For lovers of classic British metal with a bewitching, devilish twist – you know who you are, walking ancient ways, creatures of habit, oceans of time – I recommend a deep, deep exploration of the nostalgic but still brand-new and thoroughly splendid This Heathen Land (Nuclear Blast Records).Continue reading
Mighty Girlschool returns for their fourteenth-long burner and first music in nearly ten years. The title track refers to longevity. The way they deliver to the max on a record steeped in themes of doing your best, road doggin’ it, and standing true to your friends shows why they have lasted so long. It is a seize your own destiny type of album that connects in a big way and works wonders on the spirit the way the best rock n’ roll should.
It’s been thirty years since beard and battleaxe aficionados Amon Amarth began their quest for world domination. Armed with swords, shields, and drinking horns, the hairy horde has journeyed far and wide, going on to become one of the most popular bands in Swedish metal history. Rarely deviating from their tried and tested formula, each successive album is a reliably thunderous collection of ancient history, myths, and legends told in the loudest, catchiest ways possibleContinue reading
With the heart attack suffered by frontman Biff Byford back in September 2019 and the global pandemic which followed shortly after, NWOBHM legends Saxon have had a rough old ride the last couple of years. Therefore, Carpe Diem (Silver Lining Music) – translated from Latin into English as “sieze the day” – stands not only as an album title but as a clear and heartfelt message to all.
With no less than twenty-two studio albums behind them, NWOBHM legends Saxon are back again but with something a little different this time. Instead of just rummaging around in the attic for an old live recording, or throwing together a contractually obliged “Best Of…”, Barnsley’s finest have taken their time during lockdown to produce something a little more imaginative. Looking to the past, the band has recorded Inspirations (Silver Lining Music/Militia Guard), a collection of songs by artists who made an impact on them at the start of their musical journey. Continue reading
In existence for just three years, the life of Midlands act Wounded Cross was extinguished before its time. Unable to release anything while they were still a going concern, the band’s first (and only) demo recordings have finally been mixed and released onto YouTube three years after their split.Continue reading
The ninth album from Greek power metallers Firewind finds the band introducing their latest vocalist Herbie Langhans, the former Sinbreed frontman replacing fellow German Henning Basse earlier this year. And the eponymously titled Firewind (AFM Records) is a fine way to get things rolling with their new frontman.Continue reading
Biff Byford of Saxon has been home recovering from an emergency heart operation that put his band Saxon off the road, has given one of his customary Friday updates on Twitter. Biff is making progress on his recovery and hopes to start exercising in December. On the music front, Saxon is booking more “big shows” in addition to their previously announced career retrospective headline shows in the United Kingdon and Germany. Biff will also be releasing a new solo single on December 13th., the title track from his upcoming solo album The School of Hard Knocks. He is also putting together a solo band to tour behind the album. Great news all around Biff! Continue reading
Heavy Metal legend and Saxon frontman Biff Byford is recovering after undergoing an emergency triple bypass surgery last Monday, September 23rd. A heart bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is used to improve blood flow to the heart. A surgeon uses blood vessels taken from another area of the body to bypass the damaged arteries. The term triple bypass refers to the number of coronary arteries bypassed in the procedure. In other words, a triple bypass means three coronary arteries are bypassed. Biff posted on social media to offer an update on his health. Saxon was forced to postpone all its previously announced 2019 shows so that Byford could undergo the procedure. His post-op recovery period will last into 2020. Continue reading
