Saxon
Lionheart

December 2004
Released: 2004, SPV
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: JP

Year-end wrap-up: Each of the last few years to wrap up the year I have picked a theme for my reviews for December. This year due to the overwhelming number of CD’s that deserve exposure, recognition and commentary I am going to resort to quantity over quality. I usually try to give as much attention to each CD with extensive commentary however this month’s reviews (perhaps unfortunately) will be short and sweet and much more in the style of traditional magazine reviews where space restrictions are an important factor. (ie. Less detail) I apologize in advance to readers who expect much more detailed reviews. Please check the reviews archives as many of my colleagues have written excellent detailed commentary of many of these CD’s. I hope the large number of quick comments will help guide you making some of those important year-end CD purchase decisions. Happy Holidays and see you in January. JP



This is the fastest and heaviest Saxon album ever. The sound is driven by new addition Jorg Michael who adds double kick to some of the songs which until now was rare on Saxon songs. The guitar tone on cuts like ‘Beyond The Grave’ is very heavy, by Saxon’s standards. Excellent production helps Biff’s delivery of standard lyrics, tales of War, adventure, parties and history. This stands alongside Unleash The Beast as one of the best Saxon CD’s ever, credited in part to the elements mentioned above but mostly due to the strength of the songs this time out.