Veritable New Wave of British Heavy Metal veterans Saxon continue to slug it out in the metal scene with their latest release INTO THE LABYRINTH. This 13-track disc is carried by bombast and bravado with Biff Byford guiding through both familiar and treacherous waters with a slew of convincing lead singer clichés at hand. Even though controversial career decisions this squad chose through the years put them in precarious positions, both musically and with the audience, songs like “Live to Rock” and “Hellcat” exude the come-uppance spirit of their early years and show that there’s still some gas left in the tank. Striking a balance between their biker rock days and a slick metallic gloss aimed for a mass appeal, the latest Saxon disc does an adequate job of highlighting many different sides of a group still fighting for respect after all these years. www.spv.de -Mike SOS

Saxon is Biff Byford (Vocals), Doug Scarratt (Guitar), Paul Quinn (Guitar), Nibbs Carter (Bass), & Nigel Glockler (Drums).