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Saxon - Metalhead Audio CD

A fair review of the Saxon "Metalhead" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Saxon reviews here, or go back to the Saxon tabs.

Saxon Band: Saxon
Title: Metalhead
Rating:
Release Date: 1999-11-09
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Metalhead 2: Are We Travellers in Time 3: Conquistador 4: What Goes Around 5: Song of Evil 6: All Guns Blazing 7: Prisoner 8: Piss Off 9: Watching You 10: Sea of Life

Saxon - 'Metalhead' (Steamhammer/SPV)
Personally,I am amazed that Saxon not only still exists,but can STILL put together good music,such as this effort. Decent 1999 effort by these long running pioneers of the 'New Wave Of British Heavy Metal' era. Maybe not a classic,but still a worthy piece of the lengthy Saxon repertoire. Tracks that had me sit up and take notice were the title cut "Metalhead","Conquistador","Prisoner",the rocking "Piss Off" and the eight-minute untitled track 11. Line-up:Biff Byford-vocals,Paul Quinn&Doug Scarratt-guitars,Chris Bay-keyboards and (new member) Fritz Randow-drums. Long live SAXON!.


Stronger on melodies than riffs
In a way I can see why people may think that. I've read the criticisms below of this album and the complaints seem to be largely things like "lacklustre riffs" "no real hooks". The riffs although often complex sometimes sound like generic "chugga chugga" type stuff with few riffs sticking in your head. But actually if you listen to the verse and chorus parts of songs this album has some very good melodic moments. Although heavy metal is built largely around riffs, it's not the be all and end all of a song. Conquistador and What Goes Around are good examples of songs that don't have outstanding riffs, but fine melodies. (and no, melody does not equal "wussiness"!)

I actually like this album a lot. Apart from the melodic touches, the vocal harmonies are pretty cool, the band are in fine form instrumentally, and it's heavy and well recorded.

And All Guns Blazing is a fantastic song to crank up loud when life gets you down!

4 stars, and well recommended.


What is everyone complaining about??
all i can suggest to the naysayers is give this disc another chance. this CD kicks from start to finish. to saxon fans: do NOT believe 'one listen' reviews! this a terribly underrated release that deserves more credit and recognition.

i bought this CD upon first release and thought it was 'just OK'. i shelved it for 2+ years then popped it in again after listening to Killing Ground. to this day i can't understand why i thought this CD was mediocre! you must give this Saxon release at least 2-3 listens; to get accustomed to its sound.

i really enjoy this 1999 underrated gem and think you will too.


More of the same and not so good by the way!
It's clearly the weakest Saxon album in recent years. I'm a huge Saxon fan, but I must say this album, sandwiched between "Unleash the Beast" (1997) and "Killing Ground" (2001) will add nothing to your collection. It has "formula" written all over it, but without the magic feel of Saxon, that's responsibility of Biff great vocals and Paul Quinn's simple and creative guitar work.


It's not the Saxon I know
Then came this one: "Metalhead" - a record that lack everything "Unleash the beast" had. Before this one Saxon released "Unleash the beast", their best album in years. The material is weak with the exception of two songs ("Conquistador" and "What goes around"), and it seems to me that Saxon were trying to update their music without any success at all. Maybe this album deserve 1 1/2 star but to be frank - two good songs aren't enough.

"Metalhead" is not a good starting point to explore this great band that have not only been a huge inspiration to heavy metal, but also managed to stay alive through thick and thin. Thankfully Saxon returned after this musical failure with the much better and more traditional sounding "Killing ground". If you want Saxon at their best you should get "Strong arm of the law", "Denim and leather" and "Unleash the beast".


You can see a complete list of all Saxon discography, or go back to the Saxon tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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