Saxon’s Next Album Will Be Heavier and More Groove-Driven

Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler says the band’s next studio album will place greater emphasis on groove while remaining firmly heavy. The record follows 2024’s “Hell, Fire And Damnation” and is currently expected in late 2026.

Glockler explained that the new material contains fewer extremely fast, thrash-influenced passages than its predecessor. Instead, the arrangements are built around rhythmic weight and movement, with the drummer treating groove as the essential quality regardless of tempo. Saxon have already completed structured demos using click tracks before the final recording sessions.

The drummer says groove has become the central requirement whether a Saxon song is fast or deliberately restrained.

Frontman Biff Byford previously indicated that the band had collected ideas from guitarist Doug Scarratt, bassist Tim Carter and Glockler, with lyrics being assembled in his home studio. Basic drums, bass and guitars were scheduled to be recorded after touring commitments, followed by vocals and additional production.

The album is being developed during a period of significant health challenges for Byford, who completed chemotherapy following treatment for bowel cancer. The singer has also undergone procedures for atrial flutter and previously received triple bypass surgery in 2019. Saxon nevertheless continued writing and reorganised selected tour dates around his recovery.

“Hell, Fire And Damnation” was produced by Byford and Andy Sneap. The current live lineup also includes Diamond Head guitarist Brian Tatler, who replaced founding guitarist Paul Quinn on the road in 2023 while continuing his work with Diamond Head.