Saxon’s album ‘Inspirations’ : doing the classics proud

TAMPA BREAKWAY FESTIVAL – April 26th-27th

TAMPA BREAKWAY FESTIVAL – April 26th-27th
Saxon

By Kevin Bergin, Rock At Night Melbourne, AU

Review of Saxon’s album Inspirations-Release date March 19, 2021 (Via Silver Lining Music)

Saxon

On March 19th, British heavy metal legends Saxon deliver a nostalgic inspired album Inspirations as they pay homage to rock classics. I love this album! It’s a nod to Saxon’s “inspirations” and is faithful to the originals. Which is interesting, as I’m not particularly a Heavy Metal fan, but I am old enough to have seen 10 of the 11 bands featured–most of them many times. It was a joy and a passion to see so many bands in the UK and around parts of Europe during their hey day.

My favourite track after so many listens is “Paint It Black”. I have seen The Stones so many times as part of the audience and as a guest, and like so many others will still go see them next time they come around! The tracks are close to the originals but as you listen to them, most notably “Paint It Black”,  you’ll hear the emphasis is on the guitars and not drums.  Saxon’s cover does the song justice as I would rate this cover up with the original. As I get ready to head off on a long travel journey of exploration, I will be sure to take Inspirations with me. Great driving music! Charging off into the desert I go singing ‘…standing in the shadows…’.

Overall, Bill Byford does astounding work on the vocals in Inspirations. He displays such a powerful voice with a great range. Of course, the guitars are up there with the originals–even on Jimi’s “Stone Free”.

Hearing a heavy metal band do a cover of “Paperback Writer” was a joy. It works so well, and yes, I was surprised, pleasantly so.

For this reviewer, it’s a journey back to those concerts and festivals in the 70s. The first time I saw Zeppelin was with a couple of hundred people in a town hall. The last time, there was over a million people at Bath Festival, or was that Isle of Wight, where I heard these tracks performed with a twist? But, Saxon’s versions of Zeppelin, like “Immigrant Sons” is something completely new, and an exciting example of driving hard rock.

Thanks, Saxon, for taking me back to my youth and doing these classics proud.

VIDEOS

The “Making of Inspirations”

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

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Kevin Bergin

Forest Live Festival – UK

Forest Live Festival – UK