It’s been at least three decades that Saxon have been delivering from masterpieces to at least very good and decent albums and they are considered as a ‘guarantee’ in heavy metal. “Into The Labyrinth’ comes as an additional confirmation to this statement. This band needs no further introductions or recommendations by anyone, so I should simply get to the point. 

“Into The Labyrinth” is the eighteenth studio release of the British, that according to Biff is “an even balance between ‘Lionheart’ and ‘The Inner Sanctum’”, the band’s two previous albums. I can only agree with that and add that the level of the compositions is closer to that of “Lionheart” while I believe that they both beat out “The Inner Sanctum” which is however a truly decent album. In my opinion, if you liked “The Inner Sanctum” then you will love “Into The Labyrinth” which will help you forget its slightest weak moments.

The album consists of 13 songs, among which we find an acoustic cover on their own “Coming Home”, which we originally heard in its electric version in their 2001 album “Killing Ground”. Most of the rest of the songs are pure heavy metal tracks with some modern elements while a few are pure hard rockers. The album is led mostly by mid-tempo tunes and less speedy ones but with no dissatisfaction as almost every composition stands out with its inspiration and quality. The epic opener “Battalions Of Steel” can already be considered as one of the stand-outs and the rest of the album is yet to be revealed as equally – and sometimes even more- powerful. The second track with the not so original yet commercial title “Live To Rock” and its AC/DC–like, raw rock ‘n’ roll rhythm is the first single (and later video clip), which has been officially released and available for downloading on the internet since last October. The speedy “Demon Sweeney Todd” will definitely make many fans’ favorite moment, probably along with the “Valley Of The Kings” with its grotesque chorus that many power metal bands would easily envy. This last track comes after the 43-second “The Letter” that works as an intro for the “Valley Of The Kings”. The blues side of Saxon evolves in “Slow Lane Blues”, with a fine slide guitar and Biff’s autobiographical lyrics. The second part of the album, although it is more difficult to absorb, it still keeps your ears wide open especially with tracks such as Voice”, the hard rocker “Come Rock Of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)” and the aforementioned acoustic “Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)” that closes the album. If there is a song that could easily stay out of this release, that would be “Crime Of Passion”, which is not necessarily bad, and as far as “Hellcat”, although it has dynamics, a speedy riff and an inspired guitar solo, it becomes rather boring.

It is obvious that Saxon consists of five musicians that do a great job. Biff’s performance is still so impressive despite the years that have gone by –although, I must admit, he is not as high pitched as he was and that’s only normal- and the twosome Scarratt-Quinn on the guitars will just blow you away. The album was recorded under the direction of veteran Charlie Bauerfeind who delivers a crystal clear and complete production.

In a few words, “Into The Labyrinth”, is an amazing release from a band that, despite its 30 years of history, continues its classic heavy metal way and manages to sound fresh and up-to-date at the same time. It is an album that fulfills the expectations of the fans and can definitely make it through time. Enjoy it!