SAXON – Battering Ram (2015)
UK legends SAXON are delivering us (release date October 16) a recording of brand new material in the form of this hard-hitting beast called “Battering Ram” which is surely deserving of its name.
The band’s 21st full-length pulls no punches and offers exactly what Saxon fans want with frontman Biff Byford in absolute top-form, along with what I can soundly describe as a ‘heavy metal thunder’ that zooms down the road at a hundred miles an hour and sounds like it came right out of the ’80s.
The title track does a good job of bringing that “wind in your face” feel of the old days, with “The Devil’s Footprint”, “Destroyer” and “Hard and Fast” continuing to deliver that potent punch that one would expect from acts like Judas Priest, Accept or… well, Saxon.
But there are some slight changes in the formula as “Top Of The World” seems like it received a touch of Maiden in the chorus (which is definitely not a bad thing) and “Kingdom Of The Cross” prides itself as being the only real ballad here on the disc. An a real good one.
Additionally, there’s some electronic backgrounds present in “Stand Your Ground” which might come a bit off-kilter, but don’t worry, this still is a heavy Saxon, just trying something different.
“Eye of the Storm” is highlight of the album in my opinion, which gives you a demonstration of the darker, heavier side of Saxon with a powerful chorus and another lesson in riffing by axemasters Doug and Paul. It’s simple and direct, as it always been with them.
While the effort remains strong through almost the entire record, the song “To the End” feels like filler to me, and although not compromising the work, it’s just not on par with the other cuts. Fortunately, the the aforementioned “Kingdom of the Cross” and closer “Three Sheets to the Wind (The Drinking Song)” do the job of ending the album in high standards.
When I think about a reliable band, Saxon’s named is the first one on my mind, and for good reason. Showing no signs of slowing down, these giants once again deliver a quality effort worthy of the band’s respectful discography in “Battering Ram”.
With a lot of highs and very few lows, the album is yet another strong release for those seeking sanctum in traditional heavy metal with lots of melody here and there. It doesn’t matter if you weren’t born when Saxon released its first album or are old enough to have witnessed their entire career; this album is for you.
After 37 years of denim, leather, thunder, power and glory, it becomes clear that only death can stop these Elder Gods of metal.
Highly Recommended.
01. Battering Ram
02. The Devil’s Footprint
03. Queen Of Hearts
04. Destroyer
05. Hard And Fast
06. Eye Of The Storm
07. Stand Your Ground
08. Top Of The World
09. To The End
10. Kingdom Of The Cross
11. Three Sheets to the Wind (The Drinking Song)
Biff Byford (vocals)
Paul Quinn (guitars)
Doug Scarratt (guitars)
Nigel Glockler (drums)
Nibbs Carter (bass)
BUY IT !
www.amazon.de/Battering-Ram-Saxon/dp/B012FH9XV2
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