I remember liking 'Crusader' back in 1984, but that's practically everything I've heard from Saxon! No time for all the metal music in one lifetime, sadly. While hunting down next cream-of-the-crop album of pure heavy metal this time around, I ran to 'Lionheart'. I got what I seeked for, surely!

Highlights on 'Lionheart' are soulful music from a skilled band, some absolutely killer songs and heavy sound. Practically all the important factors, then. Guys live for heavy metal, it can be heard. While there isn't any new elements in these eleven (or nine, explained later) songs, some of the material is so good, that it makes you forget any links to similar stuff. There are 2 short instrumental songs, which work as intros to songs following them. Here's many vibes going on the album: 'Witchfinder General' is a charging piece that's gonna catch you, 'Man and Machine' is a perfect song for highway, 'The Return' and 'Lionheart' make the epic of the album and 'Beyond the Grave' is a moodier songs with dark atmosphere. For some reason 'Justice' brings Megadeth to my mind, probably because of its theme, but it's also one of the more technical songs on the album. 'To Live by the Sword' is an energetic fists-to-the-ceiling song, 'Jack Tars' and 'English Man'o'War' make a song about naval battles in ye olde times, 'Searching for Atlantis' is more calm piece yet not a ballad in any case and 'Flying on the Edge' is another song for the road. Song titles tell all the lyrical themes. Some of the lyrics raise a smile, as always when singing about warriors and metal music, but basically this is nothing to feel shame about. This is heavy metal, after all.

Saxon have essence and can do it without any extra. There is only some synthesizer utilized. Two short instrumental songs bring some of that extra, but only for a few minutes. 'The Return' sets medieval atmosphere with its synth/boy choir soundscape and 'Jack Tars' is a fine piece of classical acoustic guitar playing. Biff Byford is one able singer. He can do it from powerful metal voice to normal voice, sounding like some Finnish "schlager" singers (on 'Beyond the Grave'). When he does his rawer thing, it reminds me of Helloween's Andy Deris. When Mr. Byford isn't singing, guitarists Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt present fantastic solos throughout the album. Bassist Nibbs Carter and drummer Jörg Michael provide solid backbone, of course. The Charlie Bauerfeind production is very solid and punchy, thanks to the use of some analogue equipment.

'Witchfinder General', 'Lionheart' and 'English Man'o'War' are the best of the bunch, in my opinion. It's nice to notice, that soon the other songs began to get better on every spin. The album has been on rotation for two weeks now and it doesn't show any signs of wearing out. Strong British steel, this one. Don't let it pass this time.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/23/2004 12:58