Hell, Fire And Damnation

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the vibes with "Hell, Fire And Damnation" by Saxon from their 2024 album of the same name, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This title track is a blistering British heavy metal anthem that dives into the eternal clash between good and evil, kicked off by a dramatic intro called "The Prophecy," narrated by the legendary actor Brian Blessed, whose booming voice sets a cinematic tone. Frontman Biff Byford shared a personal tidbit about the song’s title, recalling how his dad used to exclaim, “Hell, fire, and damnation, what’s tha’ been doing now?!” when Biff was a kid, messing up the garden or carving up the kitchen table—a classic Yorkshire saying that inspired the song’s fierce energy. Sonic Perspectives noted in a 2023 interview that Biff sees the track as a fresh take on the overdone themes of hell and the occult, focusing instead on a raw good-versus-evil narrative, paired with razor-sharp riffs and a chorus built for arenas.

The song’s production, handled by Biff and Andy Sneap (known for work with Judas Priest and Accept), gives it a vibrant, unpolished edge, with Biff praising the “immense” guitar sounds and minimal overdubbing for a live, in-your-face feel. Posts on Saxon’s official X account from December 2023 hyped the track’s music video, showcasing its thunderous energy and the band’s new guitarist, Brian Tatler of Diamond Head, who stepped in after founding member Paul Quinn retired from touring. Fans on Saxon’s Facebook went wild for the video, with many calling it a return to the band’s heavier roots, reminiscent of their ‘90s albums like Dogs of War. The track’s release was part of a global chart-topping album rollout, as celebrated in a January 2024 X post, thanking fans for pushing Hell, Fire And Damnation into charts across Europe and beyond.

Saxon formed in Barnsley, England, in 1975, rising as pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) alongside bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. Originally a fusion of two local bands, S.O.B. and Coast, the group came together with Biff Byford on vocals, guitarists Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver, bassist Steve Dawson, and drummer John Walker. Starting as Blue Condition, they played blues rock and hard rock before shifting to a heavier sound, renaming themselves Saxon by 1977. Their big break came with their 1980 album Wheels of Steel, which hit the UK Top 5, driven by singles like “Motorcycle Man” and the title track. Wikipedia details how their relentless touring and raw energy made them European metal giants in the ‘80s, with eight UK Top 40 albums, including hits like Denim and Leather, dedicated to their loyal fanbase.

Despite lineup changes and a brief dip in popularity during the ‘90s, Saxon’s commitment to their craft never wavered. Biff Byford, the band’s constant force, transitioned from bassist to frontman, becoming one of metal’s most iconic vocalists. Their resilience shone through in albums like 2004’s Lionheart and 2022’s Carpe Diem, keeping their NWOBHM spirit alive. Today, Saxon continues to tour globally, with 2024’s “Hell, Fire And Steel” European tour announced on their Instagram, featuring their classic album Wheels of Steel in full. You can catch up with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Fans, or “Zoo Freaks” in spirit, can dive deeper into Saxon’s world through dedicated communities. The Saxon Fans Facebook group is a lively hub where fans share concert stories, rare vinyl finds, and love for tracks like “Hell, Fire And Damnation.” Another great spot is Saxon747.rocks, a fan-run site packed with discography details, tour updates, and forums buzzing with debates about the band’s heaviest riffs. These spaces keep the Saxon flame burning, proving the band’s enduring connection with their global tribe.