British heavy metal giants Saxon recently announced the release of their upcoming 22nd studio album, Thunderbolt, scheduled to hit stores on February 2, 2018 via the Militia Guard label (Silver Lining Music). Thunderbolt was produced by legendary producer Andy Sneap and will feature original artwork by long time Saxon collaborator Paul Raymond Gregory. The new album follows the critically acclaimed release of Battering Ram in 2015.
Watch Saxon’s new music video for the title track off their album, “Thunderbolt”.
Physical versions will become available in these formats:
- CD Album in Digipack
- 180 gms coloured vinyl in a Gatefold
- A Special Edition Boxset
- Tape Cassette
Thunderbolt Track Listing
- Olympus Rising
- Thunderbolt
- The Secret of Flight
- Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz)
- They Played Rock and Roll
- Predator
- Sons of Odin
- Sniper
- A Wizard’s Tale
- Speed Merchants
- Roadie’s Song
- Nosferatu (Raw Version)*
*not available on vinyl
After the album’s release, Saxon will embark on the first leg of their 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.
Saxon Thunderbolt 2018 European Tour – Part 1
- Feb. 23 – UK, Cardiff University
- Feb. 24 – UK, Cambridge Corn Exchange
- Feb.25 – UK, Hull City Hall
- Feb. 27- Holland, Tilburg 013
- Feb. 28 – Germany, Saarbruecken Garage
- Mar. 1 – Germany, Hannover Capitol
- Mar. 2 – Germany, Frankfurt Batschkapp
- Mar. 3 – Germany, Dresden Schlachthof
Following these dates, Saxon will tour North America with fellow British metal legends Judas Priest and supporting artist Black Star Riders. The North American tour will begin in Wilkes Barre, PA on March 13 and visit several major cities all over the map – including Washington DC, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Dallas – coming to an end in San Antonio, TX on May 1.
Saxon North American tour dates with Judas Priest and Black Star Riders
- Mar. 13 – Wilkes Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
- Mar. 15 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre
- Mar. 17 – Uniondale, NY – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
- Mar. 18 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
- Mar. 20 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
- Mar. 22 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
- Mar. 23 – Worcester – Palladium
- Mar. 25 – Ottawa, ON – The Arena at TD Place
- Mar. 27 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
- Mar. 28 – Oshawa, ON – Tribute Communities Centre
- Mar. 31 – Detroit, MI – Detroit Masonic Temple
- Apr. 02 – Minneapolis – The Amorey
- Apr. 03 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theater
- Apr. 05 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
- Apr 06 – Hammond, IN – Venue at Horseshoe Casino (no Black Star Riders)
- Apr. 08 – Bloomington, IL – Grossinger Motors Arena
- Apr. 10 – Casper, WY – Casper Events Center
- Apr. 11 – Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
- Apr. 15 – Kent, WA – ShoWare Center
- Apr. 17 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum
- Apr. 19 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
- Apr. 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Microsoft Theater
- Apr. 21 – Las Vegas, NV – Las Rageous Rock Festival
- Apr. 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre
- Apr. 26 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
- Apr. 28 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory
- Apr. 29 – Sugarland, TX – Smart Financial Centre
- May 01 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
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 a work a staple of their career.
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