Veteran hard rock band Saxon debuted the latest single from its forthcoming covers compilation record, More Inspirations this week.
The band debuted its new single, ‘Razamanaz‘ and its companion video Tuesday. The song is a cover of the hit single from fellow veteran rock act Nazareth. The bluesy, up-tempo rocker stays largely true to its source material. The only real difference between the original and Saxon’s updated take is the production values and that is because production technology has improved between the time the original was recorded and the current era of music making.
Front man Biff Byford said Nazareth inspired the band because of Saxon’s experiences on the road with Nazareth.
“In the seventies we’d go and see Nazareth,” Byford said. “They were one of the premier touring hard rock bands. We were lucky to tour with them in 1980. They used to open the show with this song. It’s about the audience performed to an audience… brilliant stuff!”
‘Razamanaz’ is the second single the band has released from its forthcoming compilation, which is scheduled for release Friday through Silver Linings Music. The band premiered the set’s lead single — a cover of The Sensation Alex Harvey Band’s ‘The Faith Healer’ — in January.
The video for the band’s new single is a straight forward presentation. It features the band live on stage as the band’s take on Nazareth’s song plays over the visualization. No information was provided about where the footage was recorded in the news release announcing the premiere of the new single and video.
More Inspirations‘ 10-track body is composed of songs from a wide range of acts, most just as well known as Saxon. They include and are not limited to: Alice Cooper’s ‘From The Inside,’ KISS’ ‘Detroit Rock City’ and Rainbow’s ‘Man on the Silver Mountain.’
The record’s track listing is noted below:
Track Listing:
1. We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place
2. The Faith Healer
3. From the Inside
4. Chevrolet
5. Substitute
6. Gypsy
7. Man On the Silver Mountain
8. Detroit Rock City
9. Razamanaz
10. Tales of Brave Ulysses
In other news, Saxon just wrapped a tour with Rage over the weekend in support of its new compilation. The European tour took the bands to cities, such as Hamburg, Germany; Linz, Austria and Warsaw, Poland.
More information on Saxon’s new compilation record, single and video is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
Up-and-coming power metal outfit Battle Born will release its debut album this spring, and in anticipation of its release, debuted the record’s lead single this week along with a companion video.
The band’s new album, Blood, Fire, Magic, and Steel is scheduled for release May 12 through Prosthetic Records. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band debuted the record’s lead single, ‘Blood and Fire‘ Wednesday, along with the song’s video.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Blood and Fire’ is a work that is sure to appeal to a wide range of metal fans. That is because it blends elements of the new wave of British Heavy Metal a la Judas Priest and Saxon with more modern power/speed metal in the vein of Dragonforce in a way to balances those influences so expertly.
No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme in the press release announcing the information about the new album, single and video. In listening to the song, it seems to have clear fantasy roots. That is just this critic’s interpretation.
The video that accompanies the song adds to that inference. That is due to the clear story of a knight battling his foes as the band, semi-bathed in blood, performs its single against a wall of what looks like a castle. That even more hints at the fantasy nature of the song’s lyrica ltheme.
‘Blood and Fire’ is one of 11 tracks that make up the body of Battle Born’s new forthcoming album. The record’s track listing is noted below.
Blood, Fire, Magic and Steeltracklist: 1. Wind Caller 2. Dragon Heart 3. Blood and Fire 4. Power Force 5. When Empires Die 6. The Endless Grey 7. Fire Storm 8. Down Your Drinks and Raise Your Swords 9. Meridia 10. Ride North for Winterhold 11. Sky Guard You
Battle Born’s debut album will come less than a year after the band re-issued its self-titled debut EP through Prosthetic Records. The re-issue produced the single, ‘Bring The Metal Back‘ and its video.
More information on Battle Born’s new album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Veteran hard rock band Saxon will tentatively release another collection of cover songs this spring.
The band is scheduled to release its new compilation record, More InspirationsMarch 24 through Silver Linings Records. Its release will come a year after the release of another covers compilation, Inspirations, from the band.
In anticipation of the new record’s release the band premiered its first single, a cover of The Sensation Alex Harvey Band’s ‘The Faith Healer’ Monday along with a companion video that shows the band recording the cover in the studio. Saxon’s cover of the song stays mostly true to its source material, but is roughly twice as long as the original, clocking in at more than six minutes, in comparison to the original song’s take, which barely tops the three minute mark.
Front man Biff Byford said of the song, it was included because The Sensational Alex Harvey Band played a direct role in the band’s own history.
“We used to see The Sensational Alex Harvey band play this back in the day, they started the set with it, such a fantastic song and fantastic band… big influence!,” Byford said.
While The cover comes from a somewhat lesser-known act, the forthcoming record’s 10-song body also features songs from some more well-known acts. Among those works are Alice Cooper’s ‘From The Inside,’ KISS’ ‘Detroit Rock City’ and Rainbow’s ‘Man on the Silver Mountain.’
The record’s track listing is noted below:
Track Listing:
1. We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place
2. The Faith Healer
3. From the Inside
4. Chevrolet
5. Substitute
6. Gypsy
7. Man On the Silver Mountain
8. Detroit Rock City
9. Razamanaz
10. Tales of Brave Ulysses
In other news, Saxon is scheduled to hit the road again starting March 8 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg in support of its latest album, Carpe Diem (2022). The tour is scheduled to run through Mach 19 in Ulm, Germany. Tickets are available here. The tour’s schedule is noted below:
SEIZE THE DAY WORLD TOUR 2023
8 March – LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg – Den Atelier*
9 March – GERMANY, Mannheim – Capitol
10 March – GERMANY, Köln – Essigfabrik
11 March – GERMANY, Markneukirchen – Musikhalle
12 March – GERMANY, Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36
14 March – POLAND, Warsaw – Progresja*
16 March – GERMANY, Rostock – Moya
17 March – GERMANY, Dresden – Alter Schlachthof
18 March – AUSTRIA, Linz – Posthof
19 March – GERMANY, Ulm – Roxy
With Special Guests RAGE except in*
More information on Saxon’s new compilation record, single, video, and tour schedule is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
Saxon is gearing up to hit the road next month for a trip across Europe.
The band recently announced it will launch the European leg of its “Seize The Day World Tour” Sunday in Paris, France. The tour is scheduled to run through Nov. 26 in London, England, and is in support of Saxon’s latest album, Carpe Diem, which was released in February through Silver Linings Music.
The tour’s schedule is noted below. Tickets for the tour’s EU dates are available here. Tickets for the UK leg are available here.
SEIZE THE DAY WORLD TOUR:
EUROPE:
2 October – FRANCE – Paris, Trianon 3 October – NETHERLANDS – Tilburg, 013 4 October – GERMANY – Hannover, Capitol 6 October – GERMANY – Berlin, Admiralspalast 7 October – GERMANY – Munich, Muffathalle 8 October – GERMANY – Offenbach, Capitol 10 October – ITALY – Milan, Alcatraz 11 October – SWITZERLAND – Pratteln Z7 12 October – BELGIUM – Antwerp, Trix 13 October – NETHERLANDS – Haarlem, Patronaat 15 October – DENMARK – Aarhus, Train 17 October – SWEDEN – Gothenburg, Pustervik 18 October – NORWAY – Oslo, Rockefeller 19 October – DENMARK – Copenhagen, Amager Bio 21 October – NETHERLANDS – Zwolle, Hedon 22 October – FRANCE – Metz, La Bam 23 October – SWITZERLAND – Lausanne, Les Docks
UK:
11 November – Ipswich, Regent Theatre 12 November – Southampton O2 Guildhall 13 November – Bexhill, De La Warr Pavilion 14 November – Cardiff, St. David’s Hall 15 November – Bath, Forum 16 November – Cambridge, Corn Exchange 18 November – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
19 November – Blackburn, King George’s Hall 20 November – Aberdeen, Music Hall 21 November – Glasgow, Barrowland 22 November – Hull, City Hall 23 November – York, Barbican 25 November – Leicester, De Montfort Hall 26 November – London, Roundhouse
In related news, Saxon debuted the video for its latest single from Carpe Diem, ‘Black is the Night’ Sept. 21. Its debut follows that of the video for another single from the album, ‘Remember The Fallen.’ That video and single premiered Jan. 11.
The video for ‘Black is the Night’ blends footage of the band performing its new single with the story of a man in a forest, having to fend for himself against the elements. The musical arrangement in the song blends elements of the band’s power metal leanings with a bluesy guitar solo to make the whole a powerful presentation in its own right.
No information was provided about the song’s lyrical theme.
More information on Saxon’s new tour schedule, its new video, single, and album is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
From its earliest days to the present, power metal stalwart Hammerfall has never made audiences wait too long for new albums. Three years is the longest that the band has gone between releasing any of its 11 albums. The band will keep that streak going Friday when it release its 12th album, Hammer of Dawn. Set for release through Napalm Records, the 10-song album offers plenty for audiences to appreciate whether they are seasoned Hammerfall fans or more casual power metal fans. That is proven through the record’s musical and lyrical content alike, as its current singles have proven. Those songs are just a sampling of how the album’s overall content makes it so engaging and entertaining. ‘No Son Of Odin,’ which is one of the album’s early entries, is another example of how that content makes the album succeed. It will be discussed shortly. ‘Too Old To Die Young’ is another standout addition to the album and will be discussed a little later. ‘Live Free Or Die,’ which comes late in the album’s run, is yet another example of how much the album has to offer audiences. It will also be discussed later. Each song noted does its own share to show the album’s strength. When they are considered along with the album’s singles and with the rest of the album’s songs, the whole makes the album one more of the year’s top new hard rock and metal albums so far.
Hammer of Dawn, Hammerfall’s forthcoming 12th album, is a shining new offering from the veteran power metal band. Its current singles have already done plenty to make that clear. They are just a small example of what makes the record engaging and entertaining. ‘No Son Of Odin,’ which comes early in the album’s run, is another example of what makes the album a success. The musical arrangement featured in this song is just one part of what makes the song stand out. The driving guitar work from Oscar Donjak and Pontus Norgren pairs with the solid time keeping of drummer David Wallin and low end of bassist Fredrik Larsson to flesh out the song so fully. The production is to be commended as each musician’s part cuts through so clearly without overpowering that of its counterparts. Front man Joacim Cans’ vocals soar so powerfully, too. His delivery immediately lends itself to comparison to that of Judas Priest front man Rob Halford. The whole of the song’s musical content makes for its own powerful presentation. When the power in the song’s arrangement pairs with the song’s lyrical content, the whole becomes even more engaging and entertaining.
The lyrical theme featured in ‘No Son Of Odin’ is, on the surface, a presentation based on classic Norse mythology. That in itself is interesting enough. On a deeper level though, the song’s lyrical content seems to be much more than that. At least, that is the interpretation of this critic. The deeper meaning comes across as being a statement of celebrating individualism, which is an all too familiar topic in the rock community. This is inferred as Cans’ sings in the song’s second verse, “From the day that I was born/I’ve been misunderstood/I broke new grounds/I set the sails/Played by my own rules/Lightning strikes and thunder roar/I’ve seen my destiny/I’m the hammer/The hammer is me/Pounding to be free/Watch me wind up the power/Relentlessly pursuing my foes/I am fierce eyed and evil/Hell’s gonna follow wherever I go.” From there, he sings in the song’s chorus, “I am I/I am me/Heart of steel/No son of Odin/I am strong/I am brave/Let the hammer pave the way.” The song’s lead verse builds on the song’s second verse, finding Cans singing about not being royalty so to speak, being proud of who he is. He goes so far as to note that “My home lies beneath us/through fire and ice/alone in my fight.” He mentioned along with that, that he had never been to Valhalla. Again, this all comes across as an allegory of sorts about that pride and individualism. If in fact that is the case, then this is truly a unique, original way in which to deliver such a familiar theme. To that end, it makes the song all the more interesting. When it pairs with the fiery energy in the song’s musical arrangement, the song in whole makes for even more interest and proof of what makes Hammer of Dawn work. It is just one of the songs that shows the record’s strength. ‘Too Old To Die Young,’ which comes later in the album’s run, is another notable addition to the album.
‘Too Old To Die Young’ presents a musical arrangement that wastes no time catching listeners’ ears. In the case of this song, the sharp guitar line and bass line work with the drums and vocals to lend the song to comparison to works from the likes of Dragonforce, Saxon, and Judas Priest. The harmonies (instrumental and vocal), ensure audiences’ engagement and entertainment from beginning to end.
The lyrical content that accompanies the song’s musical arrangement makes it all the more appealing. In the case of this song, its lyrical content the theme comes across as delivering a message of making the most of life. This is inferred in the song’s lead verse and chorus in which Cans sings, “For as long as I remember/I’ve been paving my own way/Life’s one true defender/Since my first step/Walked wherever I may/Of all the stars in the heavens/I’m the brightest of them all/Always shining/Carry on/Carry on/I will shine a light/Forever and a day/” It is inferred even more as he sings in the song’s second verse, “Turn the amp up to eleven/let your time on Earth be loud/Why limit your sins to seven/Nothing ventured/Nothing gained/Stay unbowed/Wade out in the water/Let us part the raging seas/So come-at-able/Come with me/Carry on/Always strive/Succeed and plan to live forever.” Again, here is a statement that seems to deliver a message of living life; of perseverance and determination. Again, if that is indeed the case, then the song gains even more appeal, especially when it pairs with the energy in the song’s equally enjoyable musical arrangement. The whole here is just one more example of what makes the album that is Hammer of Dawn stand out among this year’s new hard rock and metal albums. ‘Live Free or Die’ is yet another notable addition to the album.
‘Live Free Or Die’ offers audiences a more modern hard rock sound than that of the album’s other songs. The power metal sound and approach is just as present as ever, but there is something about the guitar line here that really makes this song lean more in a modern hard rock direction, too. That balance of modern hard rock and power metal gives this song an identity that is just as unique as the other songs’ arrangements from one another and from this song and the rest of the album’s works. When this notable arrangement pairs with the song’s lyrical theme that openly preaches about the price of freedom, praising those who died for the world’s freedoms, the whole makes the song in whole even more accessible.
As noted, the lyrical theme featured in ‘Live Free Or Die’ preaches about the freedoms that we enjoy around the world while praising those who died for those freedoms. Cans sings of these topics right from the song’s outset, “I am free like an eagle/Spreading my wings in the sky/Protecting the winds that are changing/Therefore, I must give the eye/I know we must defend it/From those who would take it away/There is a price for this freedom/Way more than we wish to pay/Nothing’s free in freedom/Pay the price/There’s no cost reduction to paradise/Live free or die/Come and break the chains/Or do not come at all/Live free or die/Come on/Shout it out and heed the freedom call.” The message continues in the song’s second verse, “By the blood of my brothers/I do solemnly swear/To spread the gospel of freedom/Even if nobody cares/No way to alter the past times/Rewrite our lost yesteryears/Only one thing to remember/Freedom spells nothing like fear/I’ll ignite the fire/Roll the dice/Let us stand together/Break the ice.” If this collective content is not about the noted topic of freedom and honoring those who paid that ultimate price for freedom, then it would certainly be interesting to know the song’s true lyrical theme. Otherwise, it certainly will resonate with a wide range of audiences and do so even more when it pairs with the song’s unique musical arrangement. When the song in whole is considered along with the other songs examined here and with the rest of the album’s songs (including its singles), the whole makes Hammer of Dawn a work that Hammerfall fans and power metal fans alike will appreciate from beginning to end.
Hammer of Dawn, the new forthcoming album from Hammerfall, is a work that will appeal widely among the band’s fans and to power metal fans in general. That is proven through its musical and lyrical content alike. The album’s singles and the songs examined here all do well to make that clear. When they are all considered along with the rest of the album’s entries, the whole makes the record easily one of the best of the year’s new hard rock and metal albums so far.
Hammer of Dawn is scheduled for release Friday through Napalm Records.
Courtesy: Napalm Records
In other Hammerfall news, the band has also announced it is scheduled to launch its “United Forces Tour” alongside Helloween March 22 in Oslo, Norway. The tour, which will take the band’s to cities across Europe, is scheduled to run through May 22 in London, England. The tour’s schedule is noted below.
UNITED FORCES TOUR 2022 25.03.22 NO – Oslo / Sentrum Scene 26.03.22 SE – Göteborg / Partille Arena 28.03.22 FI – Helsinki / Black Box 29.03.22 EE – Talinn / Noblessneri Valukoda 01.04.22 DE – Bamberg / Brose Arena 02.04.22 DE – Hamburg / Sporthalle 03.04.22 DE – Berlin / Verti Music Hall 04.04.22 DE – Regensburg / Donau Arena 08.04.22 ES – Madrid / Wizink Center 09.04.22 ES – Barcelona / St. Jordi Club 11.04.22 IT – Milan / Lorenzini District 12.04.22 DE – Kempten / Black Box 13.04.22 CH – Zürich / Samsung Hall 15.04.22 LU – Luxemburg / Rockhal 16.04.22 NL – Tilburg / 013 18.04.22 PL – Katovice / MCK 20.04.22 BG – Sofia / Arena Armeec 22.04.22 AT – Vienna / Gasometer 23.04.22 CZ – Prague / O2 24.04.22 SK – Zvolen / Ice Stadium 26.04.22 HU – Budapest / Papp Laszlo Sportarena 29.04.22 DE – Bochum / Ruhrcongress 30.04.22 DE – Stuttgart / Schleyerhalle 01.05.22 DE – Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle 04.05.22 UK – Manchester / Manchester Academy 05.05.22 UK – London / Brixton Academy
More information on Hammerfall’s forthcoming album and tour is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Saxon released its latest album this week in the form of Carpe Diem. The album, released Friday through Silver Linings Music, came more than three years after the release of Saxon’s then latest album, Battering Ram (2018). The band’s 23rd album (yes, 23rd), it is another offering that the metal masses will appreciate just as much as the band’s established audiences. That is proven through its musical and lyrical content alike. The singles the album has already produced do well to make that clear, and they are just some of the songs that prove that statement. ‘Living on the Limit,’ which closes out the album, also shows how the album’s overall content makes the record engaging and entertaining. It will be discussed shortly. ‘Dambusters,’ which comes early in the album’s 46-minute run, is another example of what makes the record successful. It will be discussed a little later. ‘All For One,’ a late entry to the record, is yet another example of how the album’s content makes it enjoyable. It will also be discussed later. Each song noted is important in its own way to the whole of this album. All things considered, they make the album in whole, one of the best of the year’s new hard rock and metal albums so far.
Carpe Diem, the 23rd album from Saxon, is another impressive offering from the veteran hard rock band. That is proven through its overall content, as its current singles have already shown. They are just some of the content that shows the album’s strength. ‘Living on the Limit,’ the record’s finale, does its own share to show how much the album has to offer. The song’s high-energy musical arrangement blends the band’s familiar power metal leanings with a more modern hard rock influence for a hybrid sound and approach that lends itself just as much to the likes of Judas Priest and Motorhead as to so many current bands who have used them and Saxon as influence for their own music. From the song’s beginning to its end its solid time keeping, its equally rich bass line, vocals, and sharp guitar riffs make the composition a strong finish for the album and an equally clear example of the role that the album’s musical arrangements have on the record’s overall presentation. The energy in the song’s arrangement pairs well with the seeming message in the song’s lyrical theme, making for even more engagement and entertainment.
The seeming lyrical theme featured in ‘Living on the Limit’ is that of making the most of life, even despite everything happening. That is just this critic’s interpretation and should not be taken as the only interpretation. The inference comes as Byford sings in the song’s lead verse, “We want a slice of everything/To see the world we’re living in/Take a chance and take a leap/What we sow is what we reap/Don’t be afraid to ride the storms/Just take the bull by the horns/Living on the limit.” That brief statement speaks volumes. It comes across as encouraging listeners to take that chance in life, to go out and do more, to take risks and live life. From there Byford continues delivering the seeming message as he sings, “All the world is like a stage/Just read the lines and turn the page/We wanna feel adrenaline/Just wanna live and take it in.” This verse presents what seems like a contradictory statement to help deliver the inferred message. That note of just reading the lines and turning the page seems like a metaphorical way to talk about how we all just go through the motions every day even though, as he states further, “We wanna feel adrenaline/Just wanna live and take it in.” This is more of a declarative statement about how we as people want to just live life, not just go through the motions. It pairs so well with that seeming encouragement in the song’s lead verse about taking that chance and doing more in life. The song’s third and final verse continues in similar fashion, furthering the seeming message even more. When it is considered along with the content in the song’s first two verses, the seeming message becomes even more the likely case. To that end, the song’s seeming lyrical theme is proof enough of how this song helps make Carpe Diem a strong album. The positive energy in the song’s musical arrangement pairs with the seeming positive message in the song’s lyrical content to make that even clearer. Keeping all of this in mind, ‘Living on the Limit’ proves to be just one of the songs that shows what makes Carpe Diem successful. ‘Dambusters’ is another notable addition to the album.
‘Dambusters’ stands out in part due to its musical arrangement. The song’s arrangement is a full on Motorhead-esque composition. From the rapid fire guitars and drums to Byford’s very vocal delivery, the whole is a direct leaning toward the aforementioned band. That should come as no surprise as the band has taken on works from Motorhead in the past. The song clocks in at just under three-and-a-half minutes, but in that time, the manner in which the song was composed and performed will leave listeners completely fulfilled, feeling like it is longer in the best way possible. The energy in the performance works well with its lyrical content, which seemingly makes reference to the Royal Air Force’s famed World War II bombing run known as Operation Chastise.
Operation Chastise was conducted in the overnight hours of May 16/17, 1943. The 617 Bomber Command, known as the Dam Busters, destroyed two hydroelectric power stations and breached two dams – the Mohne and Edersee dams – along the Ruhr and Eder vallies. The resulting damage set Germans’ military operations in the area back by months. It also changed the course of bombing raids used by Allied forces in the process.
The seeming story of the well-known bombing operation comes throughout the song, including right from the song’s lead verse in which Byford sings, “Long before the twilight/The planes are standing by/Ground crew gather in the dusk/Low voices asking why/No one knows the target/The mission has begun/Flying into history/To drop the bouncing bomb.” The bombs that were used in Operation Chastise were dubbed “bouncing bombs” because they bounced across water to their targets. They bounced in order to avoid possible interception by torpedo nets and ensure the highest possible velocity when they hit their targets. The bombs were developed by British engineer Barnes Wallis. So again, here is even more proof of the story that the band is telling here. From there, Byford sings about the planes taking off and making their way to their targets and dropping their bombs. He further pays homage to those who returned from the mission and those who did not. Approximately 53 aircrews were lost in the mission and three airmen were captured. This story will appeal to any military history buff and to any casual fan of history. When its appeal pairs with that of the song’s musical arrangement, the whole makes the song even more proof of what makes Carpe Diem another successful offering from Saxon. ‘All For One’ is one more notable addition to the record.
‘All For One’ presents a musical arrangement that is pure vintage power metal. The comparisons here are once again so similar to that of Judas Priest, but also have just as much modern rock influence. The result is yet another composition that while familiar, also boasts its own identity separate from that of the album’s other entries. Keeping that in mind, the arrangement alone offers its own share of appeal. The lyrical content that accompanies the song adds even more to the song’s engagement and entertainment.
The lyrical content featured in ‘All For One’ is notable because of its originality. In the case of this song, the song apparently tells the story of the Three Musketeers. Few if any other acts out there can say they have taken on the classic literary story in song form. The very mention of “You stand by your comrades to the end/Steadfast belief/Your will will never bend” alongside the mentions of flashing steel and musket flashes, protecting the king, and Grenadiers further illustrates that story. Given, Saxon is hardly the first band to take on a literary work. Symphony X, for example, has taken on the story of The Odyssey. Mastodon has taken on the classic tale of Moby Dick in its song, ‘Iron Tusk.’ Heck, even Machine Head has taken on a literary classic in ‘A Farewell to Arms,’ which lifts from author Ernest Hemingway’s timeless novel by the same name. Plenty of other bands’ works could be listed here. The point of this is that even though Saxon’s take on author Alexandre Dumas’ equally timeless story is so enjoyable, and maybe even a way to get people who otherwise might not have read the novel to give it a chance. The band is to be applauded for that and for its own unique originality here. Taking into account the fact that the band has taken on a literary classic and coupling that with the song’s fully engaging and entertaining musical arrangement, the whole makes the song overall yet another of example of what makes the overall album enjoyable. When the song is considered along with the other works examined here and with the rest of the album’s works, the whole makes the overall album another fully successful offering from Saxon.
Saxon’s latest album, Carpe Diem, is another engaging and entertaining offering from the band. Its success comes through its musical and lyrical content alike. The songs examined here make that clear. When they are considered along with the album’s singles and with the rest of the album’s works, the collective makes the overall album one of the year’s best new hard rock and metal albums so far this year.
Carpe Diem is available now through Silver Linings Music. More information on Carpe Diem is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
Independent hard rock band Triskelyon released its debut self-titled EP Tuesday.
In celebration of the record’s release, the band debuted the lyric video for the EP’s lead single, ‘Hunger’ the same day. The video features the song’s lyrics over footage of people protesting as the song plays over the visualization.
The imagery used in the video is meant to help illustrate the message in the song’s lyrical theme, which bassist Geoff Waye discussed.
The song is about a hunger for change in the world,” he said. “I am not a fan of the way the world is heading in terms of politics, divisions, and how stuck in their ways and traditions people are. The chorus line “It’s the time for the fearless to rise. A hunger for change in their eyes.” gets to the theme and heart of the song’s idea.”
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Hunger’ will appeal to fans of bands, such as Judas Priest, and Iced Earth. That is evidenced through the powerhouse vocals, the driving, bombastic guitars, and overall richness of the bass and drums.
Track Listing: 1. Hunger (2:58) 2. Find A Way (4:03) 3. Odyssey (Blessed by Steel) (3:32) EP Length: 10:34
More information on Triskelyon’s new single, video, and EP is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Saxon debuted the video for its latest single this week.
The band premiered the video for its new single, ‘Remember The Fallen’ Tuesday. The song is the second single from the band’s forthcoming album, Carpe Diem, which is scheduled for release Feb. 4 through Silver Lining Music. The band premiered the video for the album’s lead single/title track Nov. 2.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Remember The Fallen’ is everything that audiences have come to expect from Saxon throughout the course of its long life. In other words, that power metal approach is just as prevalent as ever. Front man Biff Byford’s vocals are just as strong as ever, too. The comparisons to Judas Priest’s best works are just as inescapable.
The song’s lyrical theme takes on the topic of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to Byford.
“I wanted to write a song about COVID, about the people that have died, and give my perception of how it seemed to happen,” he said. “Certain aspects of it all are quite mysterious, and of course, it hasn’t finished yet, has it? We should all remember those who have died as a group of people not really knowing why they died, because the information wasn’t there.”
The video for ‘Remember The Fallen’ serves to illustrate Byford’s message. There are visuals of items, such as people staring through glass and wearing masks, a reporter (also wearing a mask) covering the pandemic, and empty classrooms. Alongside the visuals is footage of the band recording its single/album.
Carpe Diem was produced by Andy Sneap (Fozzy, Skinlab, Exodus). Sneap mixed with album alongside Byford.
More information on Carpe Diem is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
For the third time in as many months, Sorcerer is taking on a classic rock song for its latest single.
The band premiered its take of Saxon’s ‘Crusader‘ Friday along with a companion video. The song’s premiere follows premieres of the band’s cover of Black Sabbath’s ‘When Death Calls‘ last month and its cover of Rainbow’s ‘Gates of Babylon‘ in September.’
Front man Anders Engberg had high praise for Saxon as he talked about the band during a recent interview.
“For me, Saxon, they have always been there, ever since I started listening to heavy metal, and I had the luck to tour with these guys with my old band, Lion’s Share,” he said.
Drummer Richard Evensand expanded on Engberg’s statements during the interview.
“It [Saxon] was the first band I started to really follow as a teenager and it still is one of my favorite bands today,” said Evensand. “For me Saxon equals energy and long tom rolls… in fact more than long tom rolls; mega tom rolls perhaps.”
Added Evensand, “Nigel Glockner has really influenced my play as a drummer. You can imagine that I was immediately in favor of making a Sorcerer rendition of “Crusader”. It’s the most powerful song there is on this planet! Peter Hallgren did an excellent job on the arrangement. We hope everyone loves our version as much as we loved making it!”
Coming in at approximately seven minutes in length, Sorcerer’s rendition of ‘Crusader’ is shorter than its source material by almost a full minute. That is likely due to the fact that Sorcerer’s take on the song does not feature the sounds of battle featured in the original composition. Those sounds take up approximately one minute five seconds of the song’s original one minute, 40 second run time.
There are also some other sound effects thrown in along with some other items that change things up between the two versions. Among the most notable of the other differences is the richness in the sound from Sorcerer’s take. It is much more full whereas the production of the original conjures thoughts of Anthrax and Metallica from that era.
Sorcerer’s take on ‘Crusader’ is available now through all digital outlets. More information on Sorcerer’s take on ‘Crusader’ is available along with all of Sorcerer’s latest news at:
The band is scheduled to release its 23rd album, Carpe Diem Feb. 4 through Silver Lining Music. The band made the announcement Tuesday in a news release. In anticipation of the album’s release, the band premiered the video for the album’s lead/title single Tuesday.
The video for ‘Carpe Diem’ presents front man Biff Byford along an unidentified coastal area performing his part of the song as a clearly stiff breeze blows. That footage is coupled with footage of what is meant to reflect the band performing live to enhance the experience.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Carpe Diem’ is pure Saxon. It is everything that audiences have come to expect from the band throughout its life. The hard rock riffs are there as are the strong vocals, solid time keeping and equally solid, stead bass line.
The song’s lyrical theme and the inspiration for the album, said Byford, came from the events of the past year and a half or so.
“It’s been a difficult two years because I had the heart attack back in September 2019, so things went a bit pear-shaped for the band,” said Byford. “And then Covid hit two or three months later, but luckily, we started writing and recording this album before Covid. We did the drums in Germany and we did the guitars in various places. I was doing a lot of writing while I was in the hospital bed, and we spent quite a long time writing and arranging the ideas that we all had. I do think it’s a very intense album, and maybe some of that intensity comes from the frustration of not being able to do anything in the Covid period.”
Carpe Diem was produced by Andy Sneap (Fozzy, Skinlab, Exodus). Sneap mixed with album alongside Byford.
More information on Carpe Diem is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:
To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
philspicks 