Saxon - Thunderbolt

Monday, new week, time to introduce "Record Of The Week"

"Thunderbolt" is the 22nd album by the British Nwobhm band SAXON, 22 album, that’s a hell of an accomplishment. The first album came out in 1979, almost 40 years ago.

They are considered one of the classic metal acts and have influenced many bands such as METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, MÖTLEY CRUE, PANTERA among others.

During the 1980s SAXON established themselves as one of Europe's biggest metal acts. The band tours regularly and have sold more than 13 million albums worldwide.

"Thunderbolt" is a Storming Smashing Thundering collection of tunes they have crafted with Producer Andy Sneap. Stand clear and fasten your seat belts! "Thunderbolt" is the follow-up to 2015’s "Battering Ram", the same formula is used, classic hard-charging heavy metal in the traditional NWOBHM style. The album opens up with the instrumental intro "Olympus Rising" and continues with the title tune "Thunderbolt" where the band puts in a higher gear, commanding guitar riff by Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt, hard hitting drums by Nigel Glockler, quick fingers on the bass strings by Nibbs Carter and the peculiar voice by Byford on this galloping rocker, it's also the main stamp we hear throughout the album, including tunes like "The Secret of Flight", "Speed Merchants", or the marching "Sniper" and the Motörhead tribute "They Played Rock and Roll". The dramatic tale of the creature of the night in "Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz)" is horror rocker with organ intro before it shapes into a pompous creation. Byford sings like a god on this track. "Predator" is a real monster, hard and heavy guitar-oriented tune with a grizzled rhythm section and a guest growls by AMON AMARTHs Johan Hegg makes this a tune that stands out from the standard NWOBHM style. The mythological stories in "Sons of Odin" and "A Wizard’s Tale" where we get powerful vocals, strong drums and excellent guitars. The album closes up with "Roadie’s Song", a tune about the tour life for the band, a nice ending.

Sum "Thunderbolt" is a solid rocker with classic catchy tunes, a delight for SAXON fans and traditional heavy metal enthusiasts alike.

Today's tune is the title tune from "Thunderbolt", released February 2nd, enjoy!



More info @

Official Saxon Web

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