The British heavy metal icons SAXON, the true NWOBHM veterans have released the band's 23rd studio album, "Carpe Diem", which easily picks up this fine award.
The band's albums releases during the last 20 years have remained consistent, with a new album every few years mixed with a tour. The quality is always been high and kept a steady stream of well-written anthems. "Carpe Diem is business as usual for British metal institution SAXON, and business is good.
"Carpe Diem", really shows off that SAXON still has it, the sound, the tunes are true to their legendary status and keep a good flow true out the whole album. Biff Byford's vocal range is still in full bloom and it's remarkable that it still is in such good shape since his heart attack in September 2019. Paul Quinn guitars are as amazing as always and he really gives us some great solos here Nigel Glocker keeps the pace and he really knows how to do it. There are several great tracks on this record. Like the opening title tune "Carpe Diem (Seize The Day)" that really follows the SAXON blueprint, heavy riffs along with catchy lyrics. "Age Of Steam" is a powerful piece that stands out a little, with really cool riffs, and historical lyrics. "The Pilgrimage" is a slower tune, half pace harmonies that could be filed under "ballad", to then be replaced by the tempo booster with the brilliant "Dambusters", excellent guitars in a high speed to be followed up by "Remember The Fallen", "Super Nova", "All For One" and "Black Is The Night" that keeps the chugging high. The album closes up with the 10th track "Living On The Limit", which throws us back to the band's history. Great ending to a nice release by SAXON.
"Carpe Diem" is was released on February 4th via Silver Lining Music. Produced by Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, EXODUS, ACCEPT among many others) at Backstage Recording Studios in Derbyshire with Byford and Sneap mixing and mastering, "Carpe Diem" strikes the ear as one of the most essential British metal statements of the last few years and not lacking in pace or bite, an album which will ignite the joy in stalwart supporters and attract a whole new legion to the Saxon fold.
Sum: If you like SAXON, then you will love “Carpe Diem”!
Today's tune "The Pilgrimage", is taken from “Carpe Diem”. “Pilgrimage is a fantastic word. People go on pilgrimages all the time, not just in a historical or religious sense, but it’s about going and visiting either a place that you feel is special in your life or somebody that’s meant something in your life. You can go on a pilgrimage to go see your great grandfather who died in the First World War for instance. They’re journeys of great weight and importance.” Enjoy!
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