SAXON „“Into the Labyrinth””

Music: New Wave of British Heavy Metal
Country: United Kingdom
Web site: www.saxon747.com
Cool Songs: Battalions of Steel, Demon Sweeney Todd, Valley of the Kings

SAXON returns with “Into the Labyrinth,” the follow up to their 2007 album “The Inner Sanctum.” Clear production values via Blind Guardian studios outline thirteen tracks of heavy metal, with a strong nod to the 1980s. Band founder and lead vocalist, Biff Byford still produces his robust vocals—from a more of a mid range perspective compared to some of the high-pitched throats of this style.

SAXON creates powerful metal anthems on tracks such as “Battalions of Steel” and “Demon Sweeney Todd.” The valiant atmosphere and hard driving rhythm of “Battalions of Steel” results in a dramatic war metal offering that would feel right at home on a BLIND GUARDIAN or MANOWAR album. “Valley of the Kings” includes godly chorus lines and the type of guitar riffing that could have emanated from early OZZY releases. This mummy themed tracked also contains a fitting Egyptian rhythm. Both tracks instill an epic fill that can only come from the best in metal. Guitarist Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt bust out the album's fastest and most memorable riffs on “Demon Sweeney Todd.”

“Live to Rock” and “Slow Lane Blues” are throw-away tracks. The former contains cliché hard rock lyrics about being a rocker in the face of criticism, while “Slow Lane Blues” has an outdated hard rock swagger. Both tracks have catchy grooves, but poor lyrics and annoying choruses. “Crime of Passion” and “Come Rock of Ages” (The Circle is Complete) follow similar guidelines. Melodies, stellar solos and emotive chorus lines characterize “Voice.” Slide guitar and tambourine on “Coming Home (The Bottleneck Version)” sends the album out on a bluesy note.”

Musically, “Into the Labyrinth” is full of strong grooves, head banging riffs, and exceptional solo work. Byford does not possess an elite voice for this style, although it works, especially during remarkable chorus lines such as those on “Battalions of Steel” and “Valley of the Kings.” Mostly it depends on the subject matter to make epic tracks like those two. “Into the Labyrinth” is probably not the album to measure SAXON’s success, considering the group has been around since the late 70s. The group deserves credit for surviving for so long, even if the group only consists of a couple of original members. “Into the Labyrinth” should appeal to fans from the traditional metal side of the fence, particularly fans of eighties metal.

note: 6/10

Tracklist

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)
Total playing time 50:18

Line-up

Biff Byford – Vocals
Paul Quinn – Guitars
Doug Scarratt – Guitars
Nibbs Carter – Bass
Nigel Glockler – Drums