Sacrifice (Saxon album)

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Sacrifice is the twentieth studio album by the British heavy metal band Saxon. It was released on March 1, 2013 in Europe, March 4 in the United Kingdom, and March 26 in the United States. The album, 39 minutes and 28 seconds long, was recorded at LS Studios in Yorkshire, England, and produced by Biff Byford and Andy Sneap. It was released on the UDR label.

Background and recording
Work on Sacrifice began in early 2012 after the band’s previous album, Call to Arms (2011). Drummer Nigel Glockler and guitarist Doug Scarratt worked on demos, while vocalist Biff Byford wrote melodies. In 2012, the band released a few short studio videos, and by August recording was completed with Andy Sneap handling the mixing.

Release formats and promotions
The album was announced with its track listing and cover art in November 2012. It was released in several formats: a standard CD, a deluxe edition with a bonus CD of re-recorded Saxon songs, and a picture disc. The iTunes release included an exclusive bonus track, Luck of the Draw. A music video for the title track came out on February 25, 2013. The band launched a world tour to promote Sacrifice, including the Monsters of Rock cruise, UK shows in April, and appearances at festivals such as Bang Your Head!!! in Germany and Hellfest in France.

Reception
Critics noted that Sacrifice is heavier and more metal-sounding than Call to Arms. Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles gave it 8/10, and Blabbermouth.net also rated it 8/10.