Let’s face it, this was never going to be ‘Battering Ram’, but ‘Thunderbolt’ does a fine job of bringing the heavy. The lyrics in the title track... could definitely have told a story from Greek mythology better instead of just a rapid-fire overview, but it ain’t half bad, even if it did have me expecting some kind of concept album.

‘Secret of Flight’ & ‘Nosferatu (The Vampire’s Waltz)’ actually took my breath away, despite the initial worries with the idiotic Motörhead tribute song, ‘They Played Rock and Roll’: as cheesy as you get. It would have worked to Saxon’s favour more if they’d have included a ‘Denim and Leather’ type bass/drum/guitar solo when mentioned in the lyrics, and maybe snuck a little ‘Ace of Spades’ in there somewhere... without, it’s just a tame song with predictable lyrics that, lets be honest, could have been anything non-Motörhead related it was so surprisingly vacant of musical references outside the words.

The rest of the album was mostly golden. ‘Sniper’ has grown on me, with the furious beat, and ‘Predator’ is nothing short of magnificent, with the surprising death growls and fresh feel. So, in my opinion, not quite as bombastic, but better than expected, and looking forward to hearing some of these no-doubt classics played live.

Really wanted to like this having been a fan since Wheels of Steel. And it was well reviewed in Classic Rock. But let's be honest, less the Motorhead tribute, this is Spinal Tap reborn. Massive riffage abounds but the lyrics are terrible. Next time perhaps.

.

Another great offering from one of the kings of NWOBHM. The Motörhead tribute is excellent.