SAXON Begins Recording 23rd Studio Album

Biff Byford has confirmed that SAXON has commenced work on its 23rd studio album.

The singer checked in via video message on his Twitter account — his first since undergoing an emergency triple bypass surgery last month.

"I want to thank everybody for the brilliant messages you've sent," he said. "Brilliant. Thank you very much. [It's] cheered me up. Some of the funny ones were great.

"I'm feeling okay," he continued. "I'm really sore obviously from the operation and [my] breathing is still a bit dodgy sometimes, but apart from that, I'm getting better and better every day. So I go for walks every day a little bit longer, so that should be good.

"Nigel [Glockler] has started drums on the next album this week in Germany. Next week, Paul [Quinn] and Doug [Scarratt] start doing the guitars and the plan is for me to start doing vocals around January, February, and that will help me get into shape for the shows coming up [in March]."

Byford also confirmed that his long-awaited solo album is "finished," but offered no further details on its possible release date.

SAXON was forced to postpone all its previously announced 2019 shows so that Byford could undergo the heart procedure. His post-op recovery period will last into 2020.

Formed in 1977, SAXON didn't release its debut album until two years later.

Byford and Quinn are the sole remaining original members in the group's current lineup, which issued its 22nd LP, "Thunderbolt", in February 2018.

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has gone on to sell about 23 million albums and has produced such classic songs as "Denim And Leather", "Princess Of The Night", "Wheels Of Steel" and "Power And Glory".

In addition to Byford, Glockler, Quinn and Scarratt, SAXON's current lineup includes bassist Nibbs Carter.