Saxon are metal veterans, and every time they do a new album it is followed with huge interest by fans and media - not only because they have started their career 30 years ago, but because they are still active, productive, recording new stuff and traveling all over the world. “The Inner Sanctum” is the latest proof that Saxon have no intentions to leave the stage. From the music heard in this CD, however, a bad feeling appears that they should definitely do that... Maybe because it isn’t 1977 anymore, or maybe the audience has become more demanding to the metal scene, but this album sounds a bit funny and is not in its right place in 2007. Biff Byford sings well, just like he can and did this for many years now, but his participation in the songs is apathetic and monotonous. For the unpleasant feeling help the vexing heavy metal melodies and simple and stupid lyrics, too, as well as the well-known easy-made construction couplet-chorus-solo-couplet, which can be heard not only on Saxon’s previous release, but on countless number of other bands’ efforts. There are a few good moments on “The Inner Sanctum”, but the main impression is rather irritating. This CD is unquestionably evidence that the time when Saxon were more famous and interesting than Iron Maiden themselves is long gone. While the first ones are trying to impress with slow ballads such as “Red Star Falling” and meagre instrumentals in songs like “Let Me Feel Your Power” and “I've Got to Rock (to Stay Alive)”, the second ones make bigger and more successful tours and surprisingly stunning new albums year after year. It is hard for me to predict Saxon’s future. The only thing I can be sure about is that they will visit Bulgaria. Again. I doubt that in most of the other countries they are better welcomed and receive such kind of respect from their true fans. Alas, “The Inner Sanctum” will probably unpleasantly surprise even them.