Killing Ground is the fifteenth full-length studio album by heavy metal band Saxon. Killing Ground was also released as a special Digi-pack edition with a bonus disc featuring 8 classics re-recorded tracks which would later appear in Heavy Metal Thunder.
This song captures Saxon in a phase of renewed aggression, presenting a heavier and more uncompromising sound that reflects the band’s determination to stay relevant without abandoning their roots. Released in the early 2000s, the album leans strongly toward hard-edged riffs and a darker atmosphere, emphasizing power over nostalgia.
The songwriting is direct and forceful, driven by thick guitar tones, relentless rhythms, and a sense of urgency that runs through the tracklist. Rather than focusing on traditional anthemic hooks alone, the album explores themes of conflict, survival, and inner struggle, giving the music a more serious and confrontational tone.
Biff Byford’s vocals remain commanding and expressive, adapting effortlessly to the album’s heavier direction. The guitar work is tight and aggressive, reinforcing a modern metal edge while still carrying the unmistakable identity that has defined Saxon for decades.
As a full listening experience, Killing Ground stands as one of the band’s most intense releases, appealing both to long-time fans and listeners who favor a tougher, more contemporary heavy metal sound. It proves that Saxon can evolve with the times while maintaining the strength and credibility of their legacy.
Track list
All tracks are written by Saxon, except “The Court of the Crimson King” by Ian McDonald and Peter Sinfield.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Intro” | 1:36 |
| 2. | “Killing Ground” | 5:44 |
| 3. | “The Court of the Crimson King” (King Crimson cover) | 6:00 |
| 4. | “Coming Home” | 3:38 |
| 5. | “Hell Freezes Over” | 4:42 |
| 6. | “Dragons Lair” | 3:38 |
| 7. | “You Don’t Know What You’ve Got” | 5:00 |
| 8. | “Deeds of Glory” | 4:34 |
| 9. | “Running for the Border” | 4:24 |
| 10. | “Shadows on the Wall” | 6:15 |
| 11. | “Rock Is Our Life” | 3:55 |
| 12. | “Backs to the Wall” (Japanese bonus track) | 3:07 |
Saxon Albums
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