SAXON is one of the first bands to emerge from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Formed in 1975, they are approaching their fifth decade as a band. During the pandemic they took the time to record one new LP and do two full LPs of cover tunes to honor some of their favorite bands. The second batch, aptly title More Inspirations, released on March 24, 2023, via Silver Lining Music. SAXON decided to do another batch of covers honoring their heroes. Opening with THE ANIMALS classic, "We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place," they immediately grab the nostalgia strings attached to the heart. As much as I love this band, I think they missed this one just a bit. There are some vocal tones that just don't hit the right note to me, but that is a personal preference. The music does very well.

On the other hand, "Faith Healer" is one of the best vocal performances on the album by Biff Byford. Paul and Doug really work this one over, covering the guitar work beautifully, and Nigel crushes the drums. Nibbs just never wavers, taking the song in his hands and making it his own. The layered vocals on THE WHO's "Substitute" caught me a little off guard, but it grew on me. It makes the song different enough to be unique but doesn't stray too far from the real thing. Biff and Roger Daltry sound nothing alike, even with the slight English accent they both have; however, they both have the vocal power to pull off this song. My absolute favorite cover on this album is "Man On The Silver Mountain" from the RJD era of RAINBOW. From the iconic riff to the iconic voice, this is the one SAXON knocks out of the park. This is the song I want to hear live. I think they honor the song properly and will defend that statement with gusto. I've heard bad versions of this song, but this one impresses me.

Next, we have them take on "Detroit Rock City," a song that put the city on the Rock map. Since the city was already known for cars and Motown, this was an impressive feat. They handle the groove of the song well and crush the bass line, striking just the right chord with their presentation. SAXON chose a wide variety of bands to honor for their second installment of cover tunes and I think they made mostly good choices. This one is a bit more Rock oriented than the first installment, but it also gives you a better understanding of why the band is what they are. As one of the progenitors of the NWOBHM, we often forget they emerged as a response to both the Punk era and the British Invasion. Maybe they'll do a third and take requests!!