Is there a single band in the history of metal more consistent than Saxon? If so, feel free to correct me, but I don’t think you’ll be able to find one. These NWOBHM legends have been specializing in unrelenting, unadulterated heavy metal from the beginning. For most of you reading, that’s before you were born. Sure, there was the late 80s sidestep into more commercial territory, but through it all, Saxon never lost their sense of purpose. Taking all that into consideration, it shouldn’t be surprising that their latest album, Carpe Diem, is a full fledged metal masterpiece. Yet I can’t help but be an awe of the sheer intensity on display.
Time and time again, we’ve heard the phrase, “50 is the new 30”. So does that make “70 the new 50”? I only ask because Saxon singer Biff Byford is now 71. Guitarist Paul Quinn is 70. Drummer Nigel Glockler is 69. They, alongside longtime guitarist Doug Scarratt (62) and bassist Nibbs Carter (the “baby” of the band at 55), have put together a collection of songs that sweep the floor with the majority of bands that fall under the “NWOTHM” moniker, starting with the ferocious title track. The rhythm section is explosive, the guitars are harder than steel, and Byford’s vocals are lethal enough to slaughter legions. Couple this with Andy Sneap’s razor sharp production, and you’ve got a match made in heavy metal heaven.
As the album progresses, Saxon leaves no stone unturned. The dark and magnificent “Age of Steam” comes off as a sequel to “Princess of the Night”, while the borderline thrash of “Dambusters” goes straight for the jugular, thanks to its mind melting twin guitar harmonies and steely riffage. On the flipside of such metallic extremity is “The Pilgrimage”: a lengthy, melodic, progressive suite following in the tradition of “The Eagle Has Landed” and “Crusader”. It’s these types of songs where Saxon’s love for early 70s influences Wishbone Ash and Uriah Heep show. The hard rocking “Remember the Fallen” packs a melodic punch as well, paying tribute to those who have passed from COVID-19 in the process.
If you think Carpe Diem lets up at all, think again. Its second half proves to be even heavier and more bombastic than its first. The high speed power metal of “Super Nova” and anthemic spirit of “All for One” conjure shadows of Power and the Glory (1983). “Lady Gray” is a menacing piece with eerie lyrics and atmosphere, while “Black is the Night” displays Sabbathian doom metal undertones in its riffing and arrangement. Rounding out this full metal affair is the short and anything but sweet “Living on the Limit”. I can’t help but thing this ripping fast headbanger is a nod to their since deceased mates in Motörhead. It’s fast, filthy, and ferocious. What more can you ask for?
I know it’s only February, but if I were in Vegas right now, I’d bet my week’s paycheck Carpe Diem will be my album of the year, or at the very least crack the top 5. This has been the case with every Saxon album since I discovered them in 2011 at the tender age of 12, right before the release of Call to Arms. I’d call this a “late career renaissance”, but I’ll save such a patronizing term for a more ill informed journalist. It can’t be a “renaissance” if said band never stopped being amazing. And who’s to say this is “late career”? That descriptor has been used to discuss almost every Saxon album of the past 20 years. At this rate, they’ll be touring and recording well into their 90s…and they’ll still be more metal than you.
10 out of 10
Label: Silver Lining Music
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Judas Priest, Accept, Motörhead