Album Review: Saxon - Hell, Fire and Damnation

Exploring Saxon’s Epic: ‘Hell, Fire & Damnation’ Album Review

Introduction: Saxon’s 24th studio album, “Hell, Fire and Damnation,” is a testament to the band’s resilience and enduring spirit. With a history that spans over four decades, Saxon continues to solidify their position as heavy metal stalwarts, delivering a record that pays homage to the genre’s roots while blazing new trails.

Background: “Hell, Fire and Damnation” marks Saxon’s 24th studio album, released through Silver Lining Music. The album was recorded at Big Silver Barn in York, UK, and Lampes Posthotel Old Cinema Restaurant Der Krug in Germany. It’s a significant release that has charted internationally, particularly reaching the top 20 of the UK Albums Chart.

Artwork: The album’s artwork, created by Peter Sallai, captures the essence of the album’s themes, with additional artwork and layout by Enrique Zabala adding to the visual impact.

Track Analysis:

1. The Prophecy (1:24) - A dramatic opener with spoken voice by Brian Blessed, setting a grandiose tone for the album.
2. Hell, Fire and Damnation (5:32) - The title track delivers a classic Saxon sound with a modern twist, featuring powerful riffs and anthemic choruses.
3. Madame Guillotine (5:24) - A track that combines historical storytelling with heavy metal, creating a vivid narrative.
4. Fire and Steel (3:37) - Fast-paced and riff-heavy, this song showcases the band’s technical prowess.
5. There’s Something in Roswell (4:09) - An intriguing song that explores the mysteries of Roswell with a catchy melody.
6. Kubla Khan and the Merchant of Venice (4:15) - A unique blend of literature and metal, this track stands out for its creativity.
7. Pirates of the Airwaves (3:56) - A nod to the rebellious spirit of radio pirates, complete with energetic guitar solos.
8. 1066 (4:03) - A historical epic that brings the Battle of Hastings to life through heavy metal.
9. Witches of Salem (5:11) - Dark and moody, this song delves into the Salem witch trials with intensity.
10. Super Charger (4:47) - The album closes with a high-octane track that’s both modern and reminiscent of Saxon’s early days.

Personnel:

• Biff Byford – Vocals
• Doug Scarratt – Guitars
• Brian Tatler – Guitars
• Nibbs Carter – Bass
• Nigel Glockler – Drums
• Paul Quinn – Additional guitars on “Fire and Steel” and “Super Charger”

Promotional Activities: Internationally-renowned actor Brian Blessed OBE delivers a proclamation for the opening track “The Prophecy,” setting high expectations for the album. This collaboration highlights the band’s effort to create a memorable and impactful introduction to the album.

Production: The album was produced by Andy Sneap and Biff Byford, ensuring a polished and powerful sound. The mixing and mastering by Andy Sneap highlight the band’s performance, making it a standout in terms of production quality.

Musicality: The album kicks off with “The Prophecy,” a track that sets the tone with its epic narrative and powerful instrumentation. The title track, “Hell, Fire and Damnation,” follows suit, showcasing Saxon’s signature blend of tempestuous storytelling and melodic prowess. The guitar work throughout the album is exceptional, with Doug Scarratt and newcomer Brian Tatler delivering fresh and exciting solos that complement Biff Byford’s commanding vocals.

Lyrical Themes: Saxon delves into historical events with a heavy metal twist. Tracks like “There’s Something About Roswell” and “Kubla Khan And The Merchant Of Venice” offer a rock-hard take on intriguing moments from the past. “1066” and “Witches Of Salem” are standout tracks that combine historical narratives with the band’s classic sound.

Music Videos: While the official music video for the title track “Hell, Fire And Damnation” has been mentioned, the band also released a series of behind-the-scenes videos and making-of documentaries related to the album. These videos provide insight into the creative process and the recording sessions, offering fans a closer look at the making of the album. Official music video for the title track “Hell, Fire And Damnation” from Saxon’s album was released on YouTube and has garnered significant views. It features the band performing the song with their characteristic energy and intensity, and it’s a great visual representation of the album’s themes.

Additionally, there are other videos related to the album, including official audio tracks and lyric videos for several songs, which can be found on the band’s official YouTube channel. These videos offer fans a deeper dive into the album’s content and the band’s creative vision. If you’re interested in exploring more, you can check out these videos for a complete audio-visual experience of “Hell, Fire and Damnation.”

Critical Reception: The album has been well-received by critics and fans alike. It has been praised for its energetic riffs, strong songwriting, and Biff Byford’s powerful vocals. Critics have noted that the album is a strong entry in Saxon’s discography and a testament to their ability to produce quality music consistently. Critics have lauded the album for its completeness and well-put-together composition. The album has been rated highly, with some reviewers giving it an 8.5 out of 10. The addition of Brian Tatler from Diamond Head to the lineup has been particularly praised, as well as Biff Byford’s vocal performance, which has been described as passionate and driving.

Chart Performance: “Hell, Fire and Damnation” has performed admirably on international charts. It reached the top 20 of the UK Albums Chart and charted in several other countries, including a peak position of number 4 on the Austrian Albums Chart. This success reflects the band’s enduring popularity and the album’s broad appeal.

Special Editions and Formats: The album has been released in various formats, catering to collectors and audiophiles. There are limited edition vinyl pressings, including a red marbled 180g LP, and a sunburst 180g LP; a cassette version; and several CD editions, including a digipak. These special editions have been sought after by fans for their unique packaging and design.

Promotional Tours: In support of the album, Saxon embarked on a promotional tour, which included stops in major cities across Europe and North America. The tour was noted for its high-energy performances and the band’s engagement with their fans.

Fan Engagement: Saxon has actively engaged with their fanbase through social media and fan club exclusives. They have held Q&A sessions, album listening parties, and even contests where fans could win signed merchandise and exclusive access to pre-release tracks.

Legacy and Influence: “Hell, Fire and Damnation” is not only a new chapter in Saxon’s career but also serves as an influence for upcoming bands in the heavy metal genre. The album’s blend of classic and contemporary metal elements has been cited as an inspiration by newer artists.

Conclusion: “Hell, Fire and Damnation” is a robust addition to Saxon’s discography. It’s an album that showcases the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. With a mix of historical intrigue and metal anthems, Saxon proves that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy metal.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this album. Share your comments below.