SAXON: Lionheart (MELODIC METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Saxon is not dead! And if Biff and his band gave a slight impression of ageing on their two previous albums, "Lionheart" sets the record straight.

From the very first seconds of 'Witchfinder General', the stage is set: double pedals galore, thumping bass, razor-sharp guitars and Biff at the height of his vocal powers. Saxon have enlisted the services of Charlie Bauerfeind behind the controls for this project. Already present on the "Metalhead" album, the German producer, renowned for his many metal references, succeeds in adding the dynamism that was lacking. The other member of this dream-team is drummer Jörg Michael. The usual lumberjack of a Stratovarius in full decline and plagued by the psychological problems of its leader Timo Tolkki, has been poached to fill his spare time. The least we can say is that he takes the opportunity to let loose, because even if it's not his preferred style, he brings extra power to the British gang.

As for the 4 bandmates, they take advantage of this helping hand to give us a partition we'd almost given up hoping for, like the unleashed Biff, whose performance on the opening track should serve as a benchmark, thanks to its power and variety. While the complementarity and effectiveness of the Quinn - Scarratt duo is nothing new, it takes advantage of this new situation to grow in stature. Finally, the importance of the arrival of Nibbs Carter may never be fully recognized, but it is undeniable. His enthusiasm, spontaneity and dynamism, combined with his technical skills, are even more apparent live on stage, but are always present on studio albums, especially when the production is up to scratch as it is here.

But let's get back to the 11 tracks behind the cover, which features a coat-of-arms honoring the 3 most important countries in Saxon's life. The lions of its native England, the lily of France, where some of its members, including its leader, have settled, and the eagle of Germany, home to its record label and part of its staff. Instead of 11 tracks, we are offered 9 songs and 2 interludes. 'The Return' introduces 'Lionheart', reminiscent of the legendary 'Crusader', whose chorus haunts you long after you've heard it. As for the short, acoustic 'Jack Tars', it sets the scene for the formidable 'English Man'O'War', with its steady tempo and classic structure. This track is joined in this category by the single 'Beyond The Grave', whose deceptively gentle intro leads into one of Paul Quinn's secret riffs.

"Lionheart" is a powerful reminder that Saxon has no intention of slowing down and capitalizing on his glorious past. Unlike some of its contemporaries, Saxon has never stopped touring and producing new albums, and if they haven't always been at the level of this formidable "Lionheart", they have at least had the merit of proving the honesty and indestructible enthusiasm of this band who have been sharing their passion with us for over 25 years. - Official website

SAXON

LIONHEART

SPV STEAMHAMMER

MELODIC METAL