Description
‘Nineteen albums in andSAXONcontinue to showcase its art of doing no wrong. On CALL TO ARMS June 3rd 2011 SAXONtakes a more direct approach to songwriting, maintaining a degree of variety within its trademark style parameters, but on the whole ending up a more compact example of melodic and classy traditional heavy metal and hard rock. The 11 cuts work as a representative career sampling in many respects, though more often than not are most representative of the meat and potatoes side of theSAXONsound. A great opener in the memorably riffed and catchy chorused Hammer of the Gods is followed by a big guitar, ode to the old days anthem calledBack in 79. Uptempo tracksSurviving Against the OddsandAfterburner, as well as theACDCesqueChasing the Bulletare demonstrative of the bands nofrills heavy metal rock n roll delivery. The tough riffing and marching cadence ofNo Rest for the Wickeddelivers in similar form. Melodic hard rock territory is entered onMists of Avalon, while a title track that is distinctivelySAXONin its epic feel if not length, and the midtempoWhen Doomsday Comes Hybrid Theorywith its mystical shades and a synth solo to boot, feature a different, though comfortably familiar side of the group. The way this album moves offers a freshness and energy about which most bands a 10thSAXONs age could only dream.’ Scott AlisogluBlabbermouth. Saxon is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only £10 +P&P