British Heavy Metal legendsSaxonwill deliver a full-roar-fun-down set of covers with their latest albumInspirations, which drops a brand new 11 track release featuring some of the superb classic rock songs that influencedBiff Byford& the band.
Set for release on March 19[sup]th[/sup]2021, via Silver Lining Music,Inspirationsgets things rolling with the release ofSaxon's crunching take onTheRolling Stones' 'Paint It Black'.Biff Byfordcomments: "Loved this band since I first saw them and heard them. I liked the Beatles, but the Stones appealed to my rebel side; their iconic look! so many great songs, such a great attitude in the music!"
The release of 'Paint It Black' is also accompanied by abehind-the-scenesvideo which was filmed during the band's recording session earlier in the year.Watch/Listen to'Paint It Black'here
Inspirationswas recorded at Brockfield Hall near York in the UK, which was built in 1804 and holds the largest collection of paintings by Yorkshire's impressionist artists ' the Staithes Group.
ForByford, recordingInspirationsall together within such a rich historical environment was a major ingredient of the project. "The warmth and feel ofInspirationshad so much to do with being together in this magnificent place and doing it 'old-school' style,"Byfordexplains. "This is how many bands back in the day -including some of the ones covered here- made such great albums, so it just felt really good to be able to do this somewhere like Brockfield Hall." The results speak for themselves.
From the super-charged melodic romp ofThe Beatles' 'Paperback Writer' to their freeway mad take onJimi Hendrix's 'Stone Free',Saxonshow their love and appreciation with a series of faithful, raw and ready tributes.Maintaining a firm eye on the old school way using Marshall cabs, Marshall amps, real drums and produced byBiff ByfordwithJacky Lehmannrecording and mixing,Saxonapproach the likes ofMotörhead's 'Bomber' (with added whistle!),AC/DC's 'Problem Child',Black Sabbath's 'Evil Woman' and a raucousDeep Purple's 'Speed King' with refreshingly warm, unfiltered, "vintage" sounding renditions.
"We wanted to do an album based on our influences, the songs and bands that inspired us to write what we did and still do," continuesByford, "and it was also interesting to see what my voice could do as I haven't sung many of these songs before."
Byforddoes, indeed, take on some new vocal challenges, which he duly smashes on the likes ofThin Lizzy's 'The Rocker'. The net result is that whether cranking up a heavyweight take onLed Zeppelin's 'Immigrant Song' or throwing downAC/DC's 'Problem Child',Saxondoes a supreme job of entertaining both themselves and their audience throughoutInspirations.
"We didn't want to change any of the songs too much, just play them more likeSaxon," concludesByford, "and we also think it's very important to have -and share with the fans- some fun in these dark times."
You want even more proof of the validity behind that statement? Wrap your ears around their sparkling take onToto's 'Hold The Line' and considerSaxon'sInspirationsa mission accomplished.
Saxon'sInspirationsis available on Vinyl, CD, digital formats and limited edition D2C products; to pre-order go toat this location
Track Listing:
1.Paint It Black
2.Immigrant Song
3.Paperback Writer
4.Evil Woman
5.Stone Free
6.Bomber
7.Speed King
8.The Rocker
9.Hold The Line
10.Problem Child
11.See My Friends
Follow Saxon on:
https://www.facebook.com/saxon
https://www.instagram.com/saxon.official
https://www.youtube.com/PlanetSaxon
https://www.saxon747.com
