SAXON Releases 'Medusa' Single From Upcoming Album 'Gods Of Thunder'

British heavy metal legends SAXON have shared "Medusa", the second single from their upcoming studio album "Gods Of Thunder", due for release on January 22, 2027 via Silver Lining Music.

Inspired by the terrifying Gorgon of Greek mythology, whose gaze could turn mortals to stone, "Medusa" strikes with a killer riff and classic heavy metal power. With Biff Byford's unmistakable vocals leading the charge, SAXON bring the ancient legend roaring to life with a sound that hits like a bolt from the gods themselves.

Byford comments: "A step into the world of Greek mythology 'Medusa', a god who could turn you to stone with a glance! Epic metal, epic story! Enjoy."

To celebrate the single's release, SAXON have launched a competition to win a signed guitar themed around "Medusa". The single's artwork was once again created by acclaimed artist Peter Sallai. Official "Medusa" merchandise is also available.

With "Medusa" landing today, anticipation for SAXON's forthcoming album and 2027 "Gods Of Thunder" world tour is reaching fever pitch. The band has now revealed that legendary Los Angeles heavy metal veterans ARMORED SAINT will join them as special guests for the U.K. and Ireland leg of the tour, bringing together two powerhouse names in heavy metal for an unmissable run of shows.

To mark the "Gods Of Thunder" album release, SAXON bandmembers Biff Byford, Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler will host a series of exclusive HMV in-store signing sessions across the U.K., giving fans the chance to meet them, have their albums signed and capture the moment with photos.

The excitement doesn't stop there, with SAXON also announcing additional European dates for 2027 as the "Gods Of Thunder" world tour continues to take shape. Fans attending the Brussels, Zürich, Cologne and Tilburg shows can look forward to SAXON's spectacular "Castles & Eagles" production. The selected shows will feature the return of the band's iconic eagle, measuring nine meters wide and spanning twelve metres with its wings fully extended, complete with landing lights and intense lighting effects as it soars above the band.

Biff says: "We're bringing the 'Gods Of Thunder' tour across to Europe. It's gonna be awesome! Can't wait to open the heavens and bring on the metal."

Produced by Byford and mixed by longtime SAXON producer and JUDAS PRIEST touring guitarist Andy Sneap, "Gods Of Thunder" captures the band at the height of their powers, combining forceful performances with vivid, meticulously crafted storytelling. Pounding bass and drums, searing guitars and Byford's unmistakable voice combine to create a sonic barrage of pure British metal, carrying the spirit of the past, present and future. The album sees one of the world's greatest live bands bring their legendary power and energy into the studio, delivering a metal masterpiece worthy of SAXON's enduring legacy. Each track is built around the weight, dynamics and intricate arrangements that have long defined SAXON's music, while the album as a whole maintains a strong sense of focus and purpose.

"We had great fun making this album," says Biff. "This is gonna be one to beat!"

Byford's longstanding passion for history is central to the album, with his distinctive storytelling bringing characters and events from the past vividly to life across ten powerful, quintessential SAXON songs. On "The Bloody Tower (The Ballad Of Anne Boleyn)", Byford recounts the politically charged execution of Anne Boleyn, while in "Medusa" the focus shifts to myth, driven by a taut, mesmeric riff and delivered at a relentless pace. "Remember The Alamo" charges forward with the fast-paced energy and spirit of early '80s NWOBHM. The twin-guitar attack of Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler is particularly prominent on "Temple Of Rock", underpinned by the rock-solid rhythm section of Nigel Glocker and Tim "Nibbs" Carter. The album closes with "MI5", a timeless headbanger that brings together themes of the Berlin Wall and Cold War espionage.

"Gods Of Thunder" will be available on a range of vinyl variants, CD, exclusive bundles and digital formats.

SAXON's upcoming LP will be the follow-up to "Hell, Fire And Damnation", which came out in January 2024 via Silver Lining Music.

Last October, Byford shared a video update in which he said he had completed the final round of chemotherapy in his fight against bowel cancer.

Although Biff released a video message in August 2025 in which he implied that he underwent an operation to remove "a small tumor" from his "prostate gland", he later clarified that he was actually diagnosed with bowel cancer, which is cancer that is found anywhere in the large bowel, including the colon and rectum. Byford was later treated with chemotherapy for "a short period", resulting in the cancelation of a couple of shows and the postponement of several others.

Earlier in 2025, SAXON announced the cancelation of 10 summer shows and festival appearances while Byford was recovering from the cancer surgery.

In August 2024, Biff underwent a "procedure" to treat atrial flutter, a type of heart rhythm abnormality, or arrhythmia, that causes the heart's upper chambers (atria) to beat too quickly.

In September 2019, Biff suffered a heart attack and underwent an emergency triple bypass surgery.

"Hell, Fire And Damnation" was produced by Sneap and Byford, with Sneap mixing and mastering.

In early 2023, SAXON guitarist Paul Quinn announced that he was stepping back from touring with the band. As a result of his decision, SAXON canceled its April 2023 South American tour as well as the appearance at the Monsters Of Rock cruise. Quinn has since been replaced on the road and in the studio by DIAMOND HEAD's Brian Tatler.

Brian has been touring with Doug, Nigel, Nibbs and Biff since mid-2023, but continues to be a member of DIAMOND HEAD.

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".

SAXON 2026 is:

Biff Byford - Vocals
Nigel Glockler - Drums
Doug Scarratt - Guitar
Brian Tatler - Guitar
Tim "Nibbs" Carter - Bass

Photo credit: Pep Bonet