Rough Edge: Saxon CD Reviews

SAXON

"Into the Labyrinth" (SPV; 2009)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Veritable NWOBHM Metal veterans Saxon continue to slug it out in the metal scene with their latest release "Into the Labyrinth."

This 13-track disc is carried by bombast and bravado with Biff Byford guiding through both familiar and treacherous waters with a slew of convincing lead singer clichés at hand. Even though controversial career decisions this squad chose through the years put them in precarious positions both musically and with the audience, songs like "Live to Rock" and "Hellcat" exude the come-uppance spirit of their early years and show that there's still some gas left in the tank.

Striking a balance between their biker rock days and a slick metallic gloss aimed for a mass appeal, the latest Saxon disc does an adequate job of highlighting many different sides of a group still fighting for respect after all these years.

For more information, check out http://www.saxon747.com.

"The Inner Sanctum" (SPV / Steamhammer; 2007)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

The British veteran metal act Saxon returns with their 18th album, the 10-track offering entitled "The Inner Sanctum."

Armed with both hard hitting hard rock a la AC/DC ("I've Got to Rock") and adventurous epics ("Atila the Hun"), this disc encapsulates the band's stalwart career while adding a few footnotes, as this quintet's age doesn't get in the way of producing powder keg metal anthems like "Let Me Feel Your Power."

Walking the line between melodic power metal and hook-laden hard rock, Saxon's latest release displays a band unafraid to go tooth and nail to the grindstone of metal, using their classic metal experience to churn out fist pumping anthems like "Ashes to Ashes."

It may be a bit on the old school scale for some, but for those that remember the glory days, Saxon still sounds pertinent.

For more information, check out http://www.saxon747.com.

"Lionheart" (SPV / Steamhammer; 2004)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Saxon return with another solid album full of trudging heavy metal tunes that are as hearty and as meaty as the turkey legs in the armored glove of your favorite knight. While it may not be surprising that a band as popular as Saxon has done it yet once again, it is amazing that they have maintained a consistency throughout the years that keeps delivering what their fans want to hear: pure, unadulterated, heavy metal.

"Lionheart" starts off strongly with the wicked "Witchfinder General" (which doesn't "trudge" at all and actually races along nicely) and then muscles through ten additional tracks, only rarely slowing down below their mid-tempo standard and even more rarely pulling out the acoustic instruments.

There are plenty of battle songs here: "Lionheart," "To Live by the Sword," "English Man'O'War," and so on, but they don't make up the entire disc, which makes for a welcome change of pace.

"Lionheart" may not be Saxon's best album but it's a very good one and, at this point in the game, you can't help but admire a band whose music isn't morphing or deteriorating with the sands of time.

Saxon: Biff Byford - vocals; Paul Quinn - guitars; Doug Scarratt - guitars; Nibbs Carter - bass; Jorg Michael - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.saxon747.com.

"Heavy Metal Thunder" (Steamhammer; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Saxon is about as pure metal as one can get. Heavy, chord-laden rhythm, blistering leads, soaring vocals and a breakneck pace throughout.

What makes "Heavy Metal Thunder" different from other Saxon releases, however, is that this CD is a collection of 13 classic songs from the veteran band's long history, re-recorded with advanced technology and now-seasoned bandmembers. And we're talking classic here. "Heavy Metal Thunder" contains such explosive rockers as the title track, "And the Bands Played On," "Crusader," "Wheels of Steel," "Motorcycle Man," "Never Surrender," "Denim & Leather," "747 (Strangers in the Night)" and more.

If you've got a good mixer on your CD player or stereo, then you have no excuse not to run out and buy "Heavy Metal Thunder" right now. It's a great collection from a great band. However, even with all the advanced technology now at the band's fingertips, sometimes "Heavy Metal Thunder" isn't as crystal clear as it should be. Too often, the vocals are buried in the mix and the guitars are so loud they're almost dry. A little twisting of the knobs on your stereo, however, should clear this problem up with relative ease and some songs aren't as bad as others.

"Heavy Metal Thunder" also includes a bonus disc containing five songs recorded live in Texas in 2002 and a video track, "Killing Ground," live at Wacken in 2001.

All in all, "Heavy Metal Thunder" is a CD that Saxon fans will want immediately and any fan of heavy metal should have in their collection somewhere.

Saxon: Biff Byford - vocals; Doug Scarrett - lead guitar; Paul Quinn - lead guitar; Nibbs Carter - bass; Fritz Randow - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.saxon747.com.

"Dogs of War" (SPV / Steamhammer; 1995)

Reviewed by Snidermann

So Rough Edge Editor R. Scott Bolton tells me that Saxon is a very good rock'n'roll band and he gives me a copy of Saxon's "Dogs of War" to review. Now, Saxon is one of those bands that I had heard about, of course, but never really got the chance to experience ... until now.

"Dogs of War" is not at all what I expected. Actually, I don't really know what I expected, but this CD was a pleasant surprise. The music is tight and concise and it had my head banging throughout. As I listened, I tried to pinpoint a great song to play on Rough Edge Radio, but the good songs kept coming so fast it was impossible to pick just one!

I must have spun this CD three or four times in a row and I never got tired of it. In fact, I am still listening to it right now and I must say again: Saxon rocks!

Saxon's "Dogs of War" is going into my A list rotation. I guess R. Scott was right again!

For more information, check out http://www.saxon747.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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