Hell, Fire and Damnation

Since my early teens, I have been into various NWOBHM bands, and I still am to this very day. One of those bands that I still love and worship is Saxon, who I have always admired for their constant inspiration and willpower. Back in 2022, they released their 25th album Carpe Diem which was quite an enjoyable listening experience, and as of 2023 they recruited the longtime Diamond Head guitarist Brian Tatler who would contribute his talents for their next album. On January 19th 2024, Saxon is set to release their 26th full-length album Hell, Fire and Damnation via Silver Lining Music, and I think it’s the perfect time to see what the new album has prepared for the fans.

As the opening intro track “The Prophecy” perfectly sets the demonic and hellish mood for this album, from the title track “Hell, Fire and Damnation” it instantly starts rocking out with heavy metal extravaganza, dominated by tight mid-tempo downpicking riffs, powerful guitar riffs, banging drums, and Biff Byford’s singing vocals. Saxon continues to provide intensely powerful and catchy tunes with just a tinge of melody, although still in a highly effective manner, even with the addition of Brian Tatler on guitars it seems that they managed to climb a step higher from Carpe Diem. Some great examples that perfectly demonstrate that they are still capable of writing what everyone’s pure heavy metal heart desires are “Madame Guillotine”, “Fire and Steel”, “Kubla Khan and the Merchant of Venice” and “Witches of Salem”, all of which are incredible and strong bangers that really get your adrenaline going.

It is a true miracle that there are veteran heavy metal musicians like Saxon who are still inspired at songwriting, no matter how simple and standard it may sound. Although I rarely have any doubts with bands like Saxon and Judas Priest, some of their newer songs do still manage to surprise me to the point where I admire the fact that their music doesn’t show its age. All of the songs are fairly easy to follow along and will definitely give you a good time while listening to the entire album from start to finish. The riffs keep the mood going, but Biff Byford’s vocal lines and the uplifting choruses is really where the songs shine in my opinion, ranging from very good to incredibly effective. No matter how the previous album Carpe Diem did fairly alright, I think that Hell, Fire and Damnation is really one bar higher in my opinion when it comes to the overall band performance. Even the awesome album cover art by Bornhom’s vocalist Péter Sallai perfectly demonstrates the kind of energy that Saxon’s music expresses on this album, with all the heavenly might that strikes you down.

Hell, Fire and Damnation as an album is a very fun ride that really got my joy going all throughout, and I have to say that despite their age, Saxon still means business. This was the trial by fire for Saxon’s new lineup with Brian Tatler on guitar, but in the end, it proved that they made the right decision of hiring the grandmaster of the white Gibson Flying V. Even though I would still prefer listening to Saxon’s classic discography any time of the day, I still think that their new album is really worth a go, especially if you are their long-time fan who grew up with their music, alongside many other great names in NWOBHM. Do not miss out on Saxon’s new album when it is released, because you would rob yourself of this enjoyable experience that rocks out in pure banging heavy metal.

Written for www.Metalbite.com