By Kevin Bergin, Rock At Night Melbourne, AU
Review of Saxon’s album Inspirations-Release date March 19, 2021 (Via Silver Lining Music)
On March 19th, British heavy metal legends Saxon deliver a nostalgic inspired album Inspirations as they pay homage to rock classics. I love this album! It’s a nod to Saxon’s “inspirations” and is faithful to the originals. Which is interesting, as I’m not particularly a Heavy Metal fan, but I am old enough to have seen 10 of the 11 bands featured–most of them many times. It was a joy and a passion to see so many bands in the UK and around parts of Europe during their hey day.
My favourite track after so many listens is “Paint It Black”. I have seen The Stones so many times as part of the audience and as a guest, and like so many others will still go see them next time they come around! The tracks are close to the originals but as you listen to them, most notably “Paint It Black”, you’ll hear the emphasis is on the guitars and not drums. Saxon’s cover does the song justice as I would rate this cover up with the original. As I get ready to head off on a long travel journey of exploration, I will be sure to take Inspirations with me. Great driving music! Charging off into the desert I go singing ‘…standing in the shadows…’.
Overall, Bill Byford does astounding work on the vocals in Inspirations. He displays such a powerful voice with a great range. Of course, the guitars are up there with the originals–even on Jimi’s “Stone Free”.
Hearing a heavy metal band do a cover of “Paperback Writer” was a joy. It works so well, and yes, I was surprised, pleasantly so.
For this reviewer, it’s a journey back to those concerts and festivals in the 70s. The first time I saw Zeppelin was with a couple of hundred people in a town hall. The last time, there was over a million people at Bath Festival, or was that Isle of Wight, where I heard these tracks performed with a twist? But, Saxon’s versions of Zeppelin, like “Immigrant Sons” is something completely new, and an exciting example of driving hard rock.
Thanks, Saxon, for taking me back to my youth and doing these classics proud.
VIDEOS
The “Making of Inspirations”
Track Listing:
1. Paint It Black
2. Immigrant Song
3. Paperback Writer
4. Evil Woman
5. Stone Free
6. Bomber
7. Speed King
8. The Rocker
9. Hold The Line
10. Problem Child
11. See My Friends
SOCIAL MEDIA
It seems all we did as teenagers was travel around listening to bands in pubs, clubs, stadiums and festivals, some with over a million peaceful people there. Of course there was also the presence of many strange substances.
I grew up on the South Coast of England and my ancestry is Irish, so there was a lot of music and singing around. My brother Paddy became involved in the music industry as a photographer as did many of my childhood friends. Bands like the Who and the Floyd I saw so many times. Not enough room here to put all the bands I saw over the years but name me a band from the 60’s and early 70’s and chances are I saw them.
Music saved my life. Encouraged by my brother Paddy I started taking photos in the late 70’s and am still taking them today at the tender age of sixty nine.
My daughter is an accomplished musician, playing many instruments and singing. So, perhaps I passed on my passion for music.
You will find me somewhere in Australia, probably Melbourne, at the back side or front of stage in a club, pub or stadium behind a camera for Rock At Night and loving it.
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