Time to whip out your history books. Saxon was formed back in 1970, and the band changed its name four times before it settled on its final name in 1978. Its founding members, Paul Quinn (guitar) and Biff Byford (vocals), are now 70 and 71 years old respectively, and Carpe Diem is their 24th studio album. So, what springs to mind after reading this summary which is almost exclusively based on numbers and figures? Maybe you picture a group of seniors who are still hell-bent on reliving their glory days. Maybe you think of a bunch of ashen faces that should really consider throwing in the towel, but still manage to garner some respect simply due to their past service to heavy metal. Fortunately, neither of these could be further from the truth.
With Carpe Diem, Saxon proves they’re still at the top of their game. Of course, this English band has never released a bad album, so this isn’t surprising. While some of their less-than-stellar efforts are arguably somewhat more forgettable, Saxon has never been tarnished by the total flop of a record, nor have they ever fallen into the trap of releasing one album too many. Even so, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that this 2022 release could never make the same impact as the band’s previous much-loved albums, such as Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law and Denim and Leather. Carpe Diem is here to remind us to never make assumptions, because this new release firmly reinstates the Yorkshire quintet as master riffers. Who can resist the title track that opens this debate? Who doesn’t nod their head along to the exemplary sequencing of the first six tracks? From the majestic The Pilgrimage, to the hit Remember the Fallen (dedicated to victims of the pandemic), through to the dynamic Age of Steam and Dambusters, each song is a testament to Saxon’s exceptional musical ability. And what about Super Nova and Living On The Limit (what a riff!)? These tracks almost seem to transcend the limits of heavy metal to rub noses with speed metal. It’s mind-blowing! Lady in Gray is arguably the underbelly of the album, but considering the absolute firecrackers that surround it, we can’t be too fussy. Biff Byford’s vocal are faultless, expressing unwavering conviction and determination. Nigel Glocker (drums) is on top form throughout, and the guitar solos shared by the irreplaceable Paul Quinn and his partner Doug Scarratt have a lot to say. It’s a far cry from automatic writing and free-wheeling, and Andy Sneap’s (Judas Priest) perfect production is both traditional and adapted to current norms. There’s nothing worthy of criticism.
We often hear the words “everything was better before.” The heroes of the day have clearly decided to challenge this famous phrase which is all too often seen as a universal truth. Carpe Diem makes its point with unrivalled panache: Saxon’s still got it. Have a listen to this album and see for yourself. © Charlélie Arnaud/Qobuz