Saxon has always been a band that produces albums of very high quality metal. With Into The Labyrinth, they once again show what has kept them a viable force in music for over 30 years now. Though there have been numerous band line-up changes over the years, their sound has remained steady thanks to the efforts of lead singer/songwriter Bill Byford.
So here we go again? No, not quite. Bill and the boys have somehow produced an album that not only is their best effort it's a truly dynamic piece of heavy metal! Oh there are still plenty of metal anthems on this disc, such as the foot stompin' "Live To Rock" or the fist pumping "Rock of Ages", but they also change things up a bit like with the bombastic album opener "Battalions Of Steel" or the very cool heavy metal storytelling they hit you with on "Demon Sweeney Todd". They also hit you with some very AC/DC like moments in "Slow Lane Blues" and the afore mentioned "Live To Rock". They even end the album with a great slide guitar version of the song "Coming Home" which was originally on their album Killing Ground.
I would have to say that this album surprised me. The guitar playing of Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt is powerful and will induce certain body parts to twitch and move for sure! Byford is in fine voice and shows off his range of styles as he gets down and dirty when needed but still can hit those high notes too!
If you are looking for a heavy metal album that will rock your socks off, look no further. Saxon has shown that they still have it and have it much stronger than they have ever been given credit for. This one is a real treat for those that want a taste of the power metal that we all grew up with.
Track listing:
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. Com Rock Of Ages
13. Coming Home
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
