Album Review — Saxon

Saxon — Carpe Diem

Saxon have been around a very long time. Their latest release, “Carpe Diem”, is their 23rd album. You’d think with 23 albums that I would know the band well. But “Carpe Diem” is the first Saxon album that I have listened to all the way through. They are just one of those bands that snuck through somehow.

So I’m making up for lost time with this week’s review. And maybe it will be helpful to hear a perspective on the band from someone that doesn’t know them very well as I have no expectations on what this record should sound like?

The album opens with a short minute long intro before it kicks in with a scream. The title track is a driving rocker. It reminds me of Judas Priest. It’s a good opening track to set the tone.

“Age of Steam” opens with a cool guitar riff and another driving track. I’m getting the sense the band relies heavily on historical events for their content by the little I know about them and what I’ve heard so far. I do like this track quite a bit.

“The Pilgrimage” is the first single and check in at six and a half minutes. The first thirty seconds serve as an intro before track gets going. This one is a little less driving and a little more epic sounding. It reminds me of early Def Leppard. Another really strong song.

“Dambusters” is raucous from the start. It’s a little more of what I was expecting. Not as much my style but not a bad song.

“Remember The Fallen” is another driving rocker that works. The band isn’t breaking any new ground here, but it’s a solid rocker.

“Super Nova” has a similar feel to “Dambusters”. Raucous with double bass drums.

“Lady In Gray” is more plodding than what we’ve heard until now. This one has some interesting turns to it that keeps me listening.

“All For One” is more driving hard rock that doesn’t break any new ground. Decent song but doesn’t stand out.

“Black Is The Night” and “Living On The Limit” are both quality tracks to finish out the album.

I’m pleasantly surprised. I’m not sue what I was expected but I like the record. I don’t imagine it’s something that I will listen to a lot but the top 3–4 tracks are quite good and the rest of the record is solid if not overly unique.

Saxon has been around a very long time and the fact that they are still releasing quality albums is commendable. I’m guessing long time fans of the band will be happy with “Carpe Diem” and I certainly am glad I took the time to finally check out the band.

85 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
2. Age of Steam *
3. The Pilgrimage *
4. Dambusters
5. Remember the Fallen *
6. Super Nova
7. Lady In Gray *
8. All for One
9. Black is the Night
10. Living On the Limit

*Best Songs