Audio CD review:
Saxon - Solid Ball of Rock

Saxon - Solid Ball of Rock

Band: Saxon Title: Solid Ball of Rock Rating: Release Date: 2002-05-06 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Solid Ball Of Rock 2: Altar Of The Gods 3: Requiem (We Will Remember) 4: Lights In The Sky 5: I Just Can't Get Enough 6: Baptism Of Fire 7: Ain't Gonna Take It 8: I'm On Fire 9: Overture In B Minor Refugee 10: Bavarian Beaver 11: Crash Dive 12: Requiem (We Will Remember) (Single Version) 13: Reeperbahn Stomp

SOLID BALL OF ROCK ROCKS! I had only heard the title track but songs like Lights in the Sky, Requiem and Baptism of Fire sound like the classic Saxon while Songs like I can't get enough, Crash Dive and my favorite I'm on Fire written by Nick Carter are also great songs while giving it a different sound. Saxon's ball rock is solid! From the great opening track this rocks! This album is one of Saxon's most consistent from this era. The production is also great giving it a melodic but hard rocking sound. I think this is one of the best all around albums Saxon has delivered and it's well worth getting. I can't get enough of it! . A forgotten diamond!! Although this release doesen't have the same "metal cult status" as the previous albums mentioned, it is a very strong showing from Biff and the lads. This is a Saxon album that is often forgotten and will often stay in the shadow of such classics as Strong Arm of the Law, Denim and Leather and Wheels of Steel. No one enjoying early Saxon will be dissapointed by this one. Definately a "safe buy". Solid Ball is ... Solid It's a throwback to the early 80's when Saxon ruled the world . I don't get the negative reviews regarding this album. . . Strong Arm of the Law, Crusader, Denim and Leather . . . Solid Ball has THAT Saxon sound. If you want darker and heavier/moody stuff, then yeah go take a listen to Dogs of War or Unleash the Beast, but that ain't Saxon. Biffs voice, which is the best part of Saxons sound, is really strong on this album. Just listen to the little soundbites provided . . . if you like what you hear, you'll dig this album . "the legacy you left will never die" I found Solid Ball of Rock (as well as Denim and Leather) on cassette for $1. I was not aware of Saxon during their 1980s heyday and have only recently started checking out their albums. Let's just say, it was $1 well spent and I am now spending more to get more releases from their long discography. Where has this band been all my life?! I've really been missing out! What surprises me about this album is that it came out in 1990 when metal was beginning to drop off in quality. There is no drop off here. The only thing I don't like about this album is the silly title yet that is just what it is; a solid ball of rock. I could review each track individually, but I would be typing the same words and phrases like "awesome," "kicks," "catchy melodies," "killer guitar riffs," and "amazing vocals. " Every track rocks and as soon as I think I found a favorite, I find another "favorite. " I will single out one song "Requiem (We Will Remember). " It is so amazing and beautiful that I get choked up when I hear it. It does go on a bit so having the single version included as a bonus track makes this album just about perfect. I cannot recommend this album highly enough. Just check out the audio clips and, if you like what you hear, don't hesitate to buy this album because it will not disappoint. And if you like this, check out Saxon's latest Lionheart which I am beginning to like as well as this one. Still licking their wounds It's an improvement over the others, but still not a real return to form, which would only come with DOGS OF WAR. SAXOn was still licking their wounds from the disastrous albums ROCK THE NATIONS and DESTINY when they released this one here. There are some great tunes here, but the majority of them are generic forgetabble metal tunes, mos of them writeen by bassist Nibbs Carter. You can see a complete list of all Saxon discography, or go back to the Saxon tabs