Continuing my way through the Saxon catalog, “Destiny” is
the ninth studio album by the British Metal legends and 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.
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, melodic, 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 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 planets 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 if 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 and is more upbeat than most of the album snd nice way to finish the album. Telling the story of the band being near the Russian border in 1986 when the Chernobyl 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.
Favorite 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.
Saxon – Destiny (1988)
