Official press release:
Saxon isn’t wasting any time in 2018. Following the critically acclaimed release of Battering Ram in 2015, the heavy metal giants are set to release their latest studio album, Thunderbolt, on February 2, 2018 via the Militia Guard label (Silver Lining Music). The new album Thunderbolt will feature original artwork by long time Saxon collaborator Paul Raymond Gregory. Vocalist Biff Byford says:
“This is album 22 and it’s called Thunderbolt. It’s a storming, smashing, thundering collection of tracks we’ve been crafting with producer Andy Sneap, and it’s finished ready to be unleashed. Stand clear and fasten your seat belts!”
Three weeks later, the band will embark on the first leg of the Thunderbolt 2018 European Tour. Saxon will be joined by fellow English rockers Diamond Head and metal trio Rock Goddess will perform on the scheduled UK dates, with very special guests Magnum on the UK Hull date only. However, Saxon doesn’t stop there – dates for Thunderbolt Tour Part 2 will be announced in early 2018 Byford adds:
“This is part one of the colossal Thunderbolt World Tour. We’re going to be touring the whole of 2018 so get your tickets and join the ride. It’s going to be fast and furious, dark and brooding. Monumental riffing and screaming vocals – loud and proud – it’s going to be a Saxon tour, unique in every way!”
Since the 1970s, Saxon have proven their ability to take rock ‘n’ roll and give it an electrifying edge which has since cemented their status as pioneers of the British heavy metal wave. With over twenty studio albums under their belt, Saxon have made it their steadfast dedication to creating a dynamic body of work – a staple of their career.
Thunderbolt track listing:
1. “Olympus Rising”
2. “Thunderbolt”
3. “The Secret Of Flight”
4. “Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz)”
5. “They Played Rock and Roll”
6. “Predator”
7. “Sons of Odin”
8. “Sniper”
9. “A Wizard’s Tale”
10. “Speed Merchants”
11. “Roadie’s Song”
12. “Nosferatu” (Raw Version) *
* = not available on vinyl
2/23 – Cardiff, UK | University
2/24 – Cambridge, UK | Corn Exchange
2/25 – Hull, UK | City Hall
2/27 – Tilburg, NL | 013
2/28 – Saarbruecken, DE | Garage
3/01 – Hannover, DE | Capitol
3/02 – Frankfurt, DE | Batschkapp
3/03 – Dresden, DE | Schlachthof
