Heavy Metal has always been a slightly ludicrous thing - and I say this as a fan. Few bands epitomise that more than Saxon - the band that allegedly inspired Spinal Tap. In fairness, Saxon are also a prime example of everything that is good about the genre; showmanship, musicianship, dogged determination and undying loyalty to, and from, their fans.This 24th Saxon album remains as preposterous as ever but works best where the band stick to their well worn formula. Live to Rock and Slow Lane Blues vary little from classic tracks Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm Of the Law, but still engender as much excitement as the latter songs did almost 30 years ago.
That other Saxon staple, the historical anthem, is also catered for with Battalions of Steel and Valley Of the Kings but less successfully as, perhaps in an attempt to re-launch themselves post-Channel 4 documentary, they stray just a little too far into Dragonforce (Saxonforce?) territory. The speed riffing and overwrought twiddling a poor substitute for the slow-burning power of Dallas 1pm or The Eagle Has Landed.
Elsewhere things are fairly bland, although Demon Sweeney Todd isn’t bad. Hellcat though is dreadful but nothing can prepare you for Biff’s pathetic warbling on the acoustic blues of Coming Home – if you thought the half-time air guitar stunt from the Get Your Act Together documentary was embarrassing, think again!
Overall a disappointing effort when compared to the magnificent albums served up by other returning icons Whitesnake, Metallica and AC/DC but there is enough here to suggest that Saxon have still got what that takes and that whilst there is life left in the old warriors perhaps there is still hope of one last momentous album.
Rating: Good
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