Saxon - The Inner Sanctum

Is there any other genre so ridiculous that gets taken so seriously?

Album Review by Ali Maloney | 12 Mar 2007
Album title: The Inner Sanctum
Artist: Saxon
Label: SPV
Oh power metal! Is there any other genre so ridiculous that gets taken so seriously? It would be great if it worked like it does in some folk's imagination: all kick ass bikes with scantily clad beauties sprawled across them, or wielding swords through dungeons and dragons. Maybe if Saxon didn't think that calling songs (and consequently repeating in the chorus) things like Need for Speed, Let Me Feel Your Power or, best of all, I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive), then maybe we could all give it further thought. It's a shame because technically they are dazzling and there are some magnificent guitar/synth face-offs that, without vocals, could be a stomping soundtrack to Mortal Kombat 20, but the truly dire lyrics, delivered in Biff Byford's obnoxious squawk, ruin everything. I'm sure his millions of fans would probably take offence at that remark, but if this is their thing, I doubt they can read. [Ali Maloney]
Release Date: 9 March.
Saxon play The Garage, Glasgow on 28 Feb. http://www.saxon747.com