Live pictures by P. Marila
When it comes down to "must-see" gigs, this should certainly be one of them...
The legendary flag bearers of the NWOBHM, Saxon, delivered an unforgettable night to a sold-out crowd at Stockholm's iconic venue Cirkus, on February 15, 2025. The occasion was nothing short of historic, as the band took fans on a high-octane ride through their 1980 classic Wheels of Steel album, performing it in its entirety and adding some new songs from their latest 
album, Hell, Fire and Damnation, to the setlist. It wouldn't have been a true Saxon show without devoted fans who had the privilege of hearing some of their all-time favorites.
From the opening chords of the intro track "The Prophecy" melting into "Hell, Fire and Damnation," to the thunderous finale of "Machine Gun," along with encores such as "Crusader" and "Princess of the Night," Saxon's tight-knit performance proved why they remain one of metal's enduring greats. It was clear from the first note that this was going to be a night to remember.
"Wheels of Steel" was a solid triumph and the energy from the crowd was electrifying, with the audience headbanging and fist-pumping in unison, drawn into the ferocity of the band's iconic sound. The album's lesser-known tracks sounded fresh and strong performed live on stage, probably earning a comeback to Saxon fans' active playlists.
However, Saxon's set wasn't just a nostalgic journey into their back catalogue; it was a full-on, immersive experience. Most of the crowd was comprised of older, true denim and leather metalheads who grew up on the likes of Sabbath, Priest, Maiden and, of course, Saxon, was totally in sync with every riff, every lyric. The band interacted with the crowd on a deep, primal level, and you could feel the electricity between them throughout the night.
Vocalist Biff Byford has never been one to shy away from a bit of humor and playfully stirred the pot with a cheeky remark about the Vikings. He joked, "You know, the Vikings didn't come to England just for the land...they came for the booze, the 
women, and, of course, the heavy metal!" The crowd roared with laughter, and the atmosphere was set for a night of rock, metal, and camaraderie that could only be dreamed of.
Beyond the Wheels of Steel material, Saxon indulged the Stockholm faithful with a handful of fan favorites that absolutely rocked the room. Classics like "Strong Arm of the Law" and "Denim and Leather" reminded everyone why Saxon's music has endured over the decades. The band's ability to effortlessly mix old-school anthems with fresh new material was truly on display, digging deep into the early years with "Backs to the Wall" and a trip down to memory lane introducing material from both the '80s and the '90s eras as well as from recent years.
As Saxon stormed through their set, it was clear that, despite the passing years, their sound has only grown sharper and more powerful. It was a night of thunderous riffs, heart-pounding drums, and unforgettable memories, one that fans will undoubtedly talk about for years to come. Saxon, true to form, proved that heavy metal will never die, especially when it's in the hands of masters.
The intensity of the crowd's interaction was undeniable. It wasn't just a show; it was a celebration of everything that makes heavy metal great. Every shout, every sing-along and every raised fist was a testament to the long-lasting impact Saxon has had on the genre. The connection between the band and fans was almost palpable, as if the music had brought them all together to relive the glory days of metal.
The legendary band's presence in Stockholm was nothing short of a metal pilgrimage, and for those lucky enough to be part of the crowd, it was a night of pure, unadulterated metal bliss. With their Wheels of Steel performance, they reminded us all why they are true heavy metal titans.
The Metal Crypt - Crushing Posers Since 1999
Copyright © 1999-2025,
Michel Renaud / The Metal Crypt. All Rights Reserved.
