Saxon ‘Battering Ram’

 Heavy metal fans, it’s time to don your denim and leather because the gods of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal are back! I’m talking about Saxon and they have just dropped their 21st studio album, “Battering Ram,” and it is an absolute beast of a record. 

  After almost 40 years, Saxon is still sounding terrific.  Produced by Andy Sneap at his Backstage Recording Studios, “Battering Ram” is a perfect balance between the heavy metal thunder of the 80’s and a modern crispness and clarity.  The title track kicks things off with a shotgun blast, a perfect heavy metal anthem.  The twin guitar work of Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt is outstanding, especially on the blistering “Destroyer” and “Top of the World.”  The drums of Nigel Glockler and bass of Nibb Carter provide a thundering backbone to “Eye of the Storm,” complete with news blurbs from actual storm coverage and the keyboards midway through “Stand Your Ground” give it an almost prog-rock vibe.  Frontman Biff Byford sounds better than ever with his vocals in top form throughout the record.  The spoken words of “Kingdom of the Cross” provide a distinctive feel on this WWI tribute song, an epic and unusual ballad which closes out the record.  “Three Sheets to the Wind” is included on the bonus track versions and is a classic rock and roll party song.

With earth shaking riffs and contagious melodies, “Battering Ram” once again ensconces the mighty Saxon atop the heavy metal throne.