SAXON's new single, "If I Was You", is now available for download from a number of online shops. A complete list of participating shops can be found on the band's official web site.
SAXON has finalized the track listing for its new album, "The Inner Sanctum", due in Europe on March 5 (Germany: March 2, U.S.: April 3) via SPV Records.
SAXON DRUMMER ON NEW CD "THE BEST OF ANY RECORDING SESSION I'VE EVER BEEN INVOLVED WITH"
SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler has posted the following message on his official web site:
"We actually started writing [material for the new SAXON album] back in January, getting ideas together in between the 'Night Out with the Boys' tour. After that ended, there was a long run of festivals during the summer until, finally, we were able to get in the studio to start recording the follow-up to 'Lionheart'. This was going to be a very important album for me — not that any recording isn't — but this was the first one since rejoining the band so I went through all my parts in the minutest detail and took onboard suggestions from the other guys too. They got plenty back from me as well re guitar parts, etc., but this is how we work anyway, throwing ideas around and helping each other. It was also going to be my first time working with [producer] Charlie Bauerfeind and, I must say, it was a great experience — he really brought out the best in me; it was a true pleasure working with him! It was the first time of working with a producer who really knew about, and was into, drums. And my keyboard parts went down quick too!
"Everyone worked their hearts out during the writing sessions and during the recording. I think the vibe was probably the best of any recording session I've ever been involved with — hard work but fun! — and I'd like to say thanks to the other guys for that — and Charlie and Thomas. We mustn't forget the many curries we ate! I also took a few homemade ones up for the guys to sample. The fact that they were demolished says something I think! And I now realise that Charlie is more of a curry fiend than any of us!!!
"By now, everyone knows about this Channel 4 documentary. That has certainly caused me a load of stress — the others too! Having a camera in your face for so many hours a day when you're trying to concentrate on music or just chillout after a long day's writing and routining is not a very pleasant thing. Well, I didn't think so anyway! Biff [Byford] got the brunt of it, being the singer, but we all suffered this invasion. There were fun moments too, but I have to admit I lost my cool a couple of times — ah well, we're all human!!!
"The secret gig at Lincoln was amazing — the audience were great but that was probably one of the hottest gigs I've ever done temperature-wise — it was an oven!!! The meet with the audience afterwards was very enlightening. I think we made a few new fans that night. Obviously not everyone was into it, but the majority of those we spoke to seemed to be. It was a good test for us and well worth doing. Generally we were quite apprehensive about the whole thing at first, meaning the programme as a whole, but later on we could see that Harvey and the TV crew seemed to be on our side and wanted to raise our profile in the U.K. The proof of the pudding will be when it airs!
"Next on the agenda is the album playback for the press — this Friday. That's going to be interesting to see what they think. Then the Air Guitar thing at Sheffield on Saturday, followed by the Sheffield gig next week. After that, it's the tour proper. I can't wait — it's going to be a long slog. I mean that in the nicest possible way!"
MEGADETH 'UNITED ABOMINATIONS' TO BE RELEASED MAY 8TH
MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine has issued the following update:
"Droogies!
In case you were wondering what was said when the audio went down before I left NAMM yesterday, it went like this:
She said, 'blah, blah blah NAMM?'
I thought (what did she just say?) and said, 'Yeah, I had a great day' or something.
She said, 'blah, blah, blah, DEAN are the best in the world!'
I said, 'I completely agree, do you play guitar?' or something.
THEN
She said, 'I am actually a pianist.'
I said, 'Did you say you were a penis?'
She said, 'Yes, I am a pianist!'
After confirming numerous times, I looked into the camera and said, 'WHAT!!!???' and wanted to say what she said but I was too embarrassed to do that to her.
I had to leave after that!
I told the heads of DEAN and we all had a good laugh. I thought she did ok, but I haven't seen anything yet.
It was great seeing some of the guitarist that were at DEAN that I respect as players (most of them from when I was developing my own style) like Rik Emmett from TRIUMPH, and Rudy Schenker from the SCORPIONS. I missed Leslie "Green" West (inside joke) and saw a lot of other people that went by in a blur; Phil from ARMORED SAINT, Rita (Dimebag Darrell's girl), and numerous people I thought were out of the business or presumed dead.
One guy walked up to me and introduced his kids, and said something like, 'Its good seeing you again, . . . how you been?' and my brain started itching because I didn't know this guy from a hole in the ground.
Ah, and you want to be famous?
So, yes the May 8th date (for United Abominations) is finally confirmed now that the mix is nearly done. I hate saying when release dates are, because sometimes they change, and you have to deal with nay-sayers who behave like the ultimate inch of colon, but I would rather this record was finished to my standards, and above (which it is . . . about time, I know) then put out a soft record.
Metal needs a really good old-school record again. I believe I have delivered. It ain't RIP2, but it could be the record that makes me forget about everything in-between.
Love to all of you that I saw at NAMM, and that saw me on the net thanks to the interviewing pianist."
