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SAXON The Eagle Has Landed Part 3 SPV (2006)
One of England's most enduring metal bands, Saxon released their debut in 1979 and are still going strong. And if anything their 90's and 00's releases have improved on the so called 80's heyday. From experience I can vouch Saxon are one of the best live old guard trad metal bands still going, and this double live CD is testament to that.
Recorded between 2004 and 2005, CD1 features material up to 1984 and CD2 post 1991 material. Two classic eras, sadly omitting Innocence Is No Excuse but you still get 2 hours of prime Saxon beef.
From start to finish singer Biff Byford proves one of the best metal frontmen around. A quality singer who conducts band and audience with aplomb and touches of humour too. Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt both wield their axes and dual and riff excellently, and bassist Nibs Carter really helps the band's sound. Drums are split between Jorg Michael (2004) and the returning Nigel Glockler (2005).
'Backs To The Wall' is a classic, and 'Redline' makes a rare appearance. 'Never Surrender' and 'Play It Loud' go down well. The disc finishes with the ever popular 'Crusader'.
Disc 2 features just as many gems, including many from London 2004, a show I witnessed first hand. 'Unleash The Beast' is one of Saxon's highlights, surpassing many of the 80s numbers. Their cover of 'Court Of The Crimson King' also gets and airing, and the disc finishes with 'Solid Ball Of Rock', another classic.
Enjoy, and relish with pride. Trad British metal still rules, and here's the proof.
*****
Review by Joe Geesin
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