55 LIONHEART

Saxon

Having already covered the subject of crusaders, it seemed logical that the most English of heavy metal bands would turn their attention to the nation’s 12th-century sovereign. Just like Richard The Lionheart, the rejuvenated Saxon have returned to England after an enforced period spent on foreign soil, sworn in a quest to reclaim their crown: ‘Prince of lions, the second son, through the darkness the king will come.’ Frontman Biff Byford later chose this sixminute epic – all chugging heavy metal guitars and brooding vocals (apart from a Halford-style shriek midway through) – as one of his all-time Saxon favourites. He explained: “It struck a chord with new and older fans. It’s very British, very steeped in history.” DL From: Lionheart, 2004