Review: SAXON s/t CD remastered

SAXON was said to spearhead the NWOBHM with this album in 1979. Of course Judas Priest was already happening but they were oldschool.

This album was originally recorded with their original name, Son of A Bitch (SOB). Under record label pressure who was concern on the future reception in the US market, they changed the name to SAXON which is a good idea. I personally think that band's name is very very important. I don't think SOB is going far but SAXON, yes.

The first two tracks (played continuously as one track) titled Rainbow Theme/Frozen Rainbow is perhaps the strongest tune in the album. It is rockin' but at the same time has that nuances of epicness. The track stands out from the other because of those. The guitar solo was easy but it was full of emotion. Byford's vocal was emotional as well. Must has be the lyrics then.

The other tracks were full swing of rock n roll played as heavy as they can during the time. You have to remember that during that time, every band wanted to be called Heavy Metal not like now. Anyway, all the other songs sounded the same to me. The most that made impression to me were perhaps Big Teaser and Stallions In The Highway. Others sounded too thin.

Bonus tracks include the original SOB demo that got them their contract. Friday Rock Show recorded in 1980 and Monster Of Rock 1980 were also embedded in this CD. One year after the first album and they got a place in Monster Of Rock? What a feat!