Saxon - self-titled (EMI)

I'll give it 2 1/2 stars.Originally released in 1979 as this was Saxon's very first album.Should keep in mind that any new Saxon fans should get their later CD reissues FIRST,then later get a copy of this debut of theirs.Not sure if the problem is in the production or the final mix of this album.Either way their self-titled first lp clearly shows you what the band was like,before they got good.No,make that great.Their follow-up to this CD,1980's 'The Strong Arm Of The Law' indicates what the group that was active during the 'New Wave Of British Heavy Metal'(aka NWOBHM)era is totally capable of.That was only the beginning of many great Saxon recorded works to come.In my opinion,to this very day,they're STILL able to pen out good songs.As for the CD here,the only two cuts I thought were that good were "Frozen Rainbow" and "Backs To The Wall".The line up:Biff Byford-vocals,Graham Oliver&Paul Quinn-guitars,Steve Dawson-bass and Pete Gill-drums.Not really a bad lp,it just could have been better.

Saxon debut - NWOBHM classic

The NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) took the United Kingdom by storm in the late seventies and early eighties. One of the more successful and popular bands to emerge from the genre was Saxon. It's only natural that so many fans of NWOBHM like this band - their music just plain rocks! Read on for my review of the band's 1979 self-titled debut album.

Rainbow Theme - This is melodic rock. As the title ironically implies, the sound of this song is similar to the one used by the band Rainbow. An album's opening should always be an excellent one that grabs your attention and keeps it - just like this song does.

Frozen Rainbow - This is an instrumental emphasizing similar stylings to those found in the previous track. Try to think of it as an "outro" to the previous track rather than a song all on its own.

Big Teaser - Straight-up "good time" NWOBHM rock. A number of bands in the genre tried to pull off rockers with extremely mixed results, but Saxon's venture into the style is nothing short of excellent.

Judgement Day - This is an excellent track because it fuses slow and melodic sessions with hard rocking ones. This style fusion works out very well.

Stallions Of The Highway - A classic, fast-paced hard rocker. This is probably the most popular song to emerge from this album, and why not? It's one of the best on here!

Back To The Wall - Basically, this one's more of the same straight-up rock earlier songs on the album had to offer. But aren't these songs the whole reason we love this band?

Still Fit To Boogie - This one sounds like a much faster-paced version of the KISS classic Strutter. The vocals on this track are top notch, and the ultra-fast drum beats really need to be heard to be appreciated.

Militia Guard - The album closer is a classic example of the way NWOBHM-based hard rock should sound. They couldn't have finished off this album with any better of a song.

Overall Saxon's 1979 self-titled debut album is an excellent piece of NWOBHM history that stands the test of time. Even twenty-five years after its release, I'm still playin' it loud, and I'm sure there are a number of rockers out there who still do just that (if you're not one of them, become one!) Do you like classic British metal? If so, this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If you don't, buy it anyway so you can get a taste of what REAL METAL is supposed to sound like!

Saxon= Underated Heavy Metal Motorcycle Music

I think this album is a great album (especially if your on a motorway). Its a good album, but i think its one of those albums you have to listen the whole way through to get the best of it. But No doubt, i would recommend it for your first Saxon album.

1. Rainbow Theme - A good little intro to start of with. A nice little part instrumental part singing type song. 4/5

2. Frozen Rainbow - Continues with the Rainbow Theme. I personally like this slightly better than the Rainbow theme. 5/5

3. Big Teaser - A cool riff a cool rock song. 5/5

4. Judgement Day - Listen to all of this song and you will find it awesome. 5/5

5. Stallions Of The Highway - What can i say? A typical motorbike on the highway/motorway type song. Saxon are very good at songs like that. 5/5

6. Backs To The Wall - Have to say, my least favourite song on the album. A good rock riff and beat but you get sick of the same old sh**. But its not bad if you only listen to it occasionally. 3/5

7. Still Fit To Boogie - 6 simple words. A Good Rock N' Roll Song! 5/5

8. Militia Guard - At first i thought this song sounded dodgey and not in tune. But then i listened to it all and it sounded great. The Drum Roll thingy at the start is pretty cool. A good solo to. 5/5