Saxon's Call to Arms is exactly what the title claims to be - a call to arms, a battle-cry to rouse every denim and leather clad supporter back to the 80's when Metal ruled the day. In return they shall hear deafening roars of approval, for I have to agree with Biff Byford, this really is some of the best material they have written. Saxon adopt a back-to-basics approach and stick firmly to their guns on Call to Arms and the result is an album that can very proudly stand alongside any of glorious 80's back-catalog.
While their previous albums from the 2000s were sort of return to form, Byford manages to marshal his troops and prove that they indeed are a force to be reckoned with. Bursting at the seams with steely riffs, catchy hooks and soaring melody Saxon prove that they still are capable of some very inspired songwriting with Call to Arms. There really isn't much to differentiate the fillers from the rest of the tracks. From the interesting guitar work on Scarratt and Quinn's part, thudding basslines courtesy mainstay Carter, energetic drumming ala Glockler and Byford's solid pipes everything fits together liked a well-oiled machine.
Kicking off the album with a groove/speed metal hybrid that both hearkens to Saxon of yore and yet has a modern polish to it, Hammer of the Gods is a song that will instantly grab you. The choppy riffs and resounding bass serve to tell the tale of a soldier being drafted in the first world war. Powerful solo to boot, anthemic choruses and you know why this song is one the standout tracks on this album.
Up next is Back in '79, yet another monster of a track. Slow, chugging riffage that stomps all over the place, coupled with Byfords shrieks and a bluesy solo that is set off at just the right time, this is the perfect vehicle to reminisce about the glory days of the band. Saxon managed to get 79 fans during the recording to scream their heads off during the chorus and the result is self-evident.
Blazing furiously back from the 80's is track number three, Surviving Against the Odds. The lyrics are standard Saxon staple - holding your own and standing your ground. If anything on the album felt like a filler it's probably this song, which goes to show the consistency in songwriting.
In at position four is Mists of Avalon one of the more superior tracks on this album. Treading a progressive path, a nod to the albums of the new millennium, it's indicative of the direction Saxon intends pursuing in the near future. Clean riffs, tremendously melodic soloing, epic-romantic lyrics - stuff that normally doesn't stick well the average listener makes this track soar. Exceptional Metal, but I can't quite put my finger on what exactly sets it apart. On a side note, very reminiscent of Battalions of Steel.
Following the epic is the title track, Call to Arms. A down-tempo tracks that lumbers along between heavy and light riffs, lead by strong vocal lines this is yet another exemplary song. Byford is in his element, and the rest of the band supports him passionately. Typical metal power ballad, with a bit of Saxon's charm imbued in it.
Track six, Chasing the Bullet is straightforward, no frills, rhythm driven, 80's Heavy Metal. Nothing particularly spectacular about this song, and yet makes its impact felt.
Stuck in the same mentality is the up-tempo Afterburner with it's lightning fast riffs and thundering drumming. Custom built to cause a riot during their live shows with the aggression and frenetic energy it displays.
Next up is the middle-eastern-tinged track eight, When Doomsday Comes which was written for the movie Hybrid Theory. With it's slow, dark and despondent sound it isolates itself from the rest of the songs on this album. Don Airey makes a guest appearance on this track, and his keyboard work lends an epic feel to the song.
No Rest for the Wicked, the ninth track again feels like a filler but is a pretty strong song overall. This is the second song of the album written for the movie Hybrid Theory. Chunky, heavy riffs and an interesting solo apart the song has nothing new to offer.
Ballad of the Working Man is another solid effort on the band's part. Saxon take their classic sound and give it a modern twist with this track. This song exemplifies the Saxon of the 80's, during their golden age. The twin lead guitar attack is much appreciated, excellent riffing and kickass soloing to follow it, it's pure magic.
The album closer is an orchestral version of the title track, providing an interesting alternative to the listener. Being a ballad, the orchestral version seems to the have upper hand because it makes the song feel that much more grandiose and eloquent.
Overview : Why does Call to Arms work so well? Because it's not a simple nostalgia trip down memory lane that the band aim to send you on, but put forth a refreshing set of songs that reflects heavily on their origins as well the progression they intend to take. The lads are back with a lot of swagger and it most certainly shows. From figuring out how to garner more MTV airplay in the 90's to making a resounding, to-be-classic masterpiece, the band has done right by its legions of fans keeping its roots alive. Saxon is still very relevant in Metal today and their re-surging popularity is a testament to that. Classy, potent, somewhat-dogmatic 80's Metal that's pure joy to listen to is what Call to Arms really is. Ergo essential Saxon. Go get this album right away.
Genre : Heavy Metal
Track Listing :
Title | Writer(s) | Length |
1."Hammer of the Gods" | Saxon | 4:23 |
2."Back in '79" | Saxon | 3:28 |
3."Surviving Against the Odds" | Saxon | 5:02 |
4."Mists of Avalon" | Saxon | 5:02 |
5."Call to Arms" | Saxon | 4:29 |
6."Chains the Bullet" | Saxon | 4:14 |
7."Afterburner" | Saxon | 3:06 |
8."When Doomsday Comes (Hybrid Theory Soundtrack)" 9."No Rest for the Wicked" 10."Ballad of the Working Man" 11."Call to Arms (Orchestral Version)" | Saxon Saxon Saxon Saxon | 4:29 3:09 3:48 4:28 |
Total Album Time : 54:55
Personnel/Contributors :
- Biff Byford - Lead Vocals
- Paul Quinn - Lead Guitars
- Nibbs Carter - Bass
- Nigel Glockler - Drums
- Doug Scarratt - Lead Guitars
- Don Airey - Keyboards (Guest Appearance)
Release Date : 3 June 2011
Recorded : 2011, Chapel Studio, Lincolnshire/ Brighton Electric Studios, Brighton, U.K.
Supporting Tour : Call to Arms World Tour
Trivia :
The artwork is a play on the famous World War I recruitment posters Britain used - Lord Kitchener Wants You!
Two of the songs, Tracks 8 (When Doomsday Comes) and 9 (No Rest for the Wicked) were written for the movies Hybrid Theory.
They got Don Airey to play on the album, when they met him in the American Embassy, waiting to collect their Visas.
The artwork is a play on the famous World War I recruitment posters Britain used - Lord Kitchener Wants You!
Two of the songs, Tracks 8 (When Doomsday Comes) and 9 (No Rest for the Wicked) were written for the movies Hybrid Theory.
They got Don Airey to play on the album, when they met him in the American Embassy, waiting to collect their Visas.
Back in '79 has 79 fans shouting out the chorus, Byford rounded the fans the night before the recording.
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