Tag: Saxon
1 British Heavy Metal Legends SAXON to Release Live Album “St. George’s Day Sacrifice – Live In Manchester” – April 29, 2014 via UDR Music
A ‘Hidden Treasure’ Recorded Live at The Ritz in Manchester During SAXON’s ‘Sacrifice World Tour’
Each year, British heavy metal legends SAXON honor a fine tradition of paying homage to England’s patron Saint George by putting on a spectacular annual show on St. George’s Day (April 23rd). The band’s new live album, St. George’s Day Sacrifice – Live in Manchester, was recorded at last year’s performance on that special day, specifically at The Ritz in Manchester, England during the band’s ‘Sacrifice World Tour’. The album, mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap and produced by SAXON vocalist Biff Byford, hits stores in the U.S. on April 29, 2014 via UDR Music.
This 2 CD set (also available in digital format) finds a blistering performance covering a collection of SAXON’s finest work from 1979 up to 2013. A very special rendition of ‘Broken Heroes’ goes straight to the heart and is dedicated to The British Armed Forces. This is SAXON at their best – a real treasure rejoicing every fan.
St. George’s Day Sacrifice – Live in Manchester tracklisting:
CD 1 – running time 61:05 minutes
01 Sacrifice
02 Wheels Of Terror
03 Power And The Glory
04 Made In Belfast
05 Rock’n Roll Gypsy
06 And The Bands Played On
07 I’ve Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)
08 Night Of The Wolf
09 Conquistador
10 Broken Heroes
11 Guardians of The Tomb
CD 2 – running time 59:08 minutes
01 Never Surrender
02 Ride Like The Wind
03 Crusader
04 Stand Up And Fight
05 Dallas I PM
06 747 (Strangers In The Night)
07 Wheels Of Steel
08 Strong Arm Of The Law
09 Denim And Leather
10 Princess of The Night
SAXON’s most recent studio album, Unplugged and Strung Up, debuted at #52 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, as well as #89 on the Top Rock chart in its first week of release! Unplugged and Strung Up is an amazing full-length release of fresh twists on classic tracks. Featuring staple SAXON stormers such as ‘Motorcycle Man’, ‘Strong Arm of the Law’ and ‘Dallas 1pm’, it is a quintessential part of any collection. Recorded, mixed and mastered with Andy Sneap in Derbyshire, UK last year, Biff and co. re-evaluated, re-worked and re-energized the towering likes of ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ and ‘Crusader’ by introducing orchestral dynamics to offer added dimension. ‘Frozen Rainbow’ from the band’s 1979 debut, gets a stunning acoustic reprisal which transports it into a power ballad to be proud of, whilst ‘Red Star Falling’ soars and sweeps the emotions with its orchestrally-arranged dovetail. Buy your copy today – available in digipack version – here via Amazon.
For more information on both releases, please visit www.saxon747.com and www.udr-music.com.
0 HALCYON WAY Get Ready For North American Tour With Saxon and Fozzy – Debut New Video Online
HALCYON WAY are preparing to hit the road in North America with Saxon and Fozzy. The tour kicks off this Thursday September 12th in Patchouge, NY and runs through October 19th in Vancouver, BC. A complete list of dates can be found below.
HALCYON WAY are currently in the final stages of mixing for their new album. The band recently completed work on a video for the song “Web Of Lies”. The video received its exclusive premiere last weekend at the ProgPower USA XIV in Atlanta, GA. The video can be seen below!
Guitarist Jon Bodan commented on the video and the upcoming tour:
“We are very excited to unleash our first music video on the world! It’s been a long time coming but we like to do things right, and we think it’s worth the wait. Check it out, and share it with your friends! Also be sure to see us on tour with Saxon and Fozzy this month!”
The band’s forthcoming album was produced by Jon Bodan & Lasse Lammert (Alestorm, Gloryhammer) with additional vocal production by Seth Von Paulus (Linda Perry, Alicia Keys, Crash Kings, Smashing Pumpkins). Art will again be handled by the legendary Travis Smith at Seempieces.”
Known for their explosive live shows, instantly catchy melodies, precise vocal harmonies, incendiary guitar work, intricate yet pounding drums, and live props and showmanship hearkening back to the glory days of arena rock, they dominate the live scene.
Aurally combining the heaviness of bands like Testament, the technical prowess of Dream Theater, the power metallic attitude of Evergrey and soaring vocal melodies, HALCYON WAY will leave you awestricken by their punishing riffs and unforgettable hooks.
Visit the HALCYON WAY webshop at: http://www.halcyonway.com/webshop
HALCYON WAY With Saxon and Fozzy:
9/12: Patchouge, NY @ The Emporium
9/13: New York, NY @ BB Kings
9/14: Montreal, QUE @ Corona Theater
9/15: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
9/17: Reading, PA @ Reverb
9/18: Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
9/19: Dayton, OH @ McGuffys
9/20: Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
9/21: Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
9/22: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave Basement
9/24: Waterloo, IA @ Reverb Rock Garden
9/26: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
9/27: San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
9/28: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
9/29: Oklahoma City, OK @ Chameleon Club
10/1: Tempe, AZ @ Club Red
10/2: Las Vegas, NV @ Count’s Vamp’d
10/3: Ramona, CA @ Ramona Main Stage
10/4: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
10/5: Corona, CA @ M15
10/6: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge
10/8: Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
10/9: Portland, OR @ Alhambra Theater
10/10: Vancouver, BC @ The Venue
DISCOGRAPHY:
2011 – INDOCTRINATION – Nightmare Records
2010 – BUILDING THE TOWERS – Nightmare Records
2008 – A MANIFESTO FOR DOMINATION – Nightmare Records
HALCYON WAY:
http://www.halcyonway.com (Official Website)
http://www.twitter.com/halcyonway (Twitter)
http://www.facebook.com/halcyonway (Facebook)
1 Saxon To Invade the U.S. This Fall!
That is right folks! Saxon is going to bring their Sacrifice and Sin tour to the U.S.A. starting in September with opening acts Halcyon Way, and Fozzy! Check below for tour dates!
1 Saxon – Sacrifice (2013)
Saxon is just about to release their 20th studio album (gasp!), Sacrifice on the world on Tuesday. How does their latest effort Sacrifice stand up? In my opinion, Sacrifice is better than the last couple of releases, Call to Arms and Into the Labyrinth. It is heavier, grittier and delivers a lot more punch than the previous two albums. Byford’s vocals are still in fine form. Even at the ripe young age of 62, Byford is still delivering some of the best vocals in heavy metal. I can’t say enough about the guitar work of Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt either. There are plenty of solos and heavy riffs to feast your ears on.
After the brief instrumental opener “Procession”, Sacrifice really doesn’t let up at all. If the title track “Sacrifice” doesn’t get your blood pumping, your stereo might be broken. The pounding rhythms don’t end with “Sacrifice”. In fact, there isn’t a slow moment on the album.
If NASCAR was smart, they would use “Warriors of the Road” as a theme song. Byford lets his fondness of auto racing flow into this song with the sound effects from the high speed whine of some open wheel race cars. Much like those race cars, the throttle is wide open on “Warriors of the Road”. This high octane rocker is going to be staple in Saxon’s live set without a doubt.
Another favorite song on Sacrifice is “Stand Up And Fight”. This is a great metal anthem, with a simple, yet powerful message.
If Sacrifice falls short anywhere, it is the overall length of the album, which is a little on the short side. I will take 40 minutes of quality heavy metal over sixty minutes of crap rock any day of the week though, so this isn’t a problem for me. Sacrifice might not stand up to the classic albums, Denim & Leather, or Wheels of Steel, but it is definitely one of the better Saxon albums in the last 10 years or so. It is solid all the way through, and worth your hard earned dollars.
Fans of classic metal and Saxon fans are going to love this! Recommended!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Procession
02. Sacrifice
03. Made In Belfast
04. Warriors of the Road
05. Guardians of the Tomb
06. Stand Up and Fight
07. Walking The Steel
08. Night of the Wolf
09. Wheels of Terror
10. Standing In A Queue
Saxon is:
Biff Byford – vocals
Paul Quinn – guitars
Doug Scarratt – guitars
Nibbs Carter – bass
Nigel Glockler – drums
2 SAXON PREPARE TO DELIVER THEIR LATEST ALBUM SACRIFICE, ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH, 2013
With a storming new stomp in their boots and a renewed, lithe swagger to their legendary sound, Saxon will release “Sacrifice”, on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013 through UDR. Taking a sharper, re-invigorated approach to the production, on this, their 20th album, Saxon have produced 10 of their strongest, heaviest and most inspired songs for many-a-year, and a more than worthy successor to their last album “A Call To Arms”.
“Less tricks, more power!” roars frontman and founding father Biff Byford, “my brief to the band was to be raw, be real and not be afraid to look back at the old classic material for inspiration.”
The album was recorded at LS Studios in Yorkshire and was produced by Byford with Andy Sneap mixing and engineering by Jacky Lehmann. It fairly bristles with muscular metallic intent, Paul Quinn’s and Doug Scarratt’s guitar work the best it’s ever been, while Biff’s vocals sound fresher and livelier. The songwriting too harks back to a classic era in Saxon’s history, with the likes of ‘Warriors Of The Road’, ‘Wheels Of Terror’ and ‘Stand Up And Fight’ evoking the halcyon days of yore with a contemporary twist, the classic Saxon sound absorbing the snarl, ferocity and attitude of contemporary bands (and fans) such as Megadeth, as evidenced by the crunching title cut ‘Sacrifice’.
“It’s certainly been done from a more early ‘80s thrashier perspective,” explains Biff, “and it’s not just guitars bashing away willy-nilly, they’ve got a fresh drive, purpose and perspective.”
Besides the new material, Saxon will also be adding some unique recordings of revisited classic to certain formats of the release, also produced by Byford and mastered by Andy Sneap, including an orchestrated version of ‘Crusader’ and an acoustic version of ‘Frozen Rainbow’.
“From the songs to the production, I wanted to focus on the raw aspects which made us great in the first place,” concludes Biff, “And living in that rawness, combined with some great classic Saxon-songwriting, has in my opinion made Saxon fresher than ever.”
Confirmed track listing:
01. Procession
02. Sacrifice
03. Made In Belfast
04. Warriors Of The Road
05. Guardians Of The Tomb
06. Stand Up And Fight
07. Walking The Steel
08. Night Of The Wolf
09. Wheels Of Terror
10. Standing In A Queue
Bonus Disc:
01. Crusader (Orchestrated version)
02. Just Let Me Rock (Re-recorded version)
03. Requiem (Acoustic version)
04. Frozen Rainbow (Acoustic version)
05. Forever Free (Re-recorded version)
Formats:
• a limited edition deluxe digibook (including a bonus disc featuring the revisited classic tracks)
UDR 0150 CD
• a standard jewel case CD
UDR 0152 CD
• a vinyl LP picture disc
UDR 0153 LP
• a Direct to Consumer (D2C) fan package (available exclusively for online order from online retailers)
UDR 0156 D2C
• a digital download
UDR 0155
3 SAXON TO RELEASE “HEAVY METAL THUNDER – THE MOVIE” ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2012.
The silver eagle has finally landed for audiences worldwide!
After enjoying a limited “Fan Club Only” UK release, Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie, Saxon’s wonderfully unfiltered and intimate account of their ascent to the upper echalons of heavy metal, will finally enjoy an international release this December. The double-disc set features the soon-to-be-celebrated story of Saxon, while the second disc is packed with bonus features including a full-length performance (on St. George’s Day) from April 23rd, 2008. Rivetingly honest, and including the frank memories of every musician who has played in the band, Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie pieces together the earliest incarnations of Saxon, from frontman Biff Byford’s teenage years in the coalmines of Yorkshire and Son Of A Bitch (the first incarnation of Saxon) all the way through to top 10 hits and world tours. “Our music was more sort of machinery banging together, wheels turning, machines making noise,” says Biff of those early, industrial days, “It’s what Heavy Metal is all about. Heavy Metal is all about hard, big sounds bashing your skull in. I used to work in factories where big machinery made lot of noise and I used to sing along to the noises they made.”
It is a documentary which looks for all the world as though it’s a superbly crafted script, as much a tale of pure, honest, working class triumph as just another Rock n’ Roll story. Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie shows every facet of Saxon on their journey without once diluting the true characters who make up the band. “We basically played every dump and shithole that there is in England over a period, probably just short of eight years,” laughs Biff. “You know classic cliché of transit van, up and down and we used to play more or less every night. One gig might be a good paying gig and the other one might be no money or ten quid but it was an obsession, you had to play every day.” These wonderfully naïve young men sought nothing more than a great gig, a good time and maybe a nice girl, before suddenly finding themselves on tour in the US, exposed to the sorts of things which (quite frankly) Barnsley simply didn’t offer in 1980. And from that point, Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie, takes the viewer on a journey on a Rock n’ Roller of a journey encompassing it all from triumphs to tears to tea-bags and beyond.
Nothing is forsaken and nothing skipped. Despite the fact that to this day there remain problems between the Byford/Quinn and Oliver/Dawson parties, everyone tells the full unedited Saxon story with heartfelt honesty and integrity.
“We do have a great legacy,” says Byford, “whether you joined the band in 1994 or (as) an original member. There’s a legacy there and I’ve tried hard to not let people demean it and to spoil it and you have to look after that thing that is Saxon.”
Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie will entertain, engage and charm fans and non-fans alike. That’s a truth as honest as the film itself…
FORMATS
• DVD Digipack (2 Discs)
• Blu-ray
0 SAXON – Heavy Metal Thunder – Live – Eagles Over Wacken The ‘Golden Ticket’ Deluxe Box Set Available for Pre-Order
Heavy Metal Thunder – Live – Eagles Over Wacken The ‘Golden Ticket’ Deluxe Box
Strictly limited, this exclusive package contains the “Best Of Wacken” DVD, a double audio CD recorded live in Glasgow (2011) on the “Call To Arms” tour, plus the full and complete Saxon W:O:A performances from 2004 / 2007 / 2009 – each on a separate DVD and, a Saxon flag. The real surprise is that 10 ‘Golden Tickets’ are randomly included in the box sets, which will allow the 10 lucky winners to visit any Saxon concert in any city around the world (excluding festival appearances). ‘Silver Tickets’ giving access to special online content are for the remaining boxes so there are no losers – only winners.
The Deluxe Box Contains:
DVD 1: Best Of W:O:A (2004/2007/2009)
Double CD: Glasgow Live, Recorded On The Call To Arms World Tour, April 14th, 2011
DVD 2: W:O:A 2004 – full show
DVD 3: W:O:A 2007 – full show
DVD 4: W:O:A 2009 – Fan’s Choice Setlist – full show
Saxon – Heavy Metal Thunder – W:O:A flag
‘Golden Ticket’ / ‘Silver Ticket’
Preorder NOW online at:
http://www.udr-music.com/index.php/shop
http://store.digitalstores.co.uk/saxon/
0 Saxon – Forever Free (1992)
I recently completed my collection of Saxon’s discography, and one of the last CD’s I picked up, turned out to be one of my favorite Saxon releases ever. I don’t know how I managed to miss Forever Free the first time around, but it has been a mainstay in my playlist since I received the CD.
From the opening number”Forever Free” to the final cut “Cloud Nine”, Forever Free rocks all the way through, without a bad tune in the bunch.
The title track “Forever Free” is one of the most powerful Saxon songs ever. I don’t know if they play this one live today (I have never seen Saxon live), but they should if they don’t.
Saxon’s cover of Willie Dixon’s “Just Wanna Make Love To You” is quite unique, and they made it completely their own. It is quite different from the version made famous by Foghat on their 1972 debut.
“Get Down and Dirty” has a touch of hair metal flair that is absolutely awesome. I love this song!
“Iron Wheels” is the only ballad on Forever Free, but is a solid tune that is worth many repeat plays.
Paul Quin and Graham Oliver really tear it up on “One Step Away”. Guitar lovers are going to love this track.
If there was a theme song that ever fit my life, “Can’t Stop Rockin” would be the song I would choose. I am dumbfounded at how I missed out on this song for nearly two decades.
Every time I hear “Nighthunter”, I want to crank the stereo up, and rip the knob off. This is another killer Saxon anthem.
The closing number “Cloud Nine” has music that sounds like an amalgam of Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher”, and Sammy Hagar’s “There’s Only One Way To Rock”. This song closes out Forever Free the same way it started…..rockin’ out! I wouldn’t have it any other way!
July 2nd, 2012 is the 20th anniversary of Forever Free. I can’t believe it took me nearly twenty years to check this one out, but I am glad I did.
Forever Free was reissued in 2002 with two bonus live tracks, “Princess In The Night” and “Forever Free”. If you missed this CD the first time around like me, you can pick up a copy at this link. I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Forever Free
02. Hole in the Sky
03. Just Wanna Make Love To You
04. Get Down and Dirty
05. Iron Wheels
06. One Step Away
07. Can’t Stop Rockin
08. Nighthunter
09. Grind
10. Cloud Nine
Saxon is:
Nibbs Carter – Bass
Paul Quinn – Guitar
Biff Byford – vocals
Graham Oliver – Guitar
Nigel Glockler – drums
1 New Video – Saxon – Call To Arms (Orchestral Version)
Saxon has released a new video clip “Call to Arms”. This song is the title track to Saxon’s new album. Saxon’s U.S. tour kicks off in Los Angeles on 9/28. Check out the video below!
0 Saxon’s Call To Arms Gets North American Release Date Digipak to Feature Bonus Material
SAXON’s new album, Call To Arms will be released in the US and Canada on September 27th, distributed by EMI.
Call To Arms features the following track listing:
‘Hammer Of The Gods’
‘Back In 79’
‘Surviving Against The Odds’
‘Mists Of Avalon’
‘Call To Arms’
‘Chasing The Bullet’
‘Afterburner’
‘When Doomsday Comes (Hybrid Theory)’
‘No Rest For The Wicked’
‘Ballad Of The Working Man’
‘Call To Arms’ (Orchestral version)
Saxon fans will surely be interested in tracking down the North American digipack version of Call To Arms, as it includes a glorious bonus – a free seven-track CD, Live At Donington 1980, which features the following track listing:
‘Motorcycle Man’
‘Still Fit To Boogie’
‘Freeway Mad’
‘Backs To The Wall’
‘Wheels Of Steel’
‘Bap Shu Ap’
‘747 (Strangers In The Night)’
0 Saxon Schedules U.S. Tour Dates; U.S. Release Date Announced for “Call To Arms” !
SAXON’s new album, Call To Arms (out now in Europe), will be released in the US and Canada on September 27th, distributed by EMI.
In support of the release, Saxon have announced the following North American tour dates (with more to be announced):
September
28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Key Club
29 – Santa Rosa, CA – The Last Day Saloon
30 – Sactramento, CA – The Boardwalk
October
1 – Santa Clara, CA – The Avalon
2 – Santa Ana, CA – The Galaxy
7 – San Antonio, TX – Sunkin Gardens
8 – Saint Charles (Chicago), IL – The Arcada Theatre
13 – New York, NY – B. B. King
14 – Springfield, VA – Jaxx
15 – Baltimore, MD – Bourbon Street
Additonal Saxon tour dates can be found on the band’s web sites at this location.
Call To Arms features the following tracklisting
‘Hammer Of The Gods’
‘Back In 79’
‘Surviving Against The Odds’
‘Mists Of Avalon’
‘Call To Arms’
‘Chasing The Bullet’
‘Afterburner’
‘When Doomsday Comes (Hybrid Theory)’
‘No Rest For The Wicked’
0 New Video – Saxon – Hammer of the Gods
Saxon’s new album, Call To Arms was released on Tuesday. Check out their new video, “Hammer of the Gods”! This video features Bif Byford’s son Sebastian. Check it out!
1 Saxon Announces New Album; Unveils New Artwork
Saxon is very happy to announce their brand new studio album “Call To Arms” which will be released by Militia Guard Music, UDR & EMI on May 23rd!
The track listing of Call To Arms is listed below:
01 Hammer of the Gods
02 Back in 79
03 Surviving Against the Odds
04 Mists of Avalon
05 Call To Arms
06 Chasing the Bullet
07 Afterburner
08 When Doomsday Comes (Hybrid Theory)
09 No Rest for the Wicked
10 Ballad of the Working Man
11 Call To Arms – orchestral version
0 SAXON Announces 2011 Tour Dates
Saxon is in the studio right now and busy working on the new album. The band has scheduled the first half of their 2011 World Tour. They will be playing the 70.000 tons of Heavy Metal cruise in January, Australia in February/March and back to the UK in April where they will be supported by Wolfsbane and Fury UK.
More dates will be announced soon!
3 Video – Saxon – Killing Ground
Is Saxon one of the most under rated of heavy metal bands of all time? In my opinion, yes they are. Saxon has been flying the heavy metal flag since 1976, and yet aren’t anywhere near as appreciated as their NWOBHM counterparts Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, or Judas Priest. Maybe they haven’t had the hits that these other bands have had, but there is a huge catalog of music worth exploring. Check out the title track from the 2001 album Killing Ground below.
0 An Update From Biff Byford
Biff Byford posted the following update on Saxon’s blog:Just like to say thanks to everybody for coming to see us on the second tour of the UK this year packed houses and crazy fans a really great tour, special thanks to our Canadian brothers Anvil for rocking with us(has anybody got lips playing D&L on u tube yet) and Suidaka, a very special, thanks to our crew who looked after all three bands keeping it all on time it can be a nightmare if things don’t run smooth on tour. Ok riffking we will announce the top five winners and there prizes next week one a week until we get to number 1.
Band news
We are starting writing songs for the next album next week also mixing all the live recordings heavy metal thunder the movie, wacken 2004, 2007, 2009 and Sheffield also listening to old recordings and mixing them. We are hoping to be playing some festivals around the world next year, we were thinking to maybe play all the tracks of wheels of steel (and or strong arm) as a special it is the 30th anniversary of those albums and the nwobhm although we don’t want to live on past glories we cannot ignore the influence this period of British rock had around the globe. What do you think should we do this or not?
Thanks to all fans everywhere!
See you in summer
Keep the faith
Biff Byford
1 New Saxon DVD Coming Soon!
A new five-minute trailer for the upcoming documentary on British rock legends SAXON, “Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie”, can be viewed below.
U.K.’s Coolhead Productions is putting the finishing touches on “Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie”. The film, which is expected to be released in December, celebrates the group’s 30th anniversary. Produced by the makers of the critically acclaimed “Ian Gillan: Highway Star” (Universal, 2007), it not only has contributions from members of SAXON, past and present, but also from the likes of Lars Ulrich (METALLICA); Lemmy, “Fast” Eddie Clarke, Phil Campbell, Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD); Harvey Goldsmith, Danko Jones, Doro Pesch and many, many others. It will also feature plenty of rare archive material and previously unseen concert footage, from the classic 1980s lineup to the brilliant St. George’s Day show in 2008 and Wacken Open Air in 2009. A special limited edition of “Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie” will contain a feature-length documentary, at least two never-before-seen concert films and plenty of revealing extra content.
“It looks good,” singer Biff Byford tells News & Star. “But it has been put back because they have just got a load of new stuff from an interview with an old manager which is quite good. I’m sure I will learn things about me that I did not know…
“I’m looking forward to seeing it,” he says. “I have a right to veto things, but I don’t think I will. I have seen the ANVIL [documentary]; it is funny. I like them, they’re not in my top five bands of all time, but they try hard.”
Once the tour and the DVD launch are out of the way, there’s more work for Biff.
“We’re working on a soundtrack for an American horror film based around snakes, then we start writing a new album in December.”
Meanwhile, he and the family have just moved back to his native Yorkshire after living in Normandy for the past eight years.
“We are renting at the moment, but if you know anyone looking to buy a small chateau in northern France, let me know…” he says.
If you pre-buy a plush special limited edition of “Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie” containing a feature-length documentary, at least TWO never-seen-before concert films and plenty of revealing extra content, you will get your name on the credits and become an associate producer, allowing you to influence the content of the film by sending your suggestions to the filmmakers. You will also have the chance of winning one of five pairs of VIP passes to next year’s Wacken Open Air festival AND the chance to meet SAXON singer Biff Byford and the rest of the band on their next tour.
“We’re relying on our fans here and I know you’ll do us proud,” said Byford. “SAXON have a great story to tell and some bloody fantastic songs to celebrate. I think you’ll agree it needs to be done properly, so get your orders in now. This will be one of the best rock docs you’ll ever see.”
The special limited edition of “Heavy Metal Thunder – The Movie” will cost £25 (GBP). It will be shipped out as soon as it’s complete.
For more information, go to this location. http://www.coolheadproductions.com/SAXONDVD/
0 Classic Video Triple Shot – Leatherwolf, Anthrax and Saxon
Rocklahoma’s metal night last Thursday night inspired me to find some classic videos, from the bands performing.
Check out the clips below!
Leatherwolf’s “The Calling”
Anthrax’s “Antisocial”
Saxon’s “Just Let Me Rock”
0 Video – Saxon – Need For Speed
Ok, this isn’t an official video, but maybe it should be. Saxon’s Need For Speed is one kick ass song, and a great way to close out ‘Hot Rods and Hard Rock Week” at HRH.
0 Saxon Confirmed for South Texas Rock Fest
Saxon has been confirmed to play at the South Texas Rock Festival on 5/22/09. Other bands confirmed so far are, Axe, Days of the New, Seven Mary Three, Queensryche, and Dangerous Toys.
Click on the image below for more info!
1 Saxon – Into The Labyrinth (Release Year – 2009)
When I received the news of a new Saxon CD coming out last fall, I put “Into the Labyrinth” onto my must purchase list of 2009. Saxon’s last album”The Inner Sanctum” was one of my favorites of 2007. Needless to say, I have been anxiously awaiting this CD.
“Into the Labyrinth” has everything I would expect from a Saxon release. It has a good balance of power and classic heavy metal. Biff Byford and company do not reinvent the wheel with this release, and quite frankly, I wouldn’t want them too. Saxon’s sound hasn’t changed much over the years, and I am grateful that they can still put out a heavy metal album of this caliber.
Saxon has always managed to create some huge stadium anthems that always hit home with me. On Inner Sanctum, there was “Need For Speed” and “I’ve Got To Rock To Stay Alive”. On Into the Labyrinth Saxon has created some new treasures with the songs and “Live To Rock” and “Slow Lane Blues”. The fun doesn’t stop there though. “Into the Labyrinth” is full of headbanging good tunes that are likable on the first listen.
Saxon blasts out the quality metal with cool songs like “Battalions of Steel”, “Demon Sweeney Todd”, “Valley of the Kings” and “Crimes of Passion”. Paul Quinn shreds like crazy on this disc, and Nigel Glockler’s drum work shines on this album. He proves to be a very under rated drummer. Why don’t we hear more about this guy? Biff Byford is one of those great metal singers who’s voice has aged well. He hasn’t lost much if anything off of his voice, and sounds great once more.
These stalwarts from the NWOBHM have released the best new metal CD of 2009 so far. If you have been a Saxon fan in the past, this CD will not disappoint you. I believe Saxon has topped their last CD, “The Inner Sanctum”. Like a fine wine, this band only seems to get better with age. I can’t wait to see these guys at the Rock Gone Wild festival in 2009!
You can purchase “Into the Labyrinth” at this link. To preview songs from this CD, please visit the Saxon myspace page.
Recommended listening!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Battalions of Steel
- Live To Rock
- Demon Sweeney Todd
- The Letter
- Valley of the Kings
- Slow Lane Blues
- Crime of Passion
- Premonition in D Minor
- Voice
- Protect Yourselves
- Hellcat
- Come Rock of Ages (The Circle is Complete)
- Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)
Saxon is:
Biff Byford – Vocals
Nibbs Carter – Bass
Paul Quinn – Guitars
Doug Scarratt – Guitars
Nigel Glockler – Drums
2 New Video – Saxon – Live To Rock
Saxon has a cool new video out in support of their album, “Into the Labyrinth”. Check out “Live to Rock” below.
0 Saxon on the Bruce Dickinson Show – Audio Available!
Vocalist Biff Byford of British heavy metal legends SAXON was IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson‘s guest earlier tonight (Friday, January 16) during Bruce‘s weekly BBC 6 Music radio program, dubbed “The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show”. The program is now available for streaming at BBC.co.uk.
Courtesy of Blabbermouth.net
1 Diverse Bands Join Rock Gone Wild Including Candlebox, Saxon and the Gypsy Pistoleros
Four days. More than fifty bands. Two stages. Multiple genres of rock. It’s time to get wild. Workaholics Candlebox will rock the main stage at Rock Gone Wild. British Metallers Saxon and the Gypsy Pistoleros have agreed to cross the pond just to party with you at the festival. Rock Gone Wild is slated for August 20-23, 2009 in Algona, Iowa. Tickets are available now by visiting www.rockgonewild.com.
Forming in the early 1990s, Candlebox immediately broke from their Seattle brethren. While many bands from the region followed the grunge path, Candlebox made their own way. Blending modern sound with classic guitar rock, Candlebox created their own unique sound – and gathered an army of fans along the way. The band’s self-titled debut became a near instant success, spawning several hit singles including “Far Behind” and “You.” Candlebox are currently supporting their newest hit album Into the Sun, released earlier this year. Candlebox is Kevin Martin (vocals, guitar), Peter Klett (guitar), Scott Mercado (drums), Adam Kury (bass) and Sean Hennesy (rhythm guitar).
Leading the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Saxon formed at the end of the 1970s and created a signature sound that new bands still attempt to imitate today. Saxon released their self-titled debut in 1979, but it wasn’t until 1980 and Wheels of Steel that the band really began to take hold. Since the early years, Saxon has weathered several lineup changes and continued to tour heavily and record new music. Lead singer Biff Byford has remained a constant force in the band, bringing a balls out in-your-face Metal show to each and every paying customer. Be warned! Stand close to the stage when Saxon plays and you will be rocked. Saxon is Biff Byford (vocals), Doug Scarratt (guitar), Paul Quinn (guitar), Nibbs Carter (bass) and Nigel Glockler (drums).
The Gypsy Pistoleros are the world’s greatest flamenco glam band! If you’ve never seen the Gypsy Pistoleros perform live…get ready: you’ll never be the same again. The band is a mix of Brit charm, Spanish flavor and glam swagger. Lee Pistolero (vocals), Iggie Pistolero (guitar), Nasty Pistolero (bass) and Harri Pistolero (drums) are the Gypsy Pistoleros.
Bands already announced for Rock Gone Wild include Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Skid Row, Tantric, Kix, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Saigon Kick, Tigertailz, Lizzy Borden, Dangerous Toys, Helix, Rhino Bucket and Junkyard with many more to come!
Visit www.rockgonewild.com and http://anatomyofafestival.wordpress.com/ each Tuesday for a new band announcement.
Rock Gone Wild will take place at the Freedom Park festival grounds, located at 2507- 160th Avenue in Algona, Iowa.
If you build it, they will rock.
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0 Saxon and Iced Earth To Co-Headline in 2009!
Titans among themselves: 1 February 2009 will see the launch of a four-week tour by the two metal legends, Saxon and Iced Earth, in Paris. This sensational co-headlining package is certainly among the strongest of recent years and will take the two bands through countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxemburg, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Austria, Hungary and Italy. Fans can look forward to dynamic power metal at its very best, especially since both groups will also present thoroughly exciting new releases to accompany the tour. Tickets for the concerts are available from ticketing agencies.
Saxon are considered one of the most charismatic acts of today’s metal business. Their latest album release, Into The Labyrinth, out on 12 January 2009 (Germany: 9 January 2009, U.S.: 13 January) via Steamhammer/SPV proves that Saxon mark 2009 haven’t lost any of their expressiveness, enthusiasm and inspiration. Along with numerous classics, vocalist Biff Byford & Co. will present the strongest tracks from their new album during the tour, expertly combining present and past.
For Iced Earth, this will be the first full European tour since the return of frontman, Matt Barlow. “I am pleased Matt is back,” explains guitarist and songwriter Jon Schaffer. “We are brothers with a long, meaningful relationship behind us” The band will present songs from their current album, The Crucible Of Man, and for spring Schaffer has also announced the release of a new DVD.
TOUR DATES
- 2/01 F-Paris – Bataclan
- 2/02 B-Brussels – AB
- 2/03 NL-Tilburg – 013
- 2/04 D-Cologne – Essigfabrik
- 2/06 LUX-Luxembourg – Den Atelier
- 2/07 D-Herford – X
- 2/08 D-Hamburg – Docks
- 2/10 NO-Oslo – Rockefeller
- 2/11 SE-Stockholm – Annex
- 2/12 DK-Copenhagen – Pumpehuset
- 2/13 D-Berlin – Huxleys
- 2/15 PL-Warsaw – Spodac
- 2/16 CZ-Zlin – tba
- 2/17 A-Vienna – Gasometer
- 2/19 HU-Budapest – Petofi Hall
- 2/20 SI-Ljubljana – Mediapark
- 2/21 HR-Zagreb – Boogaloo
- 2/22 I-Milan – Rolling Stone
- 2/24 CH-Zurich – Volkshaus
- 2/25 F-Strassbourg – La Laiterie
- 2/27 E-Bilbao – Rockstar Live
- 2/28 E-Madrid – La Riviera
- 3/01 E-Barcelona – Razzmatazz
Courtesy of KNAC.
0 SAXON: Audio Samples Of Entire New Album Available
British metal legends SAXON will release their new new studio album, “Into The Labyrinth” in Europe on January 12, 2009 (Germany: January 9; USA: January 13) via SPV Records. The CD was recorded at the Twilight Hall in Krefeld, Germany, under the direction of Charlie Bauerfeind. SAXON laid down 13 new songs at BLIND GUARDIAN‘s studio, starting with monumental opener “Battalions Of Steel” through “Demon Sweeney Todd” and“Valley Of The Kings”, which both cover historic events, to the final slide guitar blues track “Coming Home” (fans are already familiar with the electric version of this track from SAXON‘s “Killing Ground” album).
“The new material was written in England and at my house in France,” singerBiff Byford explained. “Stylistically, I would describe the album as an even balance between ‘Lionheart’ and ‘The Inner Sanctum’, a mix of powerful, in-your-face rock songs and pure heavy metal tracks. We’re very happy with the production and proud of ‘Into The Labyrinth’.”
Check out audio samples of the entire album at SPV.de.
Source: blabbermouth.net
1 Saxon’s “Into The Labyrinth” Cover Art and Track Listing
British metal legends SAXON will release their new download single, “Live To Rock”, followed by the arrival at the stores of their current studio album, “Into The Labyrinth”, as well as major tours to support both releases.
“Live To Rock” is available as an Internet download starting today (October 17), and SAXON will present the track live for the first time during the tour which will take Biff Byford and company alongside MOTÖRHEAD and DANKO JONES through England and Germany in November/December 2008. SAXON‘s new studio album, “Into The Labyrinth”, will be out on January 12, 2009 (Germany: January 9; USA: January 13). February 2009 will see the band embark on another major world tour, only one month after the album release.
“Into The Labyrinth” was recorded at the Twilight Hall in Krefeld, Germany, under the direction of Charlie Bauerfeind. SAXON laid down 13 new songs at BLIND GUARDIAN‘s studio, starting with monumental opener “Battalions Of Steel” through “Demon Sweeney Todd” and “Valley Of The Kings”, which both cover historic events, to the final slide guitar blues track “Coming Home” (fans are already familiar with the electric version of this track from SAXON‘s “Killing Ground” album).
“The new material was written in England and at my house in France,” Byford explains. “Stylistically, I would describe the album as an even balance between ‘Lionheart’ and ‘The Inner Sanctum’, a mix of powerful, in-your-face rock songs and pure heavy metal tracks. We’re very happy with the production and proud of ‘Into The Labyrinth’.”
Aestheticom‘s Bill Schacht, who has previously directed music videos for DIO, KING DIAMOND, AMON AMARTH, FATAL SMILE, LIBERTY X/REV RUN, ZAKK WYLDE and SISTER SIN, among others, recently completed filming footage for the “Live To Rock” clip.
“Into The Labyrinth” track listing:
Limited-Edition Digipack (only available in Europe):
01. Battalions Of Steel
02. Live To Rock
03. Demon Sweeney Todd
04. The Letter
05. Valley Of The Kings
06. Slow Lane Blues
07. Crime Of Passion
08. Premonition in D Minor
09. Voice
10. Protect Yourselves
11. Hellcat
12. Come Rock Of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)
13. Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)
Bonus DVD:
* Parzival movie with Biff acting as King Arthur
* Tour Documentary
* “Live To Rock” video clip
* Audio Interview with Biff Byford
Running time: approximately 70 minutes
Jewel Case Version:
01. Battalions Of Steel
02. Live To Rock
03. Demon Sweeney Todd
04. The Letter
05. Valley Of The Kings
06. Slow Lane Blues
07. Crime Of Passion
08. Premonition in D Minor
09. Voice
10. Protect Yourselves
11. Hellcat
12. Come Rock Of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)
13. Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)
2-LP Gatefold:
Side 1:
01. Battalions Of Steel
02. Live To Rock
03. Demon Sweeney Todd
Side 2:
01. The Letter
02. Valley Of The Kings
03. Slow Lane Blues
04. Crime Of Passion
Side 3:
01. Premonition in D Minor
02. Voice
03. Protect Yourselves
Side 4:
01. Hellcat
02. Come Rock Of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)
03. Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)
2 Saxon’s “Into The Labyrinth” To Be Released in January 2009
Saxon has announced that their brand new studio album, “Into The Labyrinth” is set to be released on January 12th in Europe (9th in Germany) and January 13th in North America. The albums first single, “Live To Rock” will be made available as a download on October 17th.
Into The Labyrinth was recorded at the Twilight Hall in Krefeld, Germany, under the direction of Charlie Bauerfeind. Saxon recorded 13 new songs at Blind Guardian’s studio, starting with their monumental opener, ‘Battalions Of Steel’, through ‘Demon Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Valley Of The Kings’, which both cover historic events, to the final slide guitar blues track, ‘Coming Home’ (fans are already familiar with the electric version of this track from Saxon’s Killing Ground album). Saxon are currently still working on an additional 14th track, which will be available exclusively as a download on iTunes from the release date. “The new material was written in England and at my house in France,” Byford explains. “Stylistically, I would describe the album as an even balance between Lionheart and The Inner Sanctum, a mix of powerful, in-your-face rock songs and pure heavy metal tracks. We’re very happy with the production and proud of Into The Labyrinth.”
The track listing is as follows:
1. Battalions Of Steel
2. Live To Rock
3. Demon Sweeney Todd
4. The Letter
5. Valley Of The Kings
6. Slow Lane Blues
7. Crime Of Passion
8. Premonition in D Minor
9. Voice
10. Protect Yourselves
11. Hellcat
12. Come Rock Of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)
13. Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)
3 Son Of A Bitch – Victim You (Release Year – 1996)
What happens when you take three former members of Saxon, and put them together with Thunderhead singer Ted Bullet? Well, it sounds like a pretty good idea on paper at least, but I honestly did not hear a single note before I picked this disc up.
With that being said, this CD exceeds all of my expectations.
Victim You is like two CD’s in one. The band sounds very
much like Saxon on a few songs, and then have a sound more reminiscent of late 80’s pop metal. Bottomline, hair metal fans will LOVE this disc! After giving this disc a couple more complete listens, I would compare the band’s sound as a cross between Dokken and a little bit of Krokus.
This style of metal was about as popular in 1996, as peanut butter and tofu sandwiches, but former Saxonites Peter Gill, Steve Dawson, and Graham Oliver forged ahead anyway. Sadly, this disc went largely unnoticed when it was released. It took 12 years for me to discover it, but I find it to be a great undiscovered piece of music.
Ted Bullet has a vocal style that falls somewhere between Paul Stanley from KISS, and Biff Byford from Saxon. His voice is melodic yet raspy enough to give these tunes here a harder edge. The superb guitar work of Haydn Conway and Graham Oliver is a pleasure to hear. Lots of George Lynch like solos are all over this record!
There isn’t one song on this disc that I do not enjoy. Copies of this disc can be found for less than $10.00 and it is worth every penny. Check it out!
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Bitch of A Place To Be
- Drivin’ Sideways
- Past the Point
- No-One’s Gettin’ Over
- Treacherous Times
- Love Your Misery
- I Still Care
- Old School
- More For Me
- Evil Sweet Evil
- Victim You
Son Of A Bitch is:
Haydn Conway – Guitar
Peter Gill – Drums
Steve Dawson – Bass Guitar
Ted Bullet – Vocals
Graham Oliver – Guitar
0 New Video – Saxon – I’ve Got To Rock
A little Metal for your Monday! Check out Saxon’s new video, I’ve Got To Rock, featuring Lemmy from Motorhead. This song is taken from Saxon’s new disc, The Inner Sanctum. You can read the Hard Rock Hideout review here.
Hard Rock Hideout 