 Saxon
 Metalhead
 Review by Mike Korn

I can attest personally to the fact that Saxon is one of the best live heavy metal bands on the planet, having just seen them demolish The Attic with UDO in tow. These dudes have been plying their trade for many years and never have they wavered from their desire to provide pure, unadulterated metal. These “dudes” are Biff Byford, Paul Quinn, Doug Scarlatt, Nibbs Carter and Fritz Randow.
Their newest CD "Metalhead" follows in that vein(as if the title didn't give you a clue!) as it offers 11 tracks of thundering chords and blazing solos. But, as heavy as it is, I have to say this does not pack the punch of Saxon live. The record is excellently recorded and played but often it plods along in sort of a mid-paced groove, with many songs sounding fairly similar in approach. It's certainly not a bad album but I wish it could capture the intensity of the live show. Even the tracks from "Metalhead" were transformed into monsters on stage.
For all those who hold true metal dear, I recommend "Metalhead". Just do not expect a classic in the vein of past Saxon efforts like "Strong Arm of the Law", "Wheels of Steel" or "Denim and Leather".
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 3 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-The-Early-Years.
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