ALBUM REVIEW ~ SAXON ~ 'INSPIRATIONS'

I'm Music Magazine, Saxon, Inspirations, Rolling Stones, Silver Lining Music , Toto, Silver Lining Music,

NWOBHM legends Saxon gear up for the release of new album Inspirations on March 19th via Silver Lining Music/Militia Guard.

The album promises to deliver “full roar-fun-down” set of eleven covers from bands that influenced Biff and the boys during their illustrious career. Lead vocalist Biff Byford helped produce the album with assistance from Jacky Lehmann on recording and mixing. The LP features tracks from bands as diverse as Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, AC/DC and …Toto!

Saxon waste no time delving into things with a rendition of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black.” Byford wraps his iconic chops round this with highly charged guitars- and no Sitar.

Next up Byford tries his hands at Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” He may not have the same power as Robert Plant, but manages to place his own take on it. The musicianship throughout the album is exemplary as each note is nailed down. Other highlights include a sinister attempt at Sabbath’s “Evil Woman,” a raucous “Speed King,” and a rambunctious version of Motorhead’s “Bomber” with added whistle. There are some tracks Saxon take on the vocal challenges they quite can’t get right.