Saxon were formed in 1977 under the name Son of a Bitch, which the band wisely decided to change within the next year. They released the debut self-titled album in 1979 and became on of the earliest bands to spearhead the NWOBHM movement. By their second release "Wheels of Steel" Saxon were hugely popular in Europe, staying on the UK charts for well over six months and reaching the Top 5 charts. Saxon have been around in many incarnations since then. In the mid-80's, in an attempt to break into American mainstream, like Def Leppard had done, Saxon went for a more melodic, almost pop metal appoach, but have since returned to their heavy metal roots. Currently there are two bands touring under this name. Biff Byford retains the name Saxon and continues to tour and put out new music into the new millenium. However, ex-guitarist Graham Oliver and bassist Steve Dawson were also touring under the name Saxon until lawsuits forced them to change the name to Oliver/Dawson Saxon.

Saxon - Saxon (EMI) 1979

1."Rainbow Theme" [ instrumental] (1:00)
2."Frozen Rainbow" (4:37)
3."Big Teaser" (3:55)
4."Judgement Day" (5:30)
5."Stallions of the Highway" (2:52)
6."Backs to the Wall" (3:09)
7."Still Fit to Boogie" (2:53)
8."Militia Guard" (4:52)

The debut Saxon album sounds NOTHING like the Saxon we all know and love. Saxon were one of the first NWOBHM bands but their debut release would soon be overshadowed by the phenomenal:

Saxon - Wheels of Steel/Strong Arm of the Law (EMI) 1980/1980

DISC ONE "Wheels of Steel" 1. "Motorcycle Man" (4:00) 2. "Stand Up and Be Counted" (3:09) 3. "747 (Strangers in the Night)" (4:57) 4. "Wheels of Steel" (5:57) 5. "Freeway Mad" (2:40) 6. "See the Light Shining" (4:53) 7. "Street Fighting Gang" (3:10) 8. "Suzie Hold On" (4:32) 9. "Machine Gun" (5:21) BONUS TRACKS 10. "Judgement Day" [live] (5:36) 11. "Wheels Of Steel" [7" version] (4:25) 12. "See The Light Shining" [live] (5:30) 13. "Wheels Of Steel" [live] (9:26) 14. "747 (Strangers In The Night)" [live] (4:56) 15. "Stallions Of The Highway" [live](3:16)

DISC TWO "Strong Atm of the Law" 1. "Heavy Metal Thunder" (4:21) 2. "To Hell and Back Again" (4:48) 3. "Strong Arm of the Law" (4:43) 4. "Taking Your Chances" (4:21) 5. "20,000 Feet" (3:25) 6. "Hungry Years" (5:08) 7. "Sixth Form Girls" (4:19) 8. "Dallas 1 PM" (6:27) BONUS TRACKS 9. "20,000 Feet" [live] (3:28) 10. "Dallas 1 PM" [live] (6:18) 11. "Hungry Years" [live] (5:56) 12. "Strong Arm of the Law" [live] (4:30) 13. "Heavy Metal Thunder" [live] (4:00)

An expensive import that I was blessed to get as a gift from a friend. Two albums on one disc, plus a bunch of live material that I use to own on a crappy bootleg tape. These two albums were so far superior to their debut that it was all but forgotten. "Strong Arm" is slightly stronger (no pun intended) than "Wheels of Steel" but both are great albums with tons of classic Saxon songs. Saxon's obsession with America was apparent on these two with songs like "Dallas 1 PM," a song about the assasination of J.F.K.

Paragon do a smokin' version of "To Hell & Back Again."

Saxon - Live at Donnington (CAS) 1997

1. "Motorcycle Man" (4:08)
2. "Still Fit to Boogie" (2:48)
3. "Freeway Mad" (3:07)
4. "Backs to the Wall" (4:02)
5. "Wheels of Steel" (5:33)
6. "Bap Shoo Ap" (6:49)
7. "747 (Strangers in the Night)" (4:59)
8. "Stallions of the Highway" (4:46)
9. "Machine Gun" (6:11)

Thought I had better pick this one up before it disappears. At the time I listed this, it was readily available on CDNow for about $10. Being that it is on such an obscure label, I had a feeling this disc would disappear as fast as it surfaced. Anyhow, this short disc was recorded at Castle Donnington in August of 1980 at the very beginning of Saxon's career. Cool to hear some of those early rockers like "Still Fit to Boogie" and "Stallions of the Highway" that have never made it to any official live Saxon disc. "Bap Shoo Ap" is a silly sing along song where Biff attempts to get the audience to sing along. It works better with "Wheels of Steel" but at this point they had not started doing that yet. Also of note, this was the very first Monsters of Rock festival and if Biff is correct, there were 60,000 people in attendance rocking to the likes of Saxon, Judas Priest, Riot and the Scorpions. The NWOBHM is born!

Saxon - Live at Monsters of Rock (ACD) 2000

1. "Motorcycle Man" (3:42)
2. "Still Fit to Boogie" (2:42)
3. "Freeway Mad" (2:24)
4. "Backs to the Wall" (3:24)
5. "Wheels of Steel" (4:23)
6. "Bap Shoo Ap" (6:16)
7. "747 (Strangers in the Night)" (4:53)
8. "Stallions of the Highway" (3:18)
9. "Machine Gun" (5:36)
10. "Midnight Rider" (5:22)
11. "Frozen Rainbow" (6:01)
12. "Interview with Saxon" (3:01)

A more recent re-issue of the Donnington Monsters of Rock festival, only this disc has the complete Saxon performance as well as the interview at the end, which despite being listed on the CAS version, is not actually on the disc. Some of the stage talk was cut out from this disc, however, probably to save space so that the entire performance could fit on one disc. The CAS version, while not containing all the songs has some of this stage bantar left in. The sound quality is about the same, if not slightly better, but the packaging is not as nice. The insert consists of a single page, whereas the CAS version containes a well laid out booklet with detailed liner notes and photos.

Saxon - Denim and Leather (Disky) 1981

1. "Princess of the Night" (4:00) 2. "Never Surrender" (3:13) 3. "Out of Control" (4:04) 4. "Rough and Ready" (4:49) 5. "Play it Loud" (4:09) 6. "And the Bands Played On" (2:47) 7. "Midnight Rider" (5:41) 8. "Fire in the Sky" (3:35) 9. "Denim and Leather" (5:24)

The "classic" Saxon line-up

Denim & Leather is a call to arms for metalheads worldwide. Saxon were at the top of their game here. This one is just chock full of classics. "Princess of the Night" is one of their best songs ever. "Denim & Leather" is an anthem to leather clad, concert t-shirt wearing, metalheads everywhere. "Never Surrender". "Play It Loud", "And the Bands Played On", and "Fire in the Sky"...all classics! I believe this one was a huge hit for them in Europe staying on the charts for several months. My copy is a Holland import version that I obtained in a trade.

Ultimatum recorded a cover of the classic title track on their "Lex Metalis" CD.

Saxon - The Eagle Has Landed (EMI) 1982

1. "Motorcycle Man" (4:21)
2. "747 (Strangers in the Night)" (4:37)
3. "Princess of the Night" (4:22)
4. "Strong Arm of the Law" (4:38)
5. "Heavy Metal Thunder" (4:19)
6. "20,000 Ft." (3:18)
7. "Wheels of Steel" (8:51)
8. "Never Surrender" (3:56)
9. "Fire in the Sky" (2:39)
10. "Machine Gun" (3:48)

Saxon live isn't much different than Saxon studio, save for the crowd interaction on "Wheels of Steel." That is probably why this album failed to break Saxon into the US market like they were hoping it would. Well, I am of the opinion that this is a classic, although not to the same level as say Judas Priest's "Unleased in the East" or Thin Lizzy's "Live & Dangerous." My copy is a German import version.

Saxon - Power & the Glory (EMI) 1983 1. "Power and the Glory" (5:56) 2. "Redline" (3:38) 3. "Warrior" (3:47) 4. "Nightmare" (4:23) 5. "This Town Rocks" (3:58) 6. "Watching the Sky" (3:42) 7. "Midas Touch" (4:12) 8. "The Eagle Has Landed" (6:57)

"Power & the Glory" 12" vinyl picture disc.

One powerful NWOBHM disc that is just as strong today as it was in the early 80's. Saxon out did themselves on this disc. Why they never became as big as they deserved to be is beyond me. Not a bad song on this disc, which is unusual for a Saxon disc as most do have at least on stinker. "This Town Rocks" pushing the bounds of Spinal Tap silliness, but still manages to fit in overall. Others like "Redline" and the title track more than make up for it however. Another German import version.

I own the vinyl picture disc pictured above, as well as the black vinyl version with the alternate track listing that includes the song "Suzi Hold On" instead of "Midas Touch".

October 31 do a furious cover of "Power and the Glory".

Saxon - Crusader (EMI) 1984

1. "The Crusader Prelude" (1:05)
2. "Crusader" (6:33)
3. "A Little Bit of What You Fancy" (3:50)
4. "Sailing to America" (5:03)
5. "Set Me Free" (3:13)
6. "Just Let Me Rock" (4:11)
7. "Bad Boys (Like to Rock 'N' Roll)" (3:24)
8. "Do it All for You" (4:42)
9. "Rock City" (3:16)
10. "Run for Your Lives" (3:53)

Another German import. I guess this English band must be popular in Germany because all these discs are still available there, while they are out of print and selling for stupid amounts of money in the US. Anyhow, many considered this a disappointment, as it was less aggressive and more melodic than past albums. I liked it when it was a new release and still enjoy it today. OK, there are a few Spinal Tap silly clunkers like "Bad Boys (Like to Rock 'N' Roll)" and "Rock City," but songs like "Crusader", "Sailing to America" and a smokin' rendition of Sweet's "Set Me Free" are all fine examples of Saxon's brand of biker metal!

Saxon - Strong Arm Metal (Carrere) 1984 

SIDE ONE
1.    Strong Arm of the Law   (4:36)
2.    Wheels of Steel   (5:57)
3.    Never Surrender   (3:13)
4.    747 (Strangers in the Night)  (4:57)
5.    Frozen Rainbow  (2:26)
SIDE TWO
6.    Motorcycle Man  (3:55)
7.    Stallions of the Highway  (2:49)
8.    And the Bands Played On  (2:47)
9.    Dallas 1PM  (6:27)
10.  Denim and Leather (5:23)

Vinyl compilation of Saxon's early years. Most of these songs are considered classics by most fans, with the possible exception of "Frozen Rainbow". However, even that song fits well on this compilation. A good collection and a nice collector's vinyl.

I use to have this vinyl autographed by the band when I met them back in 1988 at the House of Guitars in Rochester, NY. Unfortunately it was "lost" during my over-zealous religious daze. I was able to replace the vinyl fairly cheap at a local record show.

Saxon - Innocence Is No Excuse (Axe Killer) 1985

1. "Rockin' Again" (5:11)
2. "Call of the Wild" (4:03)
3. "Back on the Streets" (4:00)
4. "Devil Rides Out" (4:25)
5. "Rock 'N' Roll Gypsy" (4:14)
6. "Broken Heroes" (5:25)
7. "Gonna Shout" (3:59)
8. "Everybody Up" (3:30)
9. "Raise Some Hell" (3:40)
10."Give It Everything You've Got" (3:27)
BONUS TRACKS
11. "Just Let Me Rock" (4:11)
12. "Do it All for You" (4:42)

This album was stinking HARD TO FIND! Up until 1999, I couldn't even seem to special order a copy. Luckily a French company (Axe Killer) reissued it. I remember when this came out everyone thought this album was another big disappointment. I liked it as it's heavy, melodic and hook laden. Once again, some of the lyrics and song titles border Spinal Tap silliness, but the music is full of emotion. "Back on the Streets", "Devil Rides Out", "Rock 'N' Roll Gypsy" and "Broken Heroes" are all superior Saxon songs, in my opinion. This French version came in a nice slip case, with a 16-page full color booklet and contains two extra tracks. There are a bunch of cool live pics on the inside with Biff & Co. looking very dapper in their glammy outfits. The bonus tracks are both from "Crusader."

Saxon - Rock the Nations (Griffin) 1986

1. "Rock the Nations" (4:41)
2. "Battle Cry" (5:26)
3. "Waiting for the Night" (4:52)
4. "We Came Here to Rock" (4:19)
5. "You Ain't No Angel" (5:29)
6. "Running Hot" (3:36)
7. "Party Til You Puke" (3:26)
8. "Empty Promises" (4:11)
9. "Northern Lady" (4:43)

I'm not sure what happened here. After the excellent "No Excuse for Innocence" and the even stronger "Power & the Glory" Saxon made a stylistic u-turn and headed into a generic, less melodic anthemic sound. I suppose it was an attempt to get back to their "Denim & Leather" roots, but for some reason it didn't work well here. Geez, with titles like "Party Til You Puke" is there really any reason to explain? On a side note, Elton John makes a guest piano appearance on the album on "Party til You Puke" and "Northern Lady."

Saxon - Destiny (Axe Killer) 1988

1. "Ride Like the Wind" (4:29)
2. "Where the Lightning Strikes" (4:18)
3. "I Can't Wait Anymore" (4:24)
4. "Calm Before the Storm" (3:47)
5. "S.O.S." (6:03)
6. "Song for Emma" (4:46)
7. "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (3:54)
8. "We Are Strong" (3:57)
9. "Jericho Siren" (3:37)
10. "Red Alert" (4:34)
BONUS TRACKS
11. "Live Fast Die Young" (3:47)
12. "Rock The Nations" [live] (4:39)
13. "Back On The Streets" [live] (4:01)

YAAAA!!! Finally! The missing Saxon studio album in my collection. This one is very different than one would expect from Saxon. This album is yet another attempt at the American melodic/commercial metal sound. I really don't understand why this disc didn't go over better as it really is quality music, especially "Red Alert" and the Christopher Cross song. Yup, opening cut "Ride Like the Wind" is the Christopher Cross cover. This disc was out of print for years and was selling in the $30-$50 range on eBay. As usual, however, patience pays off and the disc was re-released by French company Axe Killer. Includes some cool bonus tracks and excellent packaging as well. As with their "Innocence is No Excuse" reissue, the disc comes wrapped in a slipcase. The bonus tracks are all B-sides from various 12" singles that were previously unavailable on cd.

Saxon - BBC Sessions/Live at Reading Festival '86 (BBC Music) 1998

Friday Rock Show 2/15/80
1. "Backs To The Wall" (3:18)
2. "Stallions Of The Highway" (2:47)
3. "Motorcycle Man" (3:47)
4. "Still Fit To Boogie" (2:45)
5. "747 (Strangers In The Night) (5:01)

Studio B15 Live 5/25/82
6. "20,000 FT" (3:18)
7. "Dallas 1PM" (6:00)
8. "The Eagle Has Landed" (7:24)

Reading Festival/Friday Rock Show 6/26/86
9. "Power And The Glory" (7:06)
10. "Never Surrender" (4:01)
11. "Rock The Nations" (5:10)
12. "Wheels Of Steel" (6:07)
13. "Waiting For The Night" (4:39)
14. "Strong Arm Of The Law" (6:25)

Nice set of live and live in the studio Saxon tunes. Of particular note is that at the end of "Strong Arm" there is a short medley of Black Sabbath tunes. Not sure if this disc is available in the US or not. I've not seen it.

Saxon - Solid Ball of Rock (Virgin) 1991

1. "Solid Ball of Rock" (4:35)
2. "Altar of the Gods" (3:30)
3. "Requiem (We Will Remember)" (5:16)
4. "Lights in the Sky" (4:03)
5. "I Just Can't Get Enough" (4:34)
6. "Baptism of Fire" (3:08)
7. "Ain't Gonna Take It" (4:47)
8. "I'm on Fire" (4:24)
9. "Overture in B-Minor/Refugee" (5:42)
10. "Bavarian Rhapsody" (1:17)
11. "Crash Dive" (4:21)

I honestly think that Saxon were suffering from an identity crisis during this point in their existence. "Rock the Nations" was horrible, "Destiny" was no where near the spirited heavy metal of the bands past and "Solid Ball of Rock" seems to be an attempt to return to their roots while maintaining a commercial appeal. Certainly this album is far better than anything on "Rock the Nations." The opening track is perhaps one of the best songs on the disc. This Accept-like metal anthem has a very catchy riff and an equally catchy chorus. Likewise, "Altar of the Gods" manages to capture the classic Saxon sound. "Requiem" is a bit slower and is "dedicated to no one person. It is a celebration of the music they left behind." "Baptism of Fire" is a speed metal offering that I didn't immediately pick up on. As a matter of fact, this is certainly a gem in the rough. It wasn't till years later that I heard this song on a compilation that I realized how good a song this was. Unfortunately the remainder of the album is not memorable or up to the standards that Saxon had set for themselves with past offerings. I don't exactly know what happened here. I guess Saxon's desperation to make it in America got to them as the remainder of the tracks are really bad hairball metal. Overall, not as bad as my initial review of this disc some years ago. Perhaps it has just grown on me over the years, or perhaps I just got over the initial disappointment that Saxon were no longer the mighty NWOBHM band that they started off as.

Saxon - Forever Free (Virgin) 1993

1. "Forever Free" (4:57)
2. "Hole in the Sky" (4:42)
3. "Just Wanna Make Love To You" (3:54)
4. "Get Down & Dirty" (5:05)
5. "Iron Wheels" (4:12)
6. "One Step Away" (4:57)
7. "Can't Stop Rockin'" (4:03)
8. "Nighthunter" (3:22)
9. "Grind" (4:23)
10. "Cloud Nine" (4:36)

This disc was released with two different covers. I have the cover with the red logo and border, but the other cover is so cool, I had to put it up for ya'll to see. For a more detailed review, see "Dogs of War" below.

Saxon - Dogs of War (Virgin) 1995

1. "Dogs of War" (4:36)
2. "Burning Wheels" (4:10)
3. "Don't Worry" (5:17)
4. "Big Twin Rollin (Coming Home)" (5:23)
5. "Hold On" (4:31)
6. "The Great White Buffalo" (5:52)
7. "Demolition Alley" (6:09)
8. "Walking Through Tokyo" (5:50)
9. "Give It All Away" (4:03)
10. "Yesterday's Gone" (3:43)

After screwing around for several albums trying to "make it" in the American market, this classic NWOBHM band finally realizes that they need to be who they are and stop pretending. Legendary bands that try to change to appease a trend are a sad lot. Fortunately Saxon figured that out and put out these two high charged heavy metal discs. Yes, Saxon is BACK! These are their strongest discs in years! Songs like the title cut, "Forever Free," "Burning Wheel," and "The Great White Buffalo" are great biker songs that fit well with the classics from "Wheels of Steel" and "Denim and Leather." One thing though, I wonder just how many songs Saxon have with the words "rock, rocks, & rockin'" in the title?

Unfortunately "Dogs of War" and "Forever Free" are only available as an expensive imports. Lucky for me I have friends in high places that save me from paying $30 for these discs. My dear friend Olaf in Germany GAVE me these two. You rule Olaf!

Saxon - The Eagle Has Landed Part 2 (CMC International) 1996

Saxon - Unleash the Beast (CMC International) 1997

1."Gothic Dreams" [instrumental] (1:33)
2."Unleash the Beast" (5:16)
3."Terminal Velocity" (4:43)
4."Circle of Light" (5:26)
5."The Thin Red Line" (6:20)
6."Ministry of Fools" (4:29)
7."The Preacher" (4:55)
8."Bloodletter" (5:31)
9."Cut Out the Disease" (5:23)
10."Absent Friends (Song for J.J.)" (4:54)
11."All Hell Breaking Loose" (4:31)

Hmm, not a terrible disc, but somehow not quite as good as "Dogs of War" or "Forever Free." Biff's voice sounds stronger than ever, though. Saxon recorded a song for the Judas Priest tribute around this time.

Saxon - Altar of the Eagles (Virgin) 1998

1. "Hole in the Sky" (4:44)
2. "Oveture in B-Minor/Refugee" (5:37)
3. "Altar of the Gods" (3:40)
4. "One Step Away" (4:59)
5. "Baptism of Fire" (3:09)

"Altar of the Eagles" is a obscure Greek EP that I honestly have never seen before it arrived in my mailbox as a gift from a fellow Saxon fan. The songs featured on it are all released on other Saxon discs, but whoever put this EP together sure did choose some obscure favorites to release. Unlike most compilations of the band, there is nothing included from the band's more popular 80's releases. Most of the tracks featured are from "Solid Ball of Rock" with "Hole in the Sky" and "One Step Away" being taken from "Forever Free."

Saxon - Metalhead (SPV) 1999

1. "Metalhead" (4:52)
2. "Are We Travellers In Time" (5:17)
3. "Conquistador" (4:42)
4. "What Goes Around" (4:24)
5. "Song Of Evil" (4:12)
6. "All Guns Blazing" (3:53)
7. "Prisoner" (4:12)
8. "Piss Off" (4:04)
9. "Watching You" (5:18)
10. "Sea Of Life" (8:11)

Wow! This is REAL METAL! I was impressed with this disc as it sounds like Saxon yet somehow manages to not sound dated. Lots of cool songs on this one, my favorite being the title track, a song supposedly about aliens. "Are We Travellers" is also about aliens. Other cool songs are "Conquistador" and "Song of Evil." Metalhead is definitely a stronger album than "Unleash the Beast."

After a few months of owning this disc and living with it, I must say I still like it as much as I did when I first bought it. Had the chance to see Saxon live (with U.D.O.) opening. It was a great show with Saxon playing for well over two hours. They performed four songs off the new album, the four that I picked as favorites a few months earlier when the above review was written. Also have to say that despite the rumors of Biff Byford being "anti-social," he is actually very cool. I had the pleasure of talking with Biff for a few minutes after the show when he came out to hang with some of the fans who were still hanging around. He was very cordial, signing autographs and just enjoying the fan's attention. Got my disc signed by Biff. (see photo above.)

Saxon - Diamonds & Nuggets (Angel Air) 2000

1. "Stallions Of Highway" [live] (3:20)
2. "Midnight Rider" [live] (5:21)
3. "Frozen Rainbow" [live] (6:00)
4. "Turn Out The Lights" (4:05)
5. "Coming To The Rescue" (3:38)
6. "See The Light Shining" (4:54)
7. "Stand Up And Be Counted" (5:33)
8. "Freeway Mad (Part 2)" (1:53)
9. "Ann Marie" (5:39)
10. "Lift Up Your Eyes" (1:48)
11. "Street Fighting Man" (3:25)
12. "Still Fit To Rock n Roll" (3:06)
13. "Big Teaser" [Original] (3:35)
14. "Frozen Rainbow" (7:07)
15. "Walking" (4:43)
16. "Make 'Em Rock" (3:18)
17. "Stone Room Jam" [instrumental] (5:27)
18. "Ain't You Glad To Be Alive" (2:51)
19. "Freeway Mad (Part 1)" (2:09)

Another Saxon odds and sods compilation, although apparently this one was officially licensed from Steve Graham and Graham Oliver. All tracks here were formerly unreleased or at least, unreleased in this format. The booklet is very nice, containing lots of photos of Saxon in their early years and also includes a track by track commentary by Graham and Oliver. A few tracks are pre-Saxon, dating all the way back to the early 70's. There are also several outtakes from the "Power and the Glory" studio sessions.

Saxon - Beast of Rock (CAS Records) 2001

1. "Turn Out The Lights" (4:05)
2. "Coming To The Rescue" (3:38)
3. "See The Light Shining" (4:54)
4. "Stand Up And Be Counted" (5:33)
5. "Freeway Mad" (2:07)
6. "Ann Marie" (5:39)
7. "Lift Up Your Eyes" (1:48)
9. "Still Fit To Rock n Roll" (3:06)
10. "Big Teaser" (Original) (3:35)
11. "Frozen Rainbow" (7:07)
12. "Walking" (4:43)
13. "Make 'Em Rock" (3:18)
14. "Stone Room Jam" [instrumental] (5:27)
15. "Ain't You Glad To Be Alive" (2:51)

Not sure if this is a bootleg or an official release, but 'Beast of Rock' features some of the earliest of Saxon studio demo material. It's a pretty sweet collection with surprisingly decent sound quality. The material is all unreleased in these forms, as far as I know. A very similar collection to the officially licensed 'Diamonds And Nuggets'. "Stone Room Jam" is an early instrumental demo version of what became "The Eagle Has Landed." "Still Fit To Rock n Roll" became "Still Fit to Boogie". Several other songs on this disc were re-recorded for other Saxon releases.

Saxon - Killing Ground (SPV) 2001

DISC 1 1. "Intro" (1:36) 2. "Killing Ground" (5:44) 3. "Court of the Crimson King" (6:00) 4. "Coming Home" (3:38) 5. "Hell Freezes Over" (4:42) 6. "Dragon's Lair" (3:38) 7. "You Don't Know What You've Got" (5:00) 8. "Deeds of Glory" (4:34) 9. "Running for the Border" (4:24) 10. "Shadows on the Wall" (6:15) 11. "Rock is Our Life" (3:55) DISC 2 1. "Princess of the Night" (4:10) 2. "Crusader" (6:38) 3. "Wheels of Steel" (5:52) 4. "Motorcycle Man" (3:45) 5. "Strong Arm of the Law" (4:24) 6. "Denim & Leather" (5:19) 7. "Dallas 1 PM" (6:15) 8. "And the Bands Played On" (2:52)

Very cool digi pack collector's edition of the new Saxon disc. The disc comes wrapped in a deluxe digi-pack that folds out several times and includes the full booklet from the single disc version as well as a plethora of pics of the band. The bonus disc contains new studio recordings of old Saxon classics. The production on these bonus tracks are, of course, superior to the originals but overall the songs don't change that much. The one exception is that some of the guitar solos have been re-written and are a bit more flashy. Biff's voice sounds as strong as ever on these, as well as the new tracks. As for the new material, well, this disc continues where 'Metalhead' left off. "Killing Ground" is as good, or better than that disc, and certainly blows "Unleash the Beast" out of the water. Their cover of King Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King" is superb and may be one of my favorites off this disc. The title track rocks supreme, putting Saxon into realms of heaviness of Accept or Judas Priest.

Saxon - Heavy Metal Thunder (Steamhammer/SPV) 2002

Well if you're going to release a 'best of' disc, this is the way to do it. The current members of Saxon go into the studio after years of touring and playing these songs live and re-record them with a killer, modern studio sheen. The band picked the crowd favorites and re-recorded them with a bit more aggression than even the original studio versions had. Of course some of the guitar solos are a little different, and the tempos may have changed here and there, but overall they didn't go to far from the original versions. This would be a great introduction to the band for someone unfamiliar with these classics and is certainly a blast through the past for long time fans like myself. Disc two of the limited edition release contains live tracks recorded in San Antonio, TX, USA in 2002. The liner notes detail these tracks as "official bootlegs." Isn't that an oxymoron? If it's official, it's not a bootleg. In anycase the reason for the label is to justify the sub-par sound quality. This particular disc will probably only appeal to die-hard fans like myself. The disc also contains a bonus video that can be played on a computer featuring live footage from Germany's Wacken Festival 2001.

Saxon - Lionheart (Steamhammer/SPV) 2004

1. "Witchfinder General" (4:49)
2. "Man And Machine" (3:28)
3. "The Return" (1:18)
4. "Lionheart" (6:05)
5. "Beyond The Grave" (4:55)
6. "Justice" (4:27)
7. "To Live By The Sword" (4:11)
8. "Jack Tars" (:57)
9. "English Man 'O War" (4:08)
10. "Searching For Atlantis" (5:54)
11. "Flying On The Edge" (4:55)

If anyone had any doubt that Saxon doesn't RULE, one spin of the full-throttle opening track should change their mind. As with the band's last few outputs, this CD is excellent, pure, hard rockin', heavy metal. While I love the band's early anthems and still hold them in high esteem, their newer, heavier sound that began with "Unleash The Beast" and were perfected with "Metalhead" and "Killing Ground" are very enjoyable. "Lionheart" continues in pretty much the same mode as these three albums. From the excellent opening track "Witchfinder General", to the slightly more predictable "Man and Machine," to the mellower moments like "Beyond the Grave" and "Searcing for Atlantis", Saxon has succeeded in putting out yet another molten metal monster. Perhaps my favorite track, aside from the "Witchfinder General" is "Jack Tars" and "English Man 'o' War." "Jack Tars" is a short acoustic song that acts and an intro to "English Man 'O War," For some reason this song just stood out as a signature song for the band, even though I think the entire CD is strong. As would be expected on a Saxon CD, the guitars are biting and Paul Quinn and Doug Scarrat give us some tasty guitar leads. Also, Biff Byford still delivers a powerful punch after all these years. Together Saxon have succeeded in creating yet another fine heavy metal opus. No fan of classic heavy metal should pass on this CD.

Saxon - The Eagle Has Landed Pt. III (Steamhammer/SPV) 2006

DISC ONE
1. "This Town Rocks" (Stockholm 2005) (04:53)
2. "Backs To The Wall" (Nuremberg 2005) (3:28)
3. "Redline" (Hamburg 2005) (4:01)
4. "Stand Up And Be Counted" (Berlin 2005 (3:26)
5. "Never Surrender" (Berlin 2005) (3:33)
6. "Frozen Rainbow" (Fulda 2005) (6:49)
7. "Suzie Hold On" (Nuremberg 2005) (4:51)
8. "Play It Loud" (Nuremberg 2005) (4:27)
9. "Warrior" (Nuremberg 2005) (3:55)
10. "See The Lights Shining" (Hamburg 2005) (6:45)
11. "To Hell And Back Again" (Hamburg 2005) (3:20)
12. "Stallions Of The Highway" (Fulda 2005) (3:06)
13. "Wheels Of Steel" (Nuremberg 2005) (8:51)
14. "And The Bands Played On" (Wacken 2004) (3:51)
15. "Crusader" (Wacken 2004) (7:04)

DISC TWO
1. "The Return" (Paris 2004) (1:41)
2. "Lionheart" (Paris 2004) (6:04)
3. "Man & Machine" (London 2004) (3:30)
4. "Beyond The Grave" (London 2004) (4:55)
5. "Searching For Atlantis" (London 2004) (5:40)
6. "To Live By The Sword Pt. I" (London 2004) (2:04)
7. "Unleash The Beast" (London 2004) 03:00)
8. "To Live By The Sword Pt. II "(London 2004) (1:31)
9. "Flying On The Edge" (Paris 2004) (4:34)
10. "Jack Tars" (Kiel 2004) (:54)
11. "English Man 'O' War" (Kiel 2004) (4:19)
12. "Court Of The Crimson King" (Kiel 2004) (5:20)
13. "Broken Heroes" (Kiel 2004) (6:46)
14. "Dragon's Lair" (Kiel 2004) 03:32)
15. "Rock Is Our Live" (Wacken 2004) (5:11)
16. "Travellers Time" (Wacken 2004) (4:43)
17. "Solid Ball Of Rock" (Wacken 2004) (5:55)

The third installment in the "Eagle Has Landed" live albums from Saxon. This two CD release is a compilation of live tracks from several tours and shows from 2004 - 2005. The collection offers songs from throughout the band's large catalog of material, including some rarely heard numbers. While there are obviously some variables in recording from show to show, the overall CD flows like one concert and actually sounds good from song to song. As with any second or third live album in a band's career, follow-up albums will never top the original. Nostalgia plays a huge factor in this for most fans. However, "The Eagle Has Landed Pt. III" is still a great testament to one of the best and longest running metal bands in history.

It's also interesting to not that this album features three different drummers, Nigel Glockler - Drums (Night Out With the Boys tour tracks), Jörg Michael - Drums (Lionheart tour tracks) and Fritz Randow - Drums (Wacken Open Air tracks).

Saxon - The Inner Sanctum (SPV/Steamhammer) 2007

DISC ONE (CD)
1. "State Of Grace" (5:37)
2. "Need For Speed" (3:08)
3. "Let Me Feel Your Power (3:29)
4. "Red Star Falling" (6:16)
5. "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" (4:40)
6. "If I Was You" (Album Version) (3:27)
7. "Going Nowhere Fast" (4:15)
8. "Ashes To Ashes" (4:52)
9. "Empire Rising" (:41)
10. "Atila The Hun" (8:09)

DISC TWO (DVD)
1. "To Hell And Black Again"
2. "A Night Out With The Boys - The Idea"
3. "A Night Out With The Boys - Not Really"
4. "See The Light Shining"
5. "A Night Out The Boys - Now It Started"
6. "Redline"
7. "Suzie Hold On"
8. "Stand Up And Be Counted"
9. "Frozen Rainbow"
10. "Never Surrender"

Saxon, the English NWOBHM veterans have been a solid ball of heavy meal since 1997's "Unleash the Beast". Since abandoning their pursuit of being another Def Leppard pop rock sensation and conquering the America charts, Saxon have created some of their finest albums to date. "The Inner Sanctum" is no exception. Not only have they been releasing solid studio albums, they have also manged to stay vital in an ever changing heavy music scene. On their 1997 release, the powerful guitar interplay between Paul Quinn and Doug Scarrat are as good as it has ever been. Longtime drummer Nigel Glockler returns and gives one of his best studio performances yet. As well, Biff sound no worse off for his age either. "The Inner Sanctum" starts off with the excellent "State of Grace", a song that has the melodic feel of some of the material on "Crusader" or "Innocence is No Excuse". "Need For Speed" then picks things up with a blending of that classic heavy metal sound and modern power metal. This song and the follow up "Let Me Feel Your Power" are some of the heaviest songs Saxon has written. "Red Star Falling" is a powerful, melodic track with an chorus that has an immediate hook. This song reminds me of tracks like "Strong Arm of the Law" or "Dallas 1PM" in that it successful tells a story, in this case a story of the fall of communism. What Saxon album would be complete without at least on song title containing the work "rock". "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" has an AC/DC swagger that should please any traditional heavy metal fan. Overall, "The Inner Sanctum" is yet another solid, heavy metal platter. They have done a successful job in blending their classic NWOBHM beginnings, with atmospheric epics and a more modern European power metal sound. Also included is a bonus DVD that contains seven live songs from their recent "A Night Out With the Boys" small clubs tour, as well as three tracks of interviews with the band.

Saxon - Into the Labyrinth (SPV/Steamhammer) 2009 1.    “Battalions of Steel” (6:35) 2.    “Live to Rock” (5:30) 3.    “Demon Sweeney Todd” (3:54) 4.    “The Letter ” (:43) 5.    “Valley of the Kings” (05:05) 6.    “Slow Lane Blues” (4:09) 7.    “Crime of Passion ” (4:05) 8.    “Premonition in D Minor” (:41)] 9.    “Voice” (4:36) 10.    “Protect Yourselves” (3:57) 11.    “Hellcat” (3:56) 12.    “Come Rock of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)” (3:55) 13.    “Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)”    (3:12) And the heavy metal machine keeps rolling forth, getting bigger and stronger as it pushes forward. You’d think after 30+ years that Biff and his band of metalheads would start running out of ideas. Indeed that has not happened. Instead, Saxon has released yet another solid platter of hot, molten heavy metal. Frankly I think that Saxon are vastly underrated. While other bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest have released some complete stinkers as of late, Saxon have released a string of great albums since 1997’s “Unleash the Beast”. Some might even say since 1991’s “Solid Ball of Rock”. The album opens with a rumbling, upbeat number titled “Battalions of Steel”. With this song I felt as though I could be listening to Saxon circa 1984. The song is a majestic, guitar fueled number that brought me back to the glory days of “Crusader” or “Rockin’ Again”, only with a beefier production. What Saxon album would be complete without at least one ode to rock? In this case we have the anthemic “Live to Rock”, sure to be one of those concert crowd pleasers. Yes, sometimes Saxon ride those clichés to the point of overkill, but it’s rock and roll, it’s not rocket science. Saxon obviously remember the days when rock and roll and heavy metal was about having fun and enjoying life, rather than hiding in dark corners and cutting one’s self in loathing self pity. Other noteworthy songs are the majestic “Valley of the Kings” and heavy metal, speedster “Demon Sweeny Todd.” “The Letter” is a short, acoustic song that acts as an introduction to “Valley of the Kings”. “Slow Lane Blues” and “Come Rock of Ages” brings Saxon back to their classic, hard-rock roots. I don’t remember Saxon recording material like this since the 80’s. Saxon main men, Biff Byford and Paul Quinn have lost nothing with age. Biff sings as good as he ever has. Together with longtime guitarist Doug Scarratt , bassis Nibbs Carter and drummer Nigel Glockler, Saxon have created yet another excellent slab of thundering heavy metal.

Saxon are also the subjects of a tribute CD called "A Metal Crusade Tribute to Saxon"

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