SAXON is back bringing us hard hitting Metal from England on their 23rd release titled, Thunderbolt. The band formed in 1977 and has been hitting us hard with Heavy Metal albums ever since. This band knows what Metal fans want: heavy guitar riffs, guitar solos, a strong front persona and singing, hooks and fist pumping head banging beats! SAXON is British heavy metal at its finest and gives all the before mentioned qualities and more. Anthems on display, all with more hooks than a bunch of cenobites on the hunt for new flesh! Thunderbolt continues the tradition with twelve well-written songs intricately designed and performed to hit hard. The dexterous guitar duo of Paul Quinn and Doug Scarrlett continues to turn out powerful lead and rhythm riffs of raw force and technical excellence. Biff Byford’s vocals are as strong as ever and full of aggression and edge. Nigel Glocker’s drums combined with Nibbs Carter’s driving bass is an unstoppable force. The band turns out great songs, full of strong memorable melodies and interesting forms. SAXON keeps things consistent and at a high level and that is the key to their success and Thnderbolt, a solid bullseye, get it! That’s the short of it!
Positives:
Excellent twin guitar work. Songwriting that is inventive and will keep you humming the melodies all day. SAXON is true to their roots, outstanding British Heavy Metal.
Bottom Line:
Thunderbolt highlights the ferocious stamina and songwriting abilities of the band. Songs built around dexterous guitar riffs and fluid explosive vocals, the band can convey their songs in a variety of feels and instrumentation, and with strong musicianship, this new album is a solid listen. Keeping true to the old-school Heavy Metal substance they relentlessly bring us powerful Heavy Metal, no B.S. and as I’ve said many times before, thank God they have GUITAR SOLOS! If you are already a SAXON fan, you will be pleasantly surprised that the band still is reaching for new concepts and growing. For example, there is tasteful guttural growls from Byford, which is obviously a nod to current metal trends. This band is hitting it hard. Release the Thunderbolt unto thy speakers!