Album: SAXON – Destiny
Written By: Wes Haskins
Original Release Date: June 20, 1988
Original Label: EMI Records
Continuing my way through the Saxon catalogue, Destiny is the ninth studio album by the British Metal legends and the final album on the EMI label. The album peaked at #49 in the UK charts and it didn’t chart at all in the US. It is also the only studio album to feature the rhythm section of drummer Nigel Durham and bassist Paul Johnson. During the tour for this album, both were fired and replaced by bassist Nibbs Carter and a returning Nigel Glockler on drums, who finished the tour.
TRACK BY TRACK:
The Christopher Cross cover of “Ride Like the Wind” had to be a huge shock to some fans at the time. A NWOBHM band covering a Yacht Rock classic. However, with that said, it’s a lot of fun and a well-done cover.
“Where Lightning Strikes” is a melodic track but is just okay for me and it’s an odd choice for the second track on the album. Lyrically, it’s supposedly about destiny and the courage to move forward.
“I Can’t Wait Anymore” was a single and probably could have been a big hit by a different band. It’s actually a very good song. Catchy, keyboard-driven melodic rock, but the solo isn’t good and seems so out of place. About the rejection regarding a romantic relationship of some kind.
“Calm Before the Storm” is a very catchy, keyboard-driven, and very melodic song. Good chorus and a memorable song. Lyrically about saving the Earth and its resources and the worldwide greed that’s causing the destruction of the planet’s future.
“S.O.S.” Is another big, catchy melodic rock song with a great keyboard riff driving the song and I love the drums too. This should have been a single or in a movie. Lyrically telling the story of the sinking of the Titanic.
“Song for Emma” is a very good song and nice melody and chorus. A story about the heartbreak of a woman named Emma, but I can’t find any info on whether she’s a real person or if the story is fictional. Another song that could have been a single and it would have been a good video.
“For Whom The Bell Tolls” is a slightly heavier and edgier track with more balls than most of the album and a nice change of pace to some of the more keyboard-driven songs. A nice guitar riff and I like the drums and solo too. The song seems to be an anti war and pro unification statement but also is supposedly also inspired by the 1943 film of the same name.
“We Are Strong” is back to keyboard riffs and a melodic style and a very good big chorus. This could have been a single and is kind of buried at the back of the album. About being resilient and fighting through life’s challenges.
“Jericho Siren” rocks a little more, still has that melodic chorus and I like the verses. Lyrically about bombings over history, specifically World War II and overall an anti-war statement.
“Red Alert” starts with a faster pace, is more upbeat than most of the album and is a nice way to finish the album. Telling the story of the band being near the Russian border in 1986 when the Chornobyl disaster took place and the fear it caused.
RECAP:
Another more commercial-sounding album with the most keyboards they’ve ever had on an album, but not surprising for 1988. Even though it’s not the classic Saxon sound, it is a very good album and the production is definitely a sound of that time. Another Saxon album that I’ve liked more than I remembered I did.
FAVOURITE SONGS:
“S.O.S.“, “For Whom The Bell Tolls“, “Calm Before the Storm“, “Red Alert“, “I Can’t Wait Anymore“, and “Ride Like the Wind“.
Read more of Wes Haskins‘ Saxon reviews here as he surges through the entire discography: Author – Wes Haskins
