Saxon – Hell, Fire and Damnation
Saxon – Hell, Fire and Damnation
Silver Lining Music
Release Date: 19/01/24
Running Time: 42:25
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
The 24th album of their career, and there is little that ‘The mighty’ Saxon needs to prove. In a rich vein of form for well over a decade, their albums have been of a consistently high standard since “Call to Arms”, with most recent album “Carpe Diem” heralded as one of their best in the extensive discography. They continue to power forward, standard bearers for the UK’s classic Metal scene, proud to have been part of the NWOBHM, and unashamedly deliverers of a particular style of Heavy Metal that doesn’t always sit easily with those who want their music a bit more cerebrally challenging.
There are those who find Saxon a little Spinal Tap. This isn’t an album for them. Having Brian Blessed deliver the opening narration on ‘The Prophecy’ is either genius or ridiculous, for those who saw the legendary thespian introduce Saxon at Bloodstock in 2022 will attest to the chaos that ensued. One can’t help but wonder if he really is in possession of a guest pass for Saxon’s forthcoming tour with Judas Priest and Uriah Heep (sponsors Saga and Sanatogen). Anyway, his dramatic introduction at least paves the way for us to get into the real business, a new Saxon album, complete with a rather fine piece of cover art.
It’s evident from a glance at the track listing that Biff and co. have dived deep into the history books for “Hell, Fire and Damnation”. There are songs that span the ages, from the French Revolution through to the Battle of Hastings, Saxon drop anchor in the history section of the local library and encourage you to take a journey through moments in history and beyond. Musically it is as solid as one would expect, with Glockler’s drums powerful, vibrant, and benefiting from the generous production of a certain Andy Sneap.
The title track has been out for some time so should be familiar to the Saxon Army and opens with a trademark Byford scream. It’s fast and frenetic, new boy (haha!) Tatler showing his desire to work with fellow six stringer Scarratt. He could go far you know! In fact, the guitar work is, as one would expect, top drawer. The riffs flow, alongside the battering ram of Glockler and bassist Carter. And it’s initially ‘Fire and Steel’, the band’s tribute to the city of Sheffield, and the fiery closing track ‘Super Charger’, which really get the pulses racing. These two stand out as the most aggressive tracks.
As usual, the hooks are instant, the formula sufficiently enticing albeit with as much repetition as other albums. ‘There’s Something in Rosewell’ for example, takes the main body of the song from ‘Solid Ball of Rock’, and whilst it’s a typical Saxon tub thumper, it doesn’t really set the world on fire. ‘Pirates of the Airwaves’ doesn’t provide much challenge, telling the story of the emergence of pirate radio in the 1960’s. It’s one of my least favourites here, a simple, paint by numbers song that really doesn’t go anywhere.
As a huge Saxon fan, I’m not sure what I was expecting, apart from this album. “Hell, Fire and Damnation” is, unsurprisingly, a Saxon album. Storytelling in the same way they have done for over 40 years, Byford and co. craft out the songs, with ‘Kubla Khan and the Merchants of Venice’, and ‘Witches of Salem’ amongst the highlights.
Of course, if you don’t like Byford’s vocals, which I know can be a challenge for some, then this album won’t change your opinion. He’s over 70 years of age and isn’t going to change his delivery even if you asked him to. What you hear is what you get, and that’s okay for me. Like every Saxon album that they have ever released, there are always fillers. ‘Pirates of the Airwaves’ is exactly that, a throwaway fist pumper which could fit on “Wheels of Steel” or “Strong Arm the Law”, 44 years ago, without turning a head. Ditto ‘1066’.
It’s to their enduring credit that Saxon can continue to produce solid if not massively spectacular albums this far into their career. Album 24 stands alongside the likes of “Battering Ram”, “Sacrifice” and “Thunderbolt”, although I’d probably rank all three of those higher than this one. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, then this isn’t the album for you. If you want solid, British Heavy Metal, then you’ll do far worse than spend 40 or so minutes with this greatest British institution.
Saxon – ‘Hell, Fire and Damnation’
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Prophecy
02. Hell, Fire and Damnation
02. Madame Guillotine
03. Fire and Steel
04. There’s Something in Roswell
05. Kubla Khan and the Merchants of Venice
06. Pirates of the Airwaves
07. 1066
08. Witches of Salem
09. Super Charger
LINE-UP:
Nigel Glockler – Drums
Brian Tatler – Guitar
Doug Scarratt – Guitar
Nibbs Carter – Bass
Biff Byford – Vocals
LINKS:
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