Saxon has been a stalwart of NWOBHM for decades, with a discography that has produced iconic tracks such as “Princess of the Night”, “Denim and Leather” and “The Power and The Glory” to name a few of my personal favorites.
With each new release Saxon offers, they have kept their unmistakable brand of heavy metal, but each album feels heavier and distinctive in its own right. Biff Byford’s ability for storytelling is exceptional and the music is written in such a considered way to align with the lyrics, adding substance to each track. Each Saxon album is a journey and a testament to why they have remained at the top of their game for so many years.
This brings us to the latest album from these legends.
“Carpe Diem” is 10 tracks of “Saxony goodness”. The album is exactly what you expect from Saxon, it is the band doing what they are best at, and it delivers on all counts.
From the opening moments of the album, you are drawn into the title track by an intro that creates anticipation and promptly kicks into a driving heavy riff and a scream from Byford. It highlights his vocal prowess right out of the gate, the track is full of heavy metal urgency, and displays the precision of a band that is completely in sync with each other, both creatively and in their musicianship.
“Age of Steam” has some incredible guitar work from Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt, the solos make you stop and marvel at the magicianship, as they mesh seamlessly within the song in the most intriguing way. Byford has an uncanny ability to create lyrics to conjure images in the mind and ignite a connection to each tale he spins.
“The Pilgrimage” shifts the gears down a notch, it’s a ballad, but still doesn’t lose the heaviness in the riffs. This track provokes emotion, the intention is clear, from the soaring solos, the purposefully placed drum fills from Nigel Glockler, and the impassioned vocal delivery from Byford. It reaches in and grips you right in the feelings.
But don’t be lulled into a false sense that the slower pace is going to continue as “Dambusters” smacks you in the face with its furious pace and spectacular leads, and is quickly followed by “Remember the Fallen”, both tracks are absolutely smoking!
“Super Nova” is another step up in intensity, Byford’s vocals are elevated, the pace is elevated, it’s Saxon on steroids. There’s a very nice solo section, with a fleeting drop in tempo, which serves to highlight the acceleration of this track. “Lady in Gray” takes you down a haunting path, the tale of a ghostly apparition, it is reminiscent of “Mists of Avalon” from the “Call to Arms” album, but is one to take notice of lyrically, weaving a mythical tale.
“All for One” is sprinkled with “The Power and The Glory” vibes, a true metal anthem! The standout track for me – I love that the solo section doesn’t lose its energy with the riff underneath keeping up the blistering pace. It showcases fantastic leads throughout the track and the band again reminds you why they have been doing this for decades, their passion for what they do is clearly evident.
The last two tracks round off the album beautifully, “Black is the Night” and “Living on the Limit” deliver heavy compelling riffs, and memorable choruses, verifying that Saxon has clearly not finished with us yet! The riff in “Black is the Night” is heavier and darker than the rest of the tracks, it’s mesmerizing. “Carpe Diem” has the best of everything, the driving force of Glockler and Nibbs Carter, the undeniable class of Quinn and Scarratt, and the creativity and unmistakable vocal performance of Byford, which is masterfully produced by Andy Sneap.
Standout tracks: “All for One”, “The Pilgrimage” and “Super Nova”
Another sensational release from these metal veterans, it’s classic Saxon, yet it’s unique in its own right. Recommended for everyone who has metal running through their veins.
Saxon: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label:
Category: Album
Country: UK
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
