone write a song about one of the most boring things you can do in your life? And I know what you are thinking, is the music in "Standing In A Queue" at least decent? I wish I could answer anything else but no but I cannot lie to you readers, the song is as boring as... well, standing in a queue. The only up side of that song is the guitar part that felt relatively fresh.

But besides of  that unnecessary closure song I would say that the rest of "Sacrifice" is holding a good standard. Some of my favourites are the fast and highly intoxicating "Warriors of The Road", the mystical and epic "Guardians of The Tomb" and the heavy and rifftastic title track. Then add the fact that the band is as good on their instruments as they always have been and we get a really enjoyable bunch of tracks. Even the iconic singer Biff Byford has a voice that is making him ten years younger. It is definitely good to see that these old men still has the mind and strength of young boys that is ready to take over the world.

One downside with "Sacrifice" is that it initially seems like a strong and fast album that could be a future classic. But after a couple of listening session I loose that feeling and the empty space fills in with a sense of that the band is just going on routine and do not care to work on the songs out to full extent.

So yeah, the durability is a big issue for "Sacrifice" but it is still a worthy listen for all of you who enjoys classic British heavy metal and for those of you that are more laid towards the European power metal scene, I would suggest that you gave "Sacrifice" a slow but steady try. This album may lack a long lasting punch but it still stands as a proof that Saxon is still going strong even after reaching that magical 20th album mark. Continue the good work lads.

Songs worthy of recognition: Guardians of The Tomb, Warriors of The Road, Sacrifice

Rating: 7/10 Wheels of Terror