SAXON, one of metal's criminally underrated bands, has reissued a classic from 10 years ago with a little something extra for the masses. This lineup features the ageless Biff Byford, together with guitar mainstay Paul Quinn, and their last recording with disgruntled guitar player Graham Oliver. Although Oliver is listed on the album’s credits, the liner notes by Biff state that his last show with the band was New Year’s Eve 1994, and guitar on the record was played by Rainer Haensel. A bitter break-up ensued, legal battles, name-calling, etc. Ultimately, SAXON continued with Douglass Scarratt on guitar. Well, enough history.

The music on “Dogs of War” was a return to SAXON's heavier side. After ‘84’s “Crusader”, the band recorded a few records for the majors, and watered their sound down a little, trying for a piece of that mid-eighties bubblegum-in-your-ear kinda sound. Since these guys have been around since the late 70’s, I'm glad the band realized that they simply weren’t pretty enough to compete in that deviant genre, and settled down to make some good ‘ol rock & roll once again. One thing that SAXON has always had (besides the tandem of Byford and Quinn) is the riffs. Every SAXON song has a riff, a good riff, a memorable riff. Call it what you will, but it works. Tracks like “Yesterday’s Gone” and “Demolition Alley” are riff machines. SAXON still utilizes their unique brand of "boogie rock” working for them here, as evidenced in “Hold On” and “Walking Through Tokyo” showing hints not only of their metal side, but also their use of superior rhythm arrangements to craft stellar songs.

Production isn't typically a source of worry on a SAXON record, which is probably why this is a re-release instead of a big remastering deal. Biff’s crystal clear vocals sail around the wailing dual axe attack, the drums and bass hold up the whole thing like Atlas with that big blue marble. Like it or not, Biff’s voice never seems to change (he's sort of like Geddy Lee in that regard). Of special interest here are the two live bonus tracks, recorded live in Germany on the "Dogs of War" tour in ’95. The version of the now-classic “Great White Buffalo” is full of piss and vinegar, and the signature rocker “Denim and Leather” one of the greatest rock anthems of all time, enjoys venomous presentation here.

You know when they re-release something like this classic, it’s going to be a good year. If you don’t already own this one, or need a better copy than that normal-bias TDK cassette you've been wearing out all these years, order now while supplies last.

- Murtaugh

OFFICIAL SITE: www.saxon747.com

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