REVIEW: Saxon, Uriah Heep bring pulsating metal and rock to NJ

Photo: Image courtesy of Saxon / Provided by New Ocean Media with permission.

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NEW YORK — The May 3 concert was billed as a journey of classic English metal and rock, and the two co-headlining bands did not disappoint. Saxon, fronted by the legendary Biff Byford, opened the night at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey, with a blazing 70-minute set that included classic tunes and songs off the band’s newest album, Hell, Fire and Damnation. They were followed by Uriah Heep, featuring original guitarist Mick Box and longtime vocalist Bernie Shaw, who offered their own 70-minute buffet of sonic decadence.

Experiencing Saxon is a must for any metal fan. They are one of the preeminent acts to emerge from the 1980s wave of British metal, and their hit songs, like “Denim and Leather,” “Wheels of Steel” and “Princess of the Night,” still elicit strong reactions from dedicated fans. Byford was in fine form, commanding the stage with his strong, strong vocals and energetic presence. He banged his head to the blaring onslaught of guitars from Brian Tatler and Doug Scarratt. They were joined by drummer Nigel Glockler, whose time with Saxon dates back to the early 1980s, and bassist Nibbs Carter, another player who has been around since the 1980s.

Their setlist was powerful and nonstop, and fans seemed overjoyed to hear the new songs alongside the classic tracks. “Hell, Fire and Damnation” started the evening off on the right note, and other new tunes included “Madame Guillotine” and “There’s Something in Roswell.” The on-stage setlist located at Byford’s feet had apparent consideration for “Witches of Salem,” another new banger that wasn’t played but may appear at future concerts on this tour. “Roswell,” featuring a growl from Byford that is appropriately out-of-this-world, was a definite highlight. This song may seem like lighter fare, given its extraterrestrial subject matter, but this is a classic in the making.

Other fan favorites included “747,” which was featured in the encore; “Crusader,” which features a sweeping narrative steeped in history; and “Dallas 1 PM,” another history-influenced tune.

The members of Saxon, who haven’t played these shores in quite some time, were on fire, and they will surely not be damned to hell, as their album title suggests. Metal fans need to see them and support them, this way they keep coming back to the United States year after year.

Uriah Heep took the stage at 9:50 p.m. and played past the usual 11 p.m. curfew. Shaw has a powerful voice that bounced off the walls of the BergenPAC with ease, and Box’s guitar playing is something to behold. His signature move is to tickle the frets with his left hand while his right hand simulates a wavy signing of the cross. Classic rock at its finest.

There were some sonic selections from their new album, Chaos & Colour, and the audience seemed to enjoy these songs residing alongside the classic tunes, such as “Easy Livin’,” which was the final song of the night; “July Morning,” which was the highlight of the evening and finished the main set; and “Stealin’,” a most unusual tune that always stays in one’s memory. Other highlights included “Sunrise” and “Gypsy.”

Uriah Heep, in addition to Box and Shaw, features Russell Gilbrook on drums, Dave Rimmer on bass and Adam Wakeman guesting on keyboards. Together the band sounded solid and brought the fans to their feet time and time again.

Saxon and Uriah Heep continue their U.S. tour with gigs throughout the country, including multiple dates in New York and beyond. This reviewer will be back at the Peekskill, New York, show on May 9.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Click here for more information on Saxon. Click here for more information on Uriah Heep.