Album: SAXON – The Inner Sanctum
Written By: Wes Haskins
Original Release Date: March 5, 2007
Original Label: Steamhammer
Continuing my way through the Saxon catalogue with The Inner Sanctum, which was the band’s seventeenth studio album. It is the first album to feature drummer Nigel Glockler since 1997’s Unleash the Beast. The album seemed to be a success for the band, charting in many countries, including their home country of the UK at #4 on the Rock and Metal chart. They continued to have success in Germany at #36 on the album chart, as well as charting in France, Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland.
TRACK BY TRACK:
“State of Grace” – Uptempo classic Saxon opener. There’s a cool part heading into the solo where Nigel is playing a tribal type drum pattern as a very melodic solo slowly starts and the drums go into double bass as the solo goes on. Kind of cool part in the middle of a fast song. Lyrically it’s about an appreciation for ancient structures and buildings, specifically religious towers.
“Need for Speed” – A fast and furious balls-to-the-wall metal track. Good drumming and guitars throughout the song. About the thrill of racing and going fast.
“Let Me Feel Your Power” – Classic Saxon upbeat and to the point with great and almost speed metal drumming from Nigel. About the bond between the band and the crowd during a live show.
“Red Star Falling” – A classic track and at six minutes is long for Saxon, but it’s worth every second. A slow build that gets heavier and is very emotional both musically and lyrically and some fantastic melodic guitar playing in the middle. Telling the story of the fall of the Soviet Union. The music is almost sad but celebratory at the same time.
“I’ve Got to Rock(To Stay Alive)” – Another classic Saxon track that could easily fit into the 80-83 album era. Lyrically about the importance of music keeping them alive and going.
“If I Was You” – A darker track with some cool guitar melodies and solos. It seems like it could be about the consequence of choices and how bad decisions can change the outcome of one’s life and comparing two different lifestyles.
“Going Nowhere Fast” – Old School Saxon style boogie circa 1979/1980. Just rock n roll with cool riffs and a simple but fun track. The lyrics seem to be about being stuck in traffic and unable to get where you want to go.
“Ashes to Ashes” – Heavy and modern-day Saxon metal that would fit well on any of the previous four albums. It seems to be about the band not giving up and continuing to move forward over the years while dealing with adversity.
“Empire Rising” – A short intro track.
“Atila The Hun” – Eight minutes of a historical fast metal track that really gives the listener the feeling of being in battle. It reminds me of Maiden’s “Alexander the Great” in some ways, with it being a long closing track and the historical lyrics. Telling the story of the fifth-century ruler and his conquests.
RECAP:
Another really great Saxon album for me. A great mix of straight-ahead uptempo classic Saxon mixed with some deeper and more meaningful songs with historical lyrics. Special mention for the returning Nigel Glockler, whose drumming really stands out and there are some great solos on here too.
FAVOURITE SONGS:
“Red Star Falling“, “State of Grace“, “Ashes to Ashes“, “Need for Speed“, “Let Me Feel Your Power“, “Atila the Hun“.
Read more of Wes Haskins‘ Saxon reviews here as he surges through the entire discography: Author – Wes Haskins
