Right.... I have posted this once tonight and lost it due to pissed up user error.
So, my review from 28/01/07 and changes to scores in brackets after original review.
State of Grace.
I really like this track, from the intro with gothic vocals to the driving drum rhythm that drives the song forwards. Biff's vocals seem to be overlaid throughout the entire track giving a vocal sound I've rarely heard with saxon. For once a guitar solo which really suits the track and tempo perfectly. Class. 9.5/10
(Almost the perfect 10 for me. Fuck it.... 10)
Need for Speed.
Wasn't sure on this one for the first few listens, but it is growing on me. Not sure about the drumming which comes in towards the end of the track though. 6.5/10
(7 It hasn't grown on me much).
Let Me See Your Power.
Another fast track, contains staple Saxon lyrics "Can you hear me screaming, screaming in the night". Very heavy guitar riff underpins the solo, and main guitar riff is growing on me with every listen. 7.5/10
(8)
Red Star Falling.
Slow guitar riff leads into a short acoustic break, before the vocals start. Slow but heavy guitar riffs lead into a cool chorus. Tempo is upped a little leading into a fine solo, before the pace is slowed back for another verse. A heavy atmospheric track along the lines of Sea of Life. 8.5/10
(8.5)
I've Got To Rock (to stay alive).
Very very nice opening riff, a sort of slow and sleazy AC/DC kind of track with the Saxon hallmarks stamped all over the place (A bit like Can't Stop Rocking mixed with Terminal Velocity). Great chorus - great solo - great track. I love this style of Saxon. 9.5/10
(9.75.... I want to give this a 10 as well, but if you compare it to State of Grace... You can't compare it. I have thought in the past that Saxon don't get it right when it comes to this sort of track with their timing, but this is bang on... bang on... bang on...)
If I was you.
Much less cluttered than the Single release. Stronger less complicated style, doesn't bounce along quite the same as the single. 8/10
(8)
Going Nowhere Fast.
Good traditional rock riffs, everything about this track reminds me of a speeded up version of hell freezes over. Thats no problems as I like that track. 8.5/10
(7.5 I prefer Hell freezes over)
Ashes to Ashes.
The last of the 4 traditional rock and roll/metal songs, except there is something a little different about this one. A real anthemic Rock and Roll chorus, with a raise your hands and clap bridge before the solo. Chorus to the end of the song. You'll either love it or at least get round to liking it! 9/10
(I'd go higher than a 9, but there is one thing that spoils this for me near the end which is the high pitched Biff scream towards the end, longer note over the chorus, not right for me).
Empire Rising.
Scene setter. Great lyrics ;-)
Atilla The Hun.
Fast paced track. Lyrically very good as you'd expect with a history inspired Saxon track, chorus reminds me of the Witchfinder General riff. Asian slant to the effects on the vocals, sung in way that reflects the melody of the east in parts. 8.5/10
(8.5 - Same)
So, my review from 28/01/07 and changes to scores in brackets after original review.
State of Grace.
I really like this track, from the intro with gothic vocals to the driving drum rhythm that drives the song forwards. Biff's vocals seem to be overlaid throughout the entire track giving a vocal sound I've rarely heard with saxon. For once a guitar solo which really suits the track and tempo perfectly. Class. 9.5/10
(Almost the perfect 10 for me. Fuck it.... 10)
Need for Speed.
Wasn't sure on this one for the first few listens, but it is growing on me. Not sure about the drumming which comes in towards the end of the track though. 6.5/10
(7 It hasn't grown on me much).
Let Me See Your Power.
Another fast track, contains staple Saxon lyrics "Can you hear me screaming, screaming in the night". Very heavy guitar riff underpins the solo, and main guitar riff is growing on me with every listen. 7.5/10
(8)
Red Star Falling.
Slow guitar riff leads into a short acoustic break, before the vocals start. Slow but heavy guitar riffs lead into a cool chorus. Tempo is upped a little leading into a fine solo, before the pace is slowed back for another verse. A heavy atmospheric track along the lines of Sea of Life. 8.5/10
(8.5)
I've Got To Rock (to stay alive).
Very very nice opening riff, a sort of slow and sleazy AC/DC kind of track with the Saxon hallmarks stamped all over the place (A bit like Can't Stop Rocking mixed with Terminal Velocity). Great chorus - great solo - great track. I love this style of Saxon. 9.5/10
(9.75.... I want to give this a 10 as well, but if you compare it to State of Grace... You can't compare it. I have thought in the past that Saxon don't get it right when it comes to this sort of track with their timing, but this is bang on... bang on... bang on...)
If I was you.
Much less cluttered than the Single release. Stronger less complicated style, doesn't bounce along quite the same as the single. 8/10
(8)
Going Nowhere Fast.
Good traditional rock riffs, everything about this track reminds me of a speeded up version of hell freezes over. Thats no problems as I like that track. 8.5/10
(7.5 I prefer Hell freezes over)
Ashes to Ashes.
The last of the 4 traditional rock and roll/metal songs, except there is something a little different about this one. A real anthemic Rock and Roll chorus, with a raise your hands and clap bridge before the solo. Chorus to the end of the song. You'll either love it or at least get round to liking it! 9/10
(I'd go higher than a 9, but there is one thing that spoils this for me near the end which is the high pitched Biff scream towards the end, longer note over the chorus, not right for me).
Empire Rising.
Scene setter. Great lyrics ;-)
Atilla The Hun.
Fast paced track. Lyrically very good as you'd expect with a history inspired Saxon track, chorus reminds me of the Witchfinder General riff. Asian slant to the effects on the vocals, sung in way that reflects the melody of the east in parts. 8.5/10
(8.5 - Same)
