New Wave of British Heavy Metal stalwarts Saxon come in hot with a mighty “double bubble” release. This being a live album of their appearance at Hellfest last year (2024) and with it their latest studio album, the very excellent Hell, Fire and Damnation.
Now, I’m on record here and other places saying Saxon did very little for me when they emerged to prominence back in the early 1980s.
I thought their stuff was, whilst playing to their audience, was far too cheesy. Wheel of Steel, Denim and Leather and all that. Left me cold.
However…….I do very much like recent albums Carpe Diem and Hell, Fire and Damnation which are both superb.
Hard hitting, mature heaviness and the addition of Diamond Head’s Brian Tatler for Hell, Fire and Damnation seems to have brought new energy.
Bearing in mind the overly cheesy comment, it can’t be denied that Saxon have always been a superb live band. I saw them many a time in the early 1980s and they knew how to put on a show.
And they still do as evidenced here on Eagles Over Hellfest. They roar through an energetic set which, as you may expect, draws heavily on the older “classics” such as Wheels of Steel, Denim and Leather, Strong Arm of the Law, Dallas 1pm etc. as well as bringing new stuff such as the superb Madame Guillotine from the current studio album.
Oh: and 747 (Strangers in the Night), which is one of the early Saxon songs which I do quite like. Here it is:
Over the live performance, Saxon put it all in. Talismanic front man Biff Byford is remarkable for a bloke in his mid-70s. A force of nature. Doug Scarratt and riffmiester general Brian Tatler a scorching guitar duo. Nigel Glockler is one of the finest drummers of the genre and Nibbs Carter locks in tight on bass.
Whether the world needs another live album or not is debatable as if you’re a fan there’s not much different by way of a set list which hasn’t been on their previous live albums.
Although if you may be new or not too familiar with Saxon it’s a good start – particularly for the inclusion of the Hell, Fire and Damnation studio album.
That’s a monster, monster of an album indeed. A nice touch from Saxon to include both live and recent studio album together in this package. Do check it out.
>> SAXON EAGLES OVER HELLFEST REVIEW ON AMAZON <<
In related news……Diamond Head have a live album due out shortly, which of course will feature Brian Tatler. Not sure what Diamond Head’s future may be with Brian’s involvement with Saxon though let’s hope he can combine both.
I have the DH live on order. Review to follow.
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