Saxon have announced that Armored Saint will be special guests for the UK and Ireland leg of their 2027 Gods of Thunder World Tour, while also revealing additional European dates for the tour, according to YouTube.
The band shared the news alongside the release of “Medusa,” the second single from their upcoming Gods of Thunder album. The announcement came with details of further tour dates and the return of their ‘Castles & Eagles’ stage production for selected European shows.
Saxon wrote in the description for the music video: “THE MIGHTY SAXON UNLEASH ‘MEDUSA,’ the second single from upcoming Gods of Thunder album. 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 added his own excitement about the single and its story. “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,” he said.
“With ‘Medusa’ landing today, anticipation for Saxon’s forthcoming album and 2027 Gods of Thunder – World Tour is reaching fever pitch,” the band added in the video. “The band have now revealed that legendary Los Angeles heavy metal veterans, Armored Saint, will join them as special guests for the UK and Ireland leg of the tour, bringing together two powerhouse names in heavy metal for an unmissable run of shows.”
“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,” they also said. “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 metres wide and spanning twelve metres with its wings fully extended, complete with landing lights and intense lighting effects as it soars above the band. Tickets available from https://www.saxon747.com/.”
Byford also spoke about the tour itself. “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,” he said.
For select shows in Brussels, Zürich, Cologne and Tilburg, Saxon will bring back their spectacular ‘Castles & Eagles’ production. The band’s iconic eagle measures nine metres wide and spans twelve metres with its wings fully extended. The stage prop includes landing lights and intense lighting effects as it soars above the band.
The Gods of Thunder World Tour continues to take shape with these announcements and the release of new material.
Gods of Thunder is Saxon’s 25th studio album, due on 22 January 2027 through Silver Lining Music. The ten-track album was produced by Biff Byford and mixed by Andy Sneap, drawing on history, fantasy, horror, ancient mythology, pagan rites and the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. The album follows Hell, Fire And Damnation, which was released in January 2024 via Silver Lining Music.
The band’s iconic eagle production has deep roots in Saxon’s history. Originally built in the early 1980s as Saxon prepared to tour their album Denim And Leather, the eagle was constructed by Midlands-based company LSD using airport runway landing lights. The emblematic eagle became Saxon’s mascot and inspired the title of their 1982 UK Top 5 live album, The Eagle Has Landed. Saxon will revive their legendary mechanised eagle for all UK and Ireland shows, with the exception of Cardiff due to venue restrictions.
Armored Saint released their ninth studio album, Emotion Factory Reset, in May 2026 through Metal Blade Records. Before joining Saxon for the UK and Ireland dates, the group has North American dates with Metal Church scheduled for November. The 11-date run with Saxon opens at The Civic Hall in Wolverhampton on 13 February 2027 and concludes at London’s Eventim Apollo on 27 February 2027.
