I've been into metal for over 20 years. I have over 1,600 CDs.
I've only just NOW learned of Saxon! I've heard the name, of course, but never the music. For some odd reason, they've always fallen below my radar.
Anyway, lately I've been rediscovering many of the classic bands and albums from the very early 80s.....the period before commericialization & cheese and "fluff" soiled 80s metal.
So, I've been reading reviews & seeking out "new" bands from that era. After reading some glowing reviews of a few of the classic Saxon records, I decided to jump in & buy one (Denim & Leather).
I immediately loved it!! Great melody! Although the riffs & songwriting can be seen as "simple", the sense of melody is overwhelming!
So, I decided that since I have one of their classic era discs, it would be a good idea to pick up discs from the bands other "eras".
This weekend, I purchased "Innocence is No Excuse" (from their pop-cheese era) and "Killing Ground" from the current era.
First, Killing Ground is simply a great record. Again, great melodies & a sense of "no bullshit" prevail. In some ways, the songs can almost be viewed as "been there done that", as if other bands have done this same thing before. BUT, the melody & the "sing a long" choruses are just intoxicating!!
As for "Innocence", I was pleasantly surprised! Although there is the cheesy commerical vice, the song writing is still of high quality, something that you just cant say for most commercial cheese-metal albums!
"Rockin Again" and "Broken Heroes" are great songs!!
So, my question is this:
- where do I go from here? Which Saxon CDs should I pick up next?
- Is "Rock the Nations" or "Destiny" total crap? Or, are they worth buying?
- Is "Metalhead" heavier than "Killing Groungs", as many reviewers claim?
- Is "Crusader" any good?
I've only just NOW learned of Saxon! I've heard the name, of course, but never the music. For some odd reason, they've always fallen below my radar.
Anyway, lately I've been rediscovering many of the classic bands and albums from the very early 80s.....the period before commericialization & cheese and "fluff" soiled 80s metal.
So, I've been reading reviews & seeking out "new" bands from that era. After reading some glowing reviews of a few of the classic Saxon records, I decided to jump in & buy one (Denim & Leather).
I immediately loved it!! Great melody! Although the riffs & songwriting can be seen as "simple", the sense of melody is overwhelming!
So, I decided that since I have one of their classic era discs, it would be a good idea to pick up discs from the bands other "eras".
This weekend, I purchased "Innocence is No Excuse" (from their pop-cheese era) and "Killing Ground" from the current era.
First, Killing Ground is simply a great record. Again, great melodies & a sense of "no bullshit" prevail. In some ways, the songs can almost be viewed as "been there done that", as if other bands have done this same thing before. BUT, the melody & the "sing a long" choruses are just intoxicating!!
As for "Innocence", I was pleasantly surprised! Although there is the cheesy commerical vice, the song writing is still of high quality, something that you just cant say for most commercial cheese-metal albums!
"Rockin Again" and "Broken Heroes" are great songs!!
So, my question is this:
- where do I go from here? Which Saxon CDs should I pick up next?
- Is "Rock the Nations" or "Destiny" total crap? Or, are they worth buying?
- Is "Metalhead" heavier than "Killing Groungs", as many reviewers claim?
- Is "Crusader" any good?
