SAXON Carpe Diem | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

Released by Silver Lining Music on February 4th, 2022

Quick Background

British heavy metal legends and leaders of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) Saxon released their debut self titled album back in 1979.  During the 1980s, with classic releases such as 

Wheels of Steel & Strong Arm of the Law (1980), Denim and Leather (1981) and Power & the Glory (1983) Saxon established themselves among Europe's most successful metal acts.

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem is their 23rd studio album and follow-up to 2018's Thunderbolt. A few weeks ago I praised Magnum for having 22 albums and Saxon has now even 23, probably some kind of record among heavy metal bands. Anyways, the new effort is comprised of 10 titanic tracks which are all between the 3 and 5 minute mark, except "The Pilgrimage". And let me start with it because it is my favorite song on the album. This 6:30 epic track builds up from a choir melody over keys into a clean guitar riff and finally the bass, rhythm guitar and drums set a groovy pace. It all reminds me a lot of "Crusader" which is a very good thing. The verse is epic, the bridge is contagious and the chorus is suitable for a live sing along. The mid instrumental section is also beautiful and the guitar solo melodic and tasteful. Biff Byford who is over 70 continues to sing well with his trademark voice, as with Bob Catley, this is quite remarkable. Overall the first half of the album is very strong, we get speed, energy, cool riffs and catchy choruses. The title track "Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)" opens the album with a trademark high tempo Saxon song but from the get go the album also sounds modern. Produced by Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Accept) with Byford and Sneap mixing and mastering, Carpe Diem strikes the ear as an essential British metal statement with modern flavor. "Age of Steam" features a one minute cool intro with nice riffs and drum work, very upbeat song with great vocal lines and chorus. 

Another killer opening riff on "Dambusters", a future live favorite as well. This one features something we don't see very often anymore, a guitar solo very early in the song. There are harmonizing guitars, more solos, some with Wah-wah pedal, all and all the guitar players really shine in this one. "Remember the Fallen" is another one that we will probably see on their set-list as well. The song is about the Covid-19 pandemic, and how it has affected the world around us. The bridge is basically the lyrics that I have been questioning myself for 2 years now "Is it never-ending? Will we ever be free? How long will it take to bring normality?"

The Picky Guy

By the time we get to track number 6 "Super Nova" the best of the album is behind us and the loose of steam is visible.  Maybe a bit more of variability would do them well. Some highlights on the second half of the album are "Lady in Gray" with a slower tempo sludgy edge to it and "Black Is the Night" and its cool riffage and guitarwork.

Wrap Up Opinion 

After more than 40 years on the road, Saxon brings their impressive new album with bristling steel-clad riffery and proud intent, the band draws on a variety of ingredients from its career to keep it loyal to their roots but also sounding fresh and modern. They kept simple and straightforward, pure traditional heavy metal flourishing from their 80's success. What else to say? Despite being frontloaded, a very good album, deserving 82/100 and the attention of new and old fans. 

SCORE: 82/100

Genre: Heavy Metal

Released by Silver Lining Music on February 4th, 2022

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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