SAXON’s Upcoming 25th Studio Album: Exclusive Insights from Biff Byford
Album Announcement
In a recent interview with France’s Last Ride podcast, Biff Byford, the iconic vocalist of British heavy metal band SAXON, shared exciting news about the band’s forthcoming 25th studio album. Byford revealed, “I can’t tell you anything about that. What we can tell you, though, is — [and this is an] exclusive — we can tell you that the album is coming out on [Friday] the 22 of January [of 2027]. Nobody knows that. You’re the first person [we’ve told].” Fans can look forward to pre-ordering the album in early September, with an accompanying video and single, which may also be released as a seven-inch vinyl.
Production and Progress
This past January, Byford confirmed that Andy Sneap, SAXON’s longtime producer and current touring guitarist for JUDAS PRIEST, had completed the mixing process for the new album. This upcoming release will serve as a follow-up to “Hell, Fire And Damnation,” which debuted in January 2024 via Silver Lining Music.
Songwriting Journey
In July 2025, Byford discussed the progress of the songwriting sessions during an interview with Riff X’s “Metal XS.” He stated, “Well, we’ve started writing the next album. I’m doing lyrics now. And I’ve got a lot of ideas from [guitarist Doug Scarratt], [drummer] Nigel [Glockler], and from Nibbs [bassist Tim Carter]. So, yeah, I’ve got quite a lot of ideas, which I’m compiling at home in my studio.”
Recording Plans
Byford later updated fans in April 2025, sharing that the band had been writing new music for several weeks. He mentioned, “We’re probably gonna start recording in November [2025], when we finish touring. We’ll probably go in and record the drums and bass and the basic guitars and some guide vocals then. So, yeah, we’re pretty much on it. We’re working towards the new album. It’s going well.”
Health Challenges
Last October, Byford provided a positive update regarding his health, announcing he had completed the final round of chemotherapy following his battle with bowel cancer. Earlier in August 2025, he had implied undergoing surgery for “a small tumor” but clarified that he was actually diagnosed with bowel cancer, which necessitated chemotherapy treatment that caused the cancellation of some shows.
Previous Health Issues
In August 2024, Byford underwent a procedure to address atrial flutter, a heart rhythm abnormality. This came after he survived a heart attack in September 2019, leading to emergency triple bypass surgery.
Band Lineup Changes
In early 2023, SAXON guitarist Paul Quinn announced his decision to step back from touring, which led to the cancellation of the band’s April 2023 South American tour and their appearance at the Monsters Of Rock cruise. Quinn has since been replaced by Brian Tatler, who continues to perform with SAXON while also being a member of DIAMOND HEAD.
Legacy and Impact
Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has achieved significant commercial success, selling around 23 million albums worldwide. They are renowned for classic tracks such as “Denim And Leather,” “Princess Of The Night,” “Wheels Of Steel,” and “Power And Glory.” With Byford and Quinn being the only original members remaining, the band’s legacy continues to thrive.
Conclusion
SAXON’s forthcoming album promises to be a significant addition to their storied discography, showcasing the resilience and creativity of a band that has faced numerous challenges. Fans eagerly await the release and can look forward to hearing the new music that Byford and the band have been diligently crafting.
FAQs
When will SAXON’s new album be released?
The new album is set to be released on January 22, 2027.
Can fans pre-order the album?
Yes, fans will be able to pre-order the album in early September 2026.
Who produced SAXON’s upcoming album?
The album was produced by longtime SAXON collaborator Andy Sneap.
What challenges has Biff Byford faced recently?
Biff Byford has battled bowel cancer and underwent chemotherapy, as well as addressing heart-related health issues.
Who is currently in the SAXON lineup?
The current lineup includes Biff Byford, Doug Scarratt, Nigel Glockler, Nibbs Carter, and Brian Tatler, following Paul Quinn’s departure from touring.
