The Best Heavy Metal Albums Featuring a Saxophone

19-02 2019

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When you think of heavy metal, the saxophone isn’t usually the first instrument that comes to mind. Yet, over the years, several bands have boldly incorporated the sax into their crushing riffs, chaotic solos, and progressive compositions, creating some truly unique and unforgettable music. If you're looking for the best heavy metal albums featuring a saxophone, here are some standout recommendations.

Jazz-Infused Metal: The Shining (Norwegian)

One of the most exciting bands blending jazz and metal is The Shining from Norway. Their music features blistering guitar work alongside smooth, chaotic sax solos. A perfect example of their style can be seen in their live performances—like the time they played on a cliff just because they could. If you want metal with a jazz twist, this is a must-listen.

Avant-Garde Chaos: Naked City

For something even wilder, Naked City’s self-titled album is a masterpiece of avant-garde metal, jazz, and noise. Led by the legendary John Zorn, this band throws saxophone madness into a mix of grindcore, punk, and experimental jazz. The result is unpredictable, intense, and utterly brilliant.

Black Metal & Prog Metal with Sax

Saxophones aren’t just for jazz—they’ve also found their way into black metal and progressive metal:

  • Ihsahn (Emperor’s frontman) incorporates sax in his solo work, like in "The Eagle and the Snake" (2012).
  • Pain Killer’s Portent delivers a brutal mix of sax-driven noise and extreme metal.

Punk Metal with Sax? Hell Yes!

If you want something rawer, check out:

  • "ALAKULTTUURIN KUSIPÄÄT" – Vitun Kova Meininki (1998) – A Finnish punk/metal explosion with saxophone madness.

Death/Thrash Meets Jazz: Acrania

For those who love death/thrash metal with jazz and Latin rhythms, Acrania is a revelation. Their 2021 release blends crushing riffs with unexpected sax flourishes. Recommended track: "Blinded by Power."

The Progressive Metal King: Dream Theater

Of course, no discussion of sax in metal is complete without mentioning Dream Theater’s Images and Words. The album’s iconic track "Another Day" features a soaring sax solo that proves the instrument belongs in metal just as much as shredding guitars.

Honorable Mentions (Not Quite Metal, But Essential)

  • The Stooges – Funhouse (Proto-punk with wild sax on "L.A. Blues")
  • Thin Lizzy – "Dancing in the Moonlight" (Off Bad Reputation)
  • King Crimson – "21st Century Schizoid Man" (Prog with killer sax)
  • Morphine – "Buena" (Dark, jazzy rock with sax)
  • Pere Ubu – "Laughing" (Art-punk with sax violence)
  • James Chance – "Contort Yourself" (Punk-jazz insanity)

Final Verdict

While many metal purists might raise an eyebrow at the idea of sax in heavy music, these albums prove that when done right, it’s mind-blowing. For the best heavy metal album with saxophone, Dream Theater’s Images and Words stands tall—but if you want something more extreme, The Shining, Naked City, and Ihsahn are unbeatable.

Now go forth and embrace the saxual side of metal! 🎷🔥

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