NWOHM legends Saxon return with their 23rd studio album Carpe Diem on February 4th via Silver Lining Music. The ten-track LP was produced by Judas Priest guitarist Andy Sneap at Backstage Recording Studio in Derbyshire, England with Biff Byford and Sneap mixing and mastering.
The Yorkshiremen have had their fair share of woes over the past few years beginning with lead vocalist Biff Byford suffering a heart attack in 2019, followed by the dreaded covid pandemic that has affected us all in the past two years. This seems to have reinvigorated the band to rediscover their 80’s metal roots because Carpe Diem is a serious statement of intent. Biff and the band have created an album stacked full of intensity and passion that has not been heard in a long time.
The self-titled track “Carpe Diem” begins instantly grabs the listener with a layered key intro and tribal drums that segues into powerful drums and Byford’s trademark vocals. The intensity of the song is an appetiser for the remainder of the album.
Next up is the thunderous “Age of Steam”, which feels like a sequel to “Princess of The Night” due partly to the subject matter of steam trains. The song still delivers the type of riffs they were churning out in their 80’s heyday. A fast, pulsating guitar riff that shows no signs of slowing down, much like the steam train itself.
Saxon continue to produce big, meaty riffs and write songs with historical themes and current affairs. Byford sounds like a rejuvenated man with his high vocal range, attempting to match up with the ferocity of guitarists Paul Quinn and Doug Skarrat. They can do slow songs, too, as on “The Pilgrimage,” a six-minute track in the guise of “The Crusader.” Byford soars over long, melodic guitar breaks like an eagle soaring above the skies.
The covid-inspired “Remember the Fallen” is a timely reminder of what people lost in the pandemic. The riffs are punchy, while drummer Nigel Glockler pounds the drums with an energy that runs throughout the album.
“Super Nova” is a super-charged metal track about the astronomical event. Byford hits full out octave range in the chorus, over fierce drumming, and riffs to headbang to. The gothic “Lady in Gray” has choral backing vocals, crunchy riffs, and Byford sounding like a sorrowful storyteller.
This album does not slow down towards the end with old-school “All for One” and the tenacious “Living on the Limit” delivering fast and aggressive metal that would leave producer Sneap’s current bandmates felling proud. And, finally, “Black is The Night” concludes with chugging riffs that loop over melodic instrumental breaks and Byford sounding like the singer of old.
Saxon return to form with the finger-blistering solos, chunky riffs, and the affable singer with a big voice. Carpe Diem shows Saxon have chosen to seize the day and remind us they are not finished yet.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Anselm Anderson
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