ALBUM REVIEW: Saxon – Hell, Fire and Damnation


As the old saying goes, change is the only constant, and when you’ve been around as long as NWOBHM legends Saxon, then some form of adjustment – enforced or voluntary – is usually never too far away. For the last eighteen years, the Yorkshire veterans have enjoyed their lengthiest spell ever of an unchanged line-up. This impressive run came to an end earlier this year when guitarist and co-founder Paul Quinn declared a hiatus.

Arriving from suitably prestigious stock, Quinn’s replacement (for this record) is none other than fellow NWOBHMer Brian Tatler, axeman for Midlands metal pioneers Diamond Head. Settling in with unerring ease, Tatler strikes up an instant rapport with co-guitarist Doug Scarratt, the pair going hell bent for leather on their first record together.

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Ghost Cult Mourns the Loss of Writer Paul Quinn


Ghost Cult is saddened by the loss of long-time writer Paul Quinn, who has passed away after a long illness today. He is survived by his wife and children in Manchester, United Kingdom. A fixture at Ghost Cult from some of our earliest days as a zine and website, Paul was a brilliant writer, with ears of gold, and an unparalleled way with words. Paul personally discovered countless new bands we covered, and was the first voice at our website to champion bands that would go on to further acclaim such as Primitive Man, Conan, Sea Bastard, AHAB, Oathbreaker, Burial, In The Company of Serpents, Darkher, Barishi, Psalm Zero, Myrkur, and so many others. A key figure in our early successes when we launched in 2012, he also helped cover our first major UK festival for the site: Damnation Festival. Many labels and publicists quoted his scores of reviews in their releases, often sending praise of his work to us. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Saxon – Carpe Diem


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.

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